Lesley University : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings
About Lesley University
Set in a leafy pocket of Cambridge, Lesley has a reputation for creativity, community, and hands-on learning. It's known for teacher preparation, art and design, counseling and expressive therapies, and the liberal arts, with close-knit classes where feedback stays practical. Studios, galleries, and digital labs sit alongside quiet study spots and a well-used library. Advising, tutoring, career coaching, and wellness services are easy to find.
Campus life feels collaborative and inclusive, mixing student-run shows, readings, service projects, and low-key hangouts. You might catch open studios one night and an open mic the next. Rec spaces and nearby paths make it easy to unwind. Career prep appears in practicums, internships, portfolio reviews, and partnerships across Greater Boston's schools, nonprofits, and studios. And the neighborhood is a perk: cafes, museums, and the T put Boston's arts and tech scenes within quick reach. Signature moments include end-of-term exhibitions and community teach-ins.
Key Institutional Details
Contact & Profile
Academic & Institutional
Academic Programs & Fields of Study
Lesley University offers 51 degree programs across 16 major academic fields, graduating approximately 921 students annually. The most popular fields by graduate volume are Education (18 programs, 250 graduates), Health (3 programs, 249 graduates), Arts (8 programs, 147 graduates), Psychology (4 programs, 73 graduates) and Liberal Arts (1 programs, 52 graduates). Explore program details, award levels, and graduate demographics below.
Education (18 programs, 250 graduates)
Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy
Health (3 programs, 249 graduates)
Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mental Health Counseling | 224 |
|
Master's
|
51.1508 |
| Art Therapy | 24 |
|
Bachelor's
|
51.2301 |
| Mental and Social Health Services | 1 |
|
Master's
|
51.1599 |
Arts (8 programs, 147 graduates)
Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio Arts, General | 32 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
50.0702 |
| Digital Arts | 29 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0102 |
| Illustration | 21 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0410 |
| Graphic Design | 19 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0409 |
| Photography | 15 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
50.0605 |
| Film and Video Arts | 15 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0699 |
| Applied Arts and Design | 13 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0499 |
| Art Studies | 3 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0701 |
Psychology (4 programs, 73 graduates)
Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Psychology | 43 |
|
Bachelor's
|
42.0101 |
| Counseling Psychology | 17 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
42.2803 |
| Psychology | 8 |
|
Doctorate (R)
|
42.9999 |
| Community Psychology | 5 |
|
Bachelor's
|
42.2802 |
Liberal Arts (1 programs, 52 graduates)
Liberal Arts Education, General Studies and Humanities
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Humanities | 52 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
24.0199 |
English (2 programs, 40 graduates)
English Literature, Creative Writing and Literary Analysis
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Creative Writing | 30 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
23.1302 |
| English Language and Literature | 10 |
|
Bachelor's
|
23.0101 |
Interdisciplinary (2 programs, 19 graduates)
Cross-Disciplinary Studies and Integrated Research Programs
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Multi- and Interdisciplinary Studies | 17 |
|
Master's
|
30.9999 |
| Global Studies | 2 |
|
Bachelor's
|
30.2001 |
Public Services (1 programs, 18 graduates)
Public Administration, Social Work and Community Services
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Social Work | 18 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
44.0701 |
Business (2 programs, 18 graduates)
Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management | 12 |
|
Bachelor's
|
52.0299 |
| Business Administration and Management | 6 |
|
Master's
|
52.0201 |
Mathematics (2 programs, 15 graduates)
Mathematical Sciences, Statistics and Computational Analysis
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 14 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
27.0199 |
| Applied Mathematics | 1 |
|
Bachelor's
|
27.0399 |
Admission Requirements & Test Scores
Comprehensive overview of admission criteria, standardized test score ranges, and application requirements for prospective students at Lesley University.
Application Requirements
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Test score ranges represent the middle 50% of admitted students (25th-75th percentile). Requirements may vary by program.
Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs
Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students
Financial Aid & Student Support
Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students
Student Success Metrics
Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.
Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes
Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Lesley University
How much does it cost to attend Lesley University?
The annual tuition at Lesley University is $32,780 for in-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $55,580 for in-state students. Additional costs include room and board $19,060 (on) / $12,600 (off) and books and supplies $1,500.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.
What academic programs and degree levels does Lesley University offer?
Lesley University offers 51 academic programs across 16 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Certificate (≥2 yrs), Associate's, Bachelor's, Postbac Cert., Master's, Post-Master's, Doctorate (Research).
Most popular program areas include:
- Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy (18 programs)
- Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice (3 programs)
- Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance (8 programs)
- Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies (4 programs)
- Liberal Arts Education, General Studies and Humanities (1 programs)
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.
What is the acceptance rate for Lesley University?
Lesley University has an 94.4% acceptance rate and a 8% yield rate, making it moderately selective.
Admission statistics breakdown:
- Total applicants: 2,509
- Students admitted: 2,369
- Students enrolled: 189
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Admission statistics may vary by program and application cycle.
What financial aid and scholarships are available at Lesley University?
Lesley University provides financial aid to 14% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $16,476 and average loans of $10,984.
Average financial aid amounts by type:
- Pell grants: $5,155
- State/Local grants: $3,113
- Institutional grants: $13,836
- Federal loans: $5,285
The university supports 225 students with grants and 154 students with loans annually.
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.
What is the average salary for Lesley University graduates?
Lesley University graduates earn a median salary of $40,150 after 6 years and $51,173 after 10 years.
The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $32,463 (25th percentile) to $74,412 (75th percentile).
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.
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