Lasell University
Lasell University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Lasell University at a Glance
Lasell University (LU) is a private university in Newton, Massachusetts, United States. It was founded by Edward Lasell in 1851 as a women's seminary. It became a college in 1932, a four-year institution in 1989, coeducational in 1997, and a university proper in 2019. The campus spans 54 acres and is located in the village of Auburndale.
1851
175 years old
$46M
$46.1 million (2025)
1,454
1,123 undergrad · 331 grad
54 acres
Identity
Is Lasell University Worth It?
At a value score of 25/100, Lasell University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $49,705 — 8% below average — while paying $27,511/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
With a 2.2-year payback period, most graduates recoup their total cost of attendance relatively quickly.
A 56% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 6 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
With median debt of $26,000 representing 52% of first-year earnings, loan repayment will be a significant burden for most graduates.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Lasell University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Lasell University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in MA
Ranked #110 of 150 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Christian Brothers University | 81 | $9,854 | $57,478 |
| #2 | Andrews University | 73 | $12,547 | $53,187 |
| #3 | Albion College | 61 | $14,301 | $58,799 |
| #4 | Canisius University | 58 | $17,940 | $60,681 |
| #5 | Goldey-Beacom College | 56 | $15,554 | $59,892 |
| #6 | Ursuline College | 53 | $16,164 | $56,878 |
| #110 | Lasell University | 25 | $27,511 | $49,705 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Lasell University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 7 in MA.
Best Programs at Lasell University
The highest-earning program at Lasell University is Business Administration, Management and Operations at $44,100/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Design and Applied Arts at $26,400/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Business Administration, Management and Operations graduate from Lasell University earns $44,100, while a Design and Applied Arts graduate earns $26,400. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Business Administration, Management and Operations graduates carry $26,987 in median debt vs. $27,000 for Design and Applied Arts.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $27,511/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $44,100 | $44,100 | $26,987 |
| Criminology | $36,800 | $36,800 | $27,000 |
| Specialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Operations | $36,200 | $36,200 | $26,899 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $35,900 | $35,900 | $27,000 |
| Hospitality Administration/Management | $35,600 | $35,600 | $27,000 |
| Psychology, General | $34,600 | $34,600 | $27,000 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $34,400 | $34,400 | $27,000 |
| Design and Applied Arts | $26,400 | $26,400 | $27,000 |
Similar Colleges in MA
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Newton, MA
- Student Body
- 1,226 students
- Admission Rate
- 81%
- Graduation Rate
- 56%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $27,511
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $49,705
- Median Student Debt
- $26,000