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Lesley University

PrivateCity: Midsize

About Lesley University

Overview, location, and what makes it stand out

Lesley University is a private university in Cambridge, MA. It has a 86.2% acceptance rate and a 61.4% graduation rate, serving approximately 1,406 students.

Founded

1909

Location

Cambridge, Massachusetts

Students

2,450

Institution

Private

Known For

EducationArt & Design

Key Stats

A quick snapshot of what matters most

Acceptance Rate

96.9%

Open admission

Graduation Rate

58%

Below national average

Tuition

$34,256

Per year

Avg Net Price

$31,152

After financial aid

SAT Average

Not Considered

Test-blind. Grades and essays decide

Median Earnings

$51,173

10 years after enrollment

Admissions

How competitive is getting in?

Selectivity

Highly CompetitiveOpen Admission
96.9%

Open Admission

Most students who apply are accepted

How to Apply

Test Policy

Test Blind

Application Fee

Free

Early

Dec 1

Regular

Rolling

Lesley University accepts the majority of applicants at 96.9%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.

Academics

How strong is the academic experience?

Student Success

Low GraduationHigh Graduation
58%

Average

58% complete their degree within six years

Retention

72.3%

4-Year Grad

49%

6-Year Grad

60%

Teaching Quality

10:1

Student-Faculty Ratio

Full-Time

27.5%

$/Student

$15.0K

Class Size

Small

While 49% finish in 4 years, 72.3% of freshmen do return for sophomore year. Many students here may take a bit longer, but they stick with it.

Tuition & Costs

What will you actually pay?

Tuition & Fees

$34,256

Annual Tuition

Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals

Room & Board

$19,920

Books & Supplies

$1,500

Total Cost of Attendance

$51,538

After Financial Aid

$31,152

Average Net Price

Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships

Net Price (family income <$30K)

$24,799

Receive Grants

30.6%

Take Loans

53.9%

The total cost of attendance runs about $51,538/yr, including $19,920 for room and board. After financial aid, the average student pays $31,152.

Financial Aid

Who gets aid and what happens after

Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Lesley University fund their education.

While in School

30.6%

Get Grants

Free money

53.9%

Take Loans

Must repay

$51,995

Median Family Income

After Graduation

$21,000

Median Debt at Graduation

Total federal loan balance when students graduate

$223/mo

Monthly Payment

0%

Low

Default Rate

Students typically graduate with $21,000 in debt, below the national median. That's a manageable amount for most career paths.

Student Body

Diversity, gender, and enrollment

From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Lesley University.

Gender

70.8%

Female

/

29%

Male

Female to Male Ratio

Race & Ethnicity

46.4%
18.9%
8.7%
5.9%
4.2%
3.2%
White
Hispanic
Black
Asian
Multiracial
International

Enrollment

1,122

Undergraduate Students

Student Profile

1,328

Graduates

28.7%

First-Gen

23 yrs

Avg Age

18.6%

Age 25+

Women make up the majority at 71% of the student body. 28.7% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience.

Campus Life

What it's like to be a student here

Campus Setting

RuralCity
City: Midsize

City: Midsize

Campus Quick Facts

1,122

Students

private

Institution

Small

Campus Size

Doctoral

Classification

What This College Offers

Semester calendar

Study Abroad

Yes

AP Credit

Yes

Teacher Cert

Yes

ROTC

No

Evening College

Yes

Online Programs

Yes

Job Placement

Yes

Career Counseling

Yes

Sports & Athletics

How seriously this college takes sport

Lesley University fields 8 varsity teams with 195 student athletes, about 17% of the student body.

Division

NCAA

Division III without football

Conference

North Atlantic

The league its teams compete in

Varsity Sports

8

Biggest: Soccer

Student Athletes

195

17% of the student body

Athletes by Gender

52% / 48%

102

Men

/

93

Women

6

Men's Teams

6

Women's Teams

Biggest Teams

MenWomen
46
Soccer
41
Track & XC
26
Basketball
22
Baseball
21
Tennis

Every Varsity Team

Soccer46Track & Cross Country41Basketball26Baseball22Tennis21Volleyball16Softball14Golf9

After Graduation

What can you earn with this degree?

How much do graduates of Lesley Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.

Earnings Trajectory

$51,173

Median Earnings · 10 Years After

$40K
6yr
$37K
8yr
$51K
10yr

Popular Programs

Top 6

Design and Applied Arts

$25K

63 grads

1yr Earnings

Psychology, General

$39K

50 grads

1yr Earnings

Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities

$36K

47 grads

1yr Earnings

Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods

$37K

38 grads

1yr Earnings

Visual and Performing Arts, General

$21K

30 grads

1yr Earnings

Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions

$29K

18 grads

1yr Earnings

Graduates earn about $40K six years out, growing to $51K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Lesley University

What is the acceptance rate at Lesley University?
Lesley University has an acceptance rate of 96.9%. Lesley University accepts the majority of applicants at 96.9%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
How much does Lesley University cost?
Tuition at Lesley University is $34,256 for in-state students and $34,256 for out-of-state students. The total cost of attendance runs about $51,538/yr, including $19,920 for room and board. After financial aid, the average student pays $31,152.
What is the graduation rate at Lesley University?
Lesley University has a graduation rate of 58%. While 49% finish in 4 years, 72.3% of freshmen do return for sophomore year. Many students here may take a bit longer, but they stick with it.
How much do Lesley University graduates earn?
The median earnings for Lesley University graduates is $51,173 ten years after enrollment. Graduates earn about $40K six years out, growing to $51K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.

Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.