Durango, CO is a college town, home to Fort Lewis College (FLC), a four-year liberal arts public institution. FLC plays a meaningful role in the character and energy of our Southwest Colorado community.
Fort Lewis College History
A long history has shaped the location and evolution of Fort Lewis College. It began in 1878 in Pagosa Springs as a U.S. Army post, before moving to Hesperus in 1880, where it later became what’s now known as The Old Fort - an agricultural community. In 1956, FLC made its final move to the current location on the mesa, overlooking downtown, and awarded its first baccalaureate degrees in 1964. Through different affiliations over the years, the school’s mascot and colors have changed from the "Aggies" to the "Raiders" and finally to the “Skyhawks” in blue and gold in 1994, which is what we sport today.
FLC has been recognized nationally for its emphasis on serving Native American students. Their website states, “In 2008, Fort Lewis was designated as one of six Native American-serving, non-tribal colleges by the U.S. Department of Education. Because of its unique origins… and following the 1911 mandate to provide a tuition-free education for students from any federally recognized Native American tribe, Fort Lewis College today awards more degrees to Native American students than any other four-year, baccalaureate-granting institution in the nation—about 26% of all degrees awarded.” 1 With land acknowledgments shared before on-campus events, the college continues to honor this history, including Dr. Heather J. Shotton serving as the first Native American President.
Fort Lewis College Offerings
FLC prides itself on providing an affordable, sustainable, diverse, and inclusive culture led by faculty excellence. Through its degree programs, student-athlete life, on-site amenities, clubs and extracurricular activities, and proximity to downtown Durango, trails, and many other offerings, there is plenty to enjoy.
Academics
Split into three schools - Arts & Sciences, Katz School of Business, and Education - students develop critical thinking skills with hands-on research and internships in small class sizes. FLC is known for its business, education, and arts programs, but also offers degrees in Adventure Education, Biochemistry, Computer Engineering, Criminology & Justice Studies, Engineering, Environmental Science, Exercise Science, Geology, Health Sciences, Journalism and Multimedia Studies, Marketing, Mathematics, Music, Native American & Indigenous Studies, Philosophy, Pre-Law, Pre-Nursing, Psychology, and many more.
In-state and out-of-state tuition ranges from approximately $23,000 to $36,000 per year (in 2025-2026), with scholarships and financial aid programs including FAFSA, the Native American Tuition Waiver, College Opportunity Fund, and FLC Tuition Promise, helping make higher education attainable for more students.
Athletics
Students can represent the blue and gold as athletes, or cheer from the bleachers for the Skyhawks athletic teams. Men’s sports include basketball, cross country, football, golf, soccer, and track and field while women’s teams include basketball, cross country, soccer, golf, lacrosse, track and field, softball, and volleyball. Additionally, the FLC Cycling team is one of the top collegiate cycling programs in the country. The Whalen Gymnasium, Dirks Field, Aspen Field, and Ray Dennison Memorial Field host onsite practices and games. FLC partners with Hillcrest Golf Club, a public 18-hole course neighboring the college on the mesa, for practice time. The CommonSpirit Sports Performance Center is a 10,000 square-foot, indoor facility for training, team meetings, film review, and academic support.
Student Life & Amenities
Beyond academics, there are over 50 student-led clubs from dancing, gaming, arts & crafts, and fly fishing to anime, AI, veterans, and religious organizations. Students of all backgrounds are welcome, with a range of student groups and resources including the Black Student Resource Center, El Centro, the Gender & Sexuality Resource Center, and the Native American Center. Student involvement and voices are heard through student government, student media, and the Student Involvement Center. Resources offered in the Student Union range from the game room, ATM, and career services to the post office, SkyStore Bookstore, and InfoDesk with information about the hundreds of events held on campus every year. Outdoor Pursuits is a unique opportunity that allows students to rent climbing, biking, skiing, rafting, kayaking, and canyoneering gear to get out and explore the area.
The San Juan Dining Hall is the main cafeteria with serve-yourself stations providing a variety of rotating options such as salad, pizza, pasta, stir-fry, deli, and cultural dishes. The Hawk Express, Zia Taqueria, Durango EATS, and Summit Sips & Smoothies are just some of the additional food stops on campus that accept Dining Dollars, the meal plan currency. Programs like the Grub Hub and The Cultural Kitchen are unique opportunities to dine with fellow students over a free meal.
Used by students and the community alike, the FLC Concert Hall is the regional performing arts facility. The FLC campus has plenty of green space, direct access to trails, and is just minutes from downtown Durango full of shopping, restaurants, and more.
Student Housing and Real Estate
On-site student housing includes traditional halls, suites, and apartments, depending on class year. Accommodations vary from shared rooms and community bathrooms to apartments with private bedrooms and kitchens. Special accessibility, family, gender-inclusive, recovery, adventure, and summer housing options are also available.
For upper classmen and students who stay in town post-graduation, there are many rental and first-time homebuyer options. Students often rent in the Skyline and Silver Peaks Condos due to their proximity to campus. Throughout town, there are other apartments, townhomes, and homes with room for rent. Programs like HomesFund can offer down payment assistance and guidance through purchasing your first home. We would be happy to help with your first home purchase in Durango.
Not only does FLC provide a beautiful campus for students and the community, but it also contributes to the Durango culture through its students, faculty, staff, and has a positive impact on the local economy. The Durango Team is a proud supporter of FLC - both Max and Katie Hutcheson are SkyHawk alumni with Marketing and Business Administration degrees respectively, and Max played as a center power forward for the men’s basketball team during his four years there. The Wells Group also has many FLC alumni representing a long-standing local connection. For more Fort Lewis College, Durango, and real estate, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
1 “About FLC Home.” About FLC | Fort Lewis College | Durango, Colorado, www.fortlewis.edu/about-flc/. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.
