Fort Lewis College is a public liberal arts undergraduate research institution shaped by the land, people, and culture of the Southwest. Nestled in Durango, Colorado—where the desert meets the Rocky Mountains—FLC offers students immersive, hands-on learning across 60 majors.

Academic excellence and regional perspective

Whether through business, arts, sciences, or emerging fields like nanotechnologies, graduates leave with a deep understanding of their field and a unique perspective shaped by the region’s diverse landscapes and communities. This prepares them to address global challenges with regional insight, the skills and knowledge to excel in today’s workforce, and adapt to the evolving demands of the future.

Commitment to diversity and inclusivity

Diversity and inclusion are core to the FLC experience. As a Native American-Serving Non-Tribal Institution (NASNTI) and an emerging Hispanic-serving institution, the college is deeply committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment where students from all backgrounds can thrive. The college enrolls approximately 3,400 students, with about 150 in graduate programs. The student body represents 113 Native American Tribes and Alaskan villages, 49 states, and 12 countries, with almost half from Colorado. In addition, 36% are Pell Grant Eligible, 44% are first-generation students, 39% are Native American, and 15% are Hispanic/Latinx.

Equity and student support

FLC prioritizes equity and inclusion in academics and campus life through a community of care approach. This commitment extends to academic programs and student support services, ensuring everyone has the resources and opportunities needed for success.

Faculty excellence and research leadership

The college’s 240+ faculty members go beyond traditional teaching, providing a well-rounded education that extends into impactful programs for students and the broader community. Their dedication has garnered national recognition and opened significant grant opportunities. Last year alone, FLC secured over $38 million in grants and sponsored research, a jump from $33 million the previous year—a remarkable achievement for an institution of its size. This year, the School of Education secured nearly $7 million in federal grants from the Office of English Language Acquisition and a U.S. Department of Education grant naming the school as an Augustus F. Hawkins Center of Excellence. Other grants include the Howard Hughes Medical Institute's Inclusive Excellence 3 (IE3) initiative, an NSF grant for the Partnership for Education and the Advancement of Quantum and Nanosciences, and a $1.2 million U.S. Department of Energy grant for advancing environmental sciences and environmental justice education that also provides paid internships and housing for students.

Holistic approach to student well-being

In addition, with the goal of supporting students in every aspect of their lives, FLC staff have successfully secured grants to support harm reduction initiatives and provide culturally responsive mental healthcare, emergency housing, food, and healthcare services.