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Lewis-Clark State College

Lewiston, ID

publicgraduate

Quick Facts

1893
Founded
Public college
Type
2,277
Total Students
$7K
Tuition (In-State)
$21K
Tuition (Out-State)
$13K
Avg Net Price
90%
Acceptance Rate
45%
Graduation Rate
6-year
64%
Retention Rate
Baccalaureate Colleges
Classification
President: Cynthia Pemberton

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Lewis-Clark State College

From Normal School to University, LCSC champions hands-on learning and community resilience since 1893.

Lewis-Clark State College, founded in 1893, stands as a testament to educational resilience and adaptability in the Pacific Northwest. What began as the Lewiston State Normal School, dedicated to training Idaho's teachers with a hands-on approach, has evolved into a dynamic public institution preparing students for diverse careers. The college's history is deeply intertwined with the practical needs of the region, fostering a legacy of vocational excellence and a commitment to applied learning.

Throughout its extensive history, LCSC has faced and overcome numerous challenges, including a devastating fire, legislative closures, and multiple name changes. Each obstacle only solidified its resolve to serve the community, leading to expansions in critical areas like nursing and vocational education, and even contributing to national efforts during wartime with programs like the Navy Air School. This journey showcases a remarkable ability to pivot and grow while staying true to its founding mission of practical, high-quality instruction.

Academically, LCSC is known for its strong focus on practical, career-ready education, evolving from its initial teacher-training roots to a comprehensive four-year college. Its programs are designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge needed for immediate impact in their chosen fields. With a forward-looking vision, the institution is poised to rebrand as Lewis-Clark State University in 2025, further reflecting its expanding academic offerings and commitment to higher education excellence for future generations of students and families.

Key Highlights

  • ✦Established in 1893 as Lewiston State Normal School, dedicated to practical teacher training.
  • ✦Showcased remarkable resilience, surviving a major fire in 1917 and legislative closures in 1951.
  • ✦Evolved from a two-year normal school to a comprehensive four-year college, securing funding for this status in 1965.
  • ✦Officially became Lewis-Clark State College in 1971, marking it as the last normal school in the U.S. to make this transition.
  • ✦Historically provided crucial vocational training, including expanding nurse-training programs and a Navy Air School during WWII.
  • ✦Approved in April 2025 to rebrand as Lewis-Clark State University, reflecting its broader range of academic degrees and offerings.

Timeline

1893
Authorized as the Lewiston State Normal School on January 27.
1896
Classes began on January 6, with the main building ready in May.
1917
Administration Building severely damaged by fire on December 5.
1943
Raised to full four-year status, becoming North Idaho Teachers College (NITC).
1947
Name changed to Northern Idaho College of Education (NICE).
1951
Closed by legislative budget cuts.
1955
Re-opened as Lewis-Clark Normal School, a two-year institution.
1963
Elevated back to four-year status (funding approved in 1965).
1971
Name officially changed to Lewis-Clark State College in July.
2025
Approved to rebrand as Lewis-Clark State University in April.
🏛️
133 Years
of Excellence

Leadership

Cynthia Pemberton
President

Data from Wikipedia – CC BY-SA 4.0

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