Lasell University: 73.2% Acceptance Rate

73.2%Acceptance

$26,000Tuition

1,152Students

53%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$49,705Earnings

Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalNCAA Division IIIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Lasell University

Lasell University builds its reputation on "connected learning," blending classroom theory with hands-on experience through required internships and experiential education. The private full university enrolls 1,152 students in Newton, a small city setting just outside Boston. Students benefit from an 11:1 student-faculty ratio that enables close mentoring relationships. The school accepts 73% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1,132.

The financial picture tells a mixed story. Students pay an average net price of $24,944 after aid, with 73% taking federal loans that average $26,000 in total debt. Recent graduates earn a median salary of $49,705 ten years after graduation, making monthly loan payments of $276. For lower-income families earning under $30,000, the net price drops to just $15,374. The employment rate hits 96.6%, suggesting strong job placement despite a 53% six-year graduation rate.

Women make up nearly two-thirds of the student body at 66%, creating a female-heavy campus culture. The Lasers compete in NCAA Division III with 13 varsity sports and 288 total athletes. With 61% of students from Massachusetts, the campus maintains a regional feel while drawing from the broader New England area.

Academics & Faculty

Lasell University operates as a full private university built around "connected learning," which integrates classroom theory with mandatory real-world experience through internships and co-ops. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate academic environment where professors know students personally. However, the 53% six-year graduation rate suggests some students struggle to complete their programs despite this close support. The university is particularly known for its fashion, communications, and business programs, which directly benefit from the experiential learning model. Students gain hands-on experience in their field before graduation, with many completing multiple internships. The connected learning approach helps explain why 96.6% of graduates find employment, even though academic completion rates remain modest.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 11:1
Full-Time Faculty: 35.9%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 57.1%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 53.2%
Retention Rate: 70.7%
Median Earnings (10 years): $49,705
Carnegie Classification: Master's University (Large)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods.	Master	$59,011
Communication and Media Studies.	Master	$53,775
Marketing.	Bachelor	$46,087
Special Education and Teaching.	Master	$44,933
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Bachelor	$43,426
Health and Physical Education/Fitness.	Master	$42,682
Hospitality Administration/Management.	Bachelor	$39,369
Communication and Media Studies.	Bachelor	$37,808
Criminology.	Bachelor	$37,478
Health and Physical Education/Fitness.	Bachelor	$36,717

View all 48 programs →

Campus Life

Lasell sits in Newton, just eight miles from downtown Boston, giving students easy access to internships and cultural opportunities in the city. With housing capacity for 1,325 students and total enrollment of 1,152, nearly every student can live on campus if they choose. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and academic progress personally.

New England winters require heavy coats and boots, while spring and fall offer perfect weather for the campus's tree-lined pathways. Women make up 65.89% of the student body, creating a collaborative atmosphere that extends to the school's 13 varsity sports teams. The Lasers compete in NCAA Division III with 288 total athletes participating across programs.

Weekend life revolves around campus events and trips into Boston via the nearby T stations. Students often head to Fenway Park, explore the North End, or catch shows in the Theater District. The connected learning philosophy means many weekends include internship work or experiential projects. With 96.6% of graduates employed shortly after graduation, students balance social time with building professional networks throughout the Boston area.

Setting: City-Small
Housing Capacity: 1,325 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1851

Campus Safety (2023)

19 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential
Burglary	3	3
Rape	3	3
Stalking	2	1
Aggravated Assault	1	1
Fondling	1	1

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 17°–35°F
July Avg: 61°–81°F
Annual Precipitation: 47.3"
Annual Snowfall: 45.7"

Student Demographics

Lasell draws primarily from Massachusetts, with 61% of students staying close to home for the school's hands-on learning approach. Women make up nearly two-thirds of the student body, reflecting strong programs in fields like fashion, education, and health sciences. About one-third of students receive Pell Grants, showing the university attracts working-class families seeking practical career preparation. The student body is predominantly white but increasingly diverse, with growing Hispanic and Black enrollment. Students choose Lasell for its promise of real-world experience through internships and experiential learning rather than prestige.

Men: 34.1%
Women: 65.9%
White: 63.3%
Black: 10.0%
Hispanic: 14.5%
Asian: 2.7%
In-State Students: 61.1%
Pell Grant Recipients: 32.2%

Location

Lasell University sits in Newton, Massachusetts, just eight miles west of downtown Boston. The campus occupies 54 acres in one of Boston's most affluent suburbs, known for excellent public schools and tree-lined residential streets. Newton's proximity to Boston gives students access to internships, cultural attractions, and nightlife while maintaining a quieter suburban feel. The area hosts several colleges within a 10-mile radius, creating a active academic atmosphere. Students can reach Boston's financial district, museums, and professional sports venues via the Green Line subway system. The surrounding Greater Boston region offers four distinct seasons and classic New England architecture. Students considering colleges in Massachusetts may also compare Lasell University with similar schools in the region.

Address: Newton, Massachusetts 02466

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $49,705
Median Earnings (5 years): $57,604
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $36,400
Loan Repayment Rate: 67.1%
Monthly Loan Payment: $276/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $26,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Lasell University?

Lasell University accepts 73.21% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1132. The school takes a well-rounded approach to admissions, focusing on students who show potential for success in their hands-on learning environment.

How much does Lasell University cost after financial aid?

Students at Lasell University pay an average net price of $24,944 after aid, with 32.24% receiving Pell Grants. The school offers institutional grants averaging $31,287 to help make their connected learning approach accessible to middle-income families.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Lasell University?

Lasell University maintains an 11:1 student-faculty ratio with 1,152 total students. This small size allows for personalized attention as students work through the school's signature connected learning model that blends classroom theory with real-world internships.

What do graduates of Lasell University earn after college?

Lasell University graduates earn a median of $49,705 ten years after graduation with a 96.6% employment rate. The school's emphasis on experiential education and internships helps prepare students for immediate workforce entry, though the 53.20% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges some students face completing their degrees.

Where is Lasell University located and what is campus life like?

Lasell University sits in Newton, Massachusetts, with housing capacity for 1,325 students despite having only 1,152 enrolled. The campus hosts 13 NCAA Division III varsity sports teams called the Lasers, with 288 student-athletes competing in the Great Northeast Athletic Conference.

What is Lasell University known for academically?

Lasell University pioneered connected learning, which requires students to complete internships and real-world projects alongside traditional coursework. Founded in 1851, the school has evolved into a comprehensive university that emphasizes practical experience, with women comprising 65.89% of the student body.