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Lesley University

Cambridge, MA·Private nonprofit·1,252 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and students who want small classes and close faculty access. no major red flags in the data. a private nonprofit school with 1,252 students.

94%
Accept
1,252
Students
$31,805
Net Price
62%
Grad Rate
$40,500
Earnings
10 yr
$15,000
Debt

About This School

Lesley University is a private nonprofit institution located in Cambridge, Massachusetts with approximately 1,252 undergraduate students enrolled. Lesley University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 94%. The average net price after financial aid is $31,805 per year. The graduation rate is 62%, and the typical graduate earns $40,500 within 10 years of enrollment.

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.

The numbers tell a mixed story here: the 62% graduation rate and 77% freshman retention suggest a meaningful share of students don't finish, which is worth asking about before enrolling. Located in Cambridge and rooted in education and the arts, it's a solid fit for students drawn to those fields in a small, supportive environment — and the relatively low median debt of $15,000 is a genuine plus. That said, median earnings of $40,500 a decade out are modest, so students pursuing higher-paying careers may want to weigh whether the $31,805 annual net price delivers the return they need.

Founded
1909
Setting
Midsize city

Popular Programs

Visual & Performing Arts35%
Psychology15%
Education10%
Health Professions5%
Business & Marketing4%
English4%
Social Sciences2%
Biological Sciences1%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Eliza DushkuEsther PerelJoan Bennett KennedyBrad Fitzpatrick

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average CompositeN/A

ACT Scores

Midpoint CompositeN/A

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$32,780
Out-of-State Tuition
$32,780
Avg Net Price
$31,805
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants28%
Median debt at graduation$15,000

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
62%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
77%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$40,500
after enrollment
Median Debt
$15,000
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$15,000
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$33,400
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$40,500
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 2.7x

Solid return. Earnings outpace debt, though major choice matters.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White53%
Black8%
Hispanic/Latino19%
Asian5%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (1,252 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Lesley University

29 Everett St

Cambridge, MA 02138-2790

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Massachusetts

Browse all Massachusetts schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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