Lesley University
Lesley University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Lesley University at a Glance
Lesley University is a private university in Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States. It was founded in 1909 to educate teachers. Originally founded as a women's college, male students were admitted beginning in 2005.
1909
117 years old
$184M
$184.2 million (2024)
3,134
1,342 undergrad · 1,792 grad
87 acres
Identity
Is Lesley University Worth It?
At a value score of 25/100, Lesley University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $51,173 — 5% below average — while paying $31,152/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
With a 2.4-year payback period, most graduates recoup their total cost of attendance relatively quickly.
A 60% 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 a 97% acceptance rate, admission is essentially open — the question isn't whether you'll get in, but whether the investment will pay off.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Lesley University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Lesley University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in MA
Ranked #81 of 122 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 | Saint Mary's University of Minnesota | 83 | $11,704 | $58,170 |
| #2 | Albizu University-San Juan | 73 | $9,732 | $41,544 |
| #3 | Trinity Washington University | 67 | $9,302 | $53,804 |
| #4 | Waynesburg University | 50 | $18,235 | $58,537 |
| #5 | Pillar College | 49 | $8,470 | $45,577 |
| #6 | Loras College | 48 | $20,716 | $58,289 |
| #81 | Lesley University | 25 | $31,152 | $51,173 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Lesley University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 4 in MA.
Best Programs at Lesley University
The highest-earning program at Lesley University is Business Administration, Management and Operations at $42,800/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions at $21,300/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Business Administration, Management and Operations graduate from Lesley University earns $42,800, while a Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions graduate earns $21,300. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Business Administration, Management and Operations graduates carry $22,916 in median debt vs. $22,635 for Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $31,152/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 | $42,800 | $42,800 | $22,916 |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology | $30,200 | $30,200 | $23,249 |
| Psychology, General | $29,500 | $29,500 | $20,760 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | $28,500 | $28,500 | $25,000 |
| Film/Video and Photographic Arts | $25,700 | $25,700 | $26,224 |
| Design and Applied Arts | $25,300 | $25,300 | $23,500 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions | $21,300 | $21,300 | $22,635 |
Similar Colleges in MA
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Cambridge, MA
- Student Body
- 1,122 students
- Admission Rate
- 97%
- Graduation Rate
- 60%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $31,152
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $51,173
- Median Student Debt
- $21,000