Generally admission requires a 2.0 gradepoint average and either SAT scores of 1040 or more or an ACT score of 23 or more. Applicants with lower test scores are admitted with higher gradepoint averages. Others may be considered for admission. Any Native American who meets admission qualifications is excused from paying tuition.
Fort Lewis originated when the army post "Fort Lewis" was abandoned and a school for Native Americans established on the site. In 1911 courses in agriculture were added with some college courses in 1925. In 1933 the curriculum was limited to college level courses and in 1948 Fort Lewis became a junior college. It moved to Durango in 1956 first granting baccalaureate degrees in 1964. It is now a part of the Colorado State University system together with Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colorado and the University of Southern Colorado in Pueblo, Colorado. Fort Lewis continues to offer an associates degree in agricultural arts with a guaranteed transfer program available to Colorado State University.