Lewis-Clark State College

Lewiston, ID

publicgraduate

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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

Lewis-Clark State: Pioneering practical education since 1893.

Lewis-Clark State College (LCSC), a proud public institution in Lewiston, Idaho, boasts a rich history of adapting to meet the evolving educational needs of its state. What began as the Lewiston State Normal School in 1893 with a focus on practical, hands-on training for teachers, has grown into a vibrant college offering a wide array of programs, with an exciting future as Lewis-Clark State University on the horizon in 2025.

Throughout its history, LCSC has been defined by its commitment to real-world application. From its early days running an on-campus training school for budding educators, to expanding its offerings in vocational education and vital nurse-training programs during wartime, the institution has consistently provided students with the skills needed to make an immediate impact. This practical approach remains a cornerstone of the LCSC experience, preparing graduates for successful careers in diverse fields.

The journey of LCSC is one of remarkable resilience and growth. Surviving closures, re-openings, and multiple name changes, the college has demonstrated an unwavering dedication to its mission. Its transformation from a normal school to a teachers college, then a four-year institution, and now its impending university status, reflects a continuous evolution to better serve Idaho's students and workforce needs. Prospective students will find a supportive environment steeped in a legacy of impactful, hands-on learning.

Key Highlights

✦Founded in 1893 as Lewiston State Normal School, it is one of Idaho's oldest public institutions.
✦Evolved from a normal school focused on practical teacher training to a comprehensive four-year college.
✦Known for its hands-on education, historically including vocational training and nurse-training programs.
✦Experienced a significant enrollment growth from 465 students in 1964 to over 1,000 by fall 1968 after regaining four-year status.
✦Was the last normal school in the United States to officially change its name to 'State College' in 1971.
✦Demonstrated remarkable resilience, having been closed by the state legislature in 1951 and re-opened in 1955 due to critical need for teachers.
✦Approved by the Idaho State Board of Education in April 2025 to rebrand as Lewis-Clark State University, reflecting its broad offerings.

Timeline

1893

Act authorizing the establishment of the Lewiston State Normal School was signed.

1896

Lewiston State Normal School opened for classes on January 6.

1917

The Administration Building suffered severe damage in a fire on December 5.

1943

Board of Education raised the school to full four-year status, becoming North Idaho Teachers College.

1947

Legislature approved the name change to Northern Idaho College of Education (NICE).

1951

The school was closed by the state legislature due to budget cuts.

1955

Legislature re-opened the school as Lewis-Clark Normal School, a two-year institution.

1963

Affiliation with the University of Idaho ended; state legislature voted to elevate it to four-year status.

1971

The name was officially changed to Lewis-Clark State College.

2025

Idaho State Board of Education approved its rebranding as Lewis-Clark State University.

🏛️

133 Years

of Excellence

Leadership

Cynthia Pemberton

President

Data from Wikipedia – CC BY-SA 4.0

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