Lesley University is a private nonprofit 4-year college in Cambridge, Massachusetts with 1,122 undergraduates. It admits 97% of applicants, costs an average of $31,777 a year after grants and graduates 42% of its students.
Figures from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, released October 15, 2026. What each number covers.
Lesley University acceptance rate and admissions
Lesley University admitted 97% of applicants for fall 2024. The median acceptance rate at 4-year colleges is 77%.
Test scores: Neither required nor recommended (as reported for fall 2024 admission). That means you can apply without SAT or ACT scores. Check the admissions office for the current policy.
Lesley University application deadlines 2026-27
| Round | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Early action | Dec 1, 2026 |
| Rolling admission | Applications reviewed as they arrive |
Next deadline: Early action, Dec 1, 2026. Application fee through the Common App: free for U.S. applicants. Confirm dates on Lesley University’s admissions page; see every college on the deadline calendar.
Source: Common App 2026-27 first-year deadlines, fees and requirements grid, updated Sep 25, 2026.
Lesley University tuition, cost and net price
| Tuition and fees (2025-26) | $35,822 |
|---|---|
| On-campus housing and food (2025-26) | $20,402 |
| Total cost of attendance (2024-25) | $54,152 |
| Average net price after grants (2024-25) | $31,777 |
Students who get federal aid pay an average of $31,777 a year after grants and scholarships, $22,375 less than the full cost of attendance.
What families pay, by income
Average yearly cost after grants for aided first-time students, by family income (2024-25):
Your own price depends on your family's full situation. Run Lesley University's net price calculator for a personal estimate, or make a "what it costs us" card.
Lesley University graduation rate, earnings and debt
- 42% of first-time, full-time students finished within six years (students who started in 2019).
- Former students earned a median of $57,844 a year, 10 years after they started (students who received federal aid and were working).
- Students who completed left with a median of $22,000 in federal student loans.
Earnings compared
Debt compared
Median debt is 38% of median earnings 10 years after entry. Many advisers suggest keeping total student debt below one year of expected pay. See the monthly payment.
Lesley University majors and what graduates earn
Lesley University awarded bachelor's degrees in 28 fields recently. The best-paid graduates four years out came from business administration ($67,879).
All 28 majors at Lesley University
Four-year earnings: graduates of 2017-18 and 2018-19, measured in 2022 and 2023, in 2024 dollars. Fields with few graduates have no published earnings.
Graduate programs at Lesley University
21 graduate programs awarded degrees recently. Largest first.
Show 21 graduate programs
| Program | Degree | Graduates (2023-24) | Earnings 1 yr after | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mental health counseling | Master's | 225 | $55,968 | $61,500 |
| Teacher education by grade level | Master's | 54 | $54,439 | $34,166 |
| Teacher education by subject | Master's | 48 | $60,574 | $26,518 |
| Special education | Master's | 30 | $63,151 | $40,049 |
| Education | Doctoral | 28 | $89,532 | $61,500 |
| Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies | Master's | 23 | $61,802 | n/a |
| Fine and studio arts | Master's | 20 | $57,111 | n/a |
| Education, Other | Master's | 17 | $60,089 | $34,570 |
| Interdisciplinary studies, other | Master's | 17 | n/a | n/a |
| Mathematics | Master's | 13 | n/a | n/a |
| Curriculum and Instruction | Master's | 11 | $62,818 | n/a |
| Teaching English as a second language | Master's | 10 | n/a | n/a |
| Psychology, Other | Doctoral | 8 | n/a | n/a |
| Social work | Master's | 7 | n/a | n/a |
| Liberal arts and general studies | Master's | 6 | n/a | n/a |
| Business administration | Master's | 6 | n/a | n/a |
| Educational/Instructional Media Design | Master's | 5 | n/a | n/a |
| Clinical and counseling psychology | Master's | 5 | n/a | n/a |
| Film and photography | Master's | 5 | n/a | n/a |
| Education leadership | Master's | 2 | n/a | n/a |
| Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity Studies | Master's | 0 | n/a | n/a |
Students and location
- 1,122 degree-seeking undergraduates (fall 2024)
- 71% women, 29% men
- 10 students for every faculty member
- Setting: midsize city
- Accredited by New England Commission on Higher Education
Frequently asked questions
What is the acceptance rate at Lesley University?
Lesley University admitted 97% of applicants for fall 2024, according to the U.S. Department of Education.
How much does Lesley University cost?
Tuition and fees for 2025-26 are $35,822. After grants and scholarships, aided students paid an average net price of $31,777 a year in 2024-25.
Is Lesley University test-optional?
For fall 2024 admission, Lesley University reported that test scores were: neither required nor recommended. Policies change, so confirm with the admissions office.
What is the graduation rate at Lesley University?
42% of first-time, full-time students finished within six years.
How much do Lesley University graduates make?
Former students who received federal aid earned a median of $57,844 a year 10 years after they started, in 2024 dollars.
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More: all colleges in Massachusetts · colleges in Cambridge · Lesley University on the College Scorecard
Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard, data release of October 15, 2026. What each figure means and the year it covers.