At $24,944/yr net price, Lasell University graduates earn $49,705/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $15,705/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $24,944 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $99,776 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $49,705/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$15,705/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 6.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 53.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $26,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $15,374/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $19,185/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $22,986/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $27,843/yr |
| $110,001+ | $33,233/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods. | Master | $59,011 | $24,432 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Master | $53,775 | $30,634 |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $46,087 | $26,000 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $44,933 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $43,426 | $26,000 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Master | $42,682 | $34,160 |
| Hospitality Administration/Management. | Bachelor | $39,369 | $26,399 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $37,808 | $27,000 |
| Criminology. | Bachelor | $37,478 | $27,000 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $36,717 | $27,000 |
The Risk Factor
53.2% of students at Lasell University graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Lasell University delivers weak financial returns that make it a risky investment for most students. With median earnings of $49,705 ten years after graduation and a net price of nearly $25,000 annually, you're looking at a payback period that stretches well beyond what most families can comfortably manage.
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods stands out as the only program offering solid earning potential at $59,011, though even this comes with $24,432 in typical debt. Communication and Media Studies graduates earn $53,775 but carry significantly higher debt loads of $30,634. The majority of popular programs like Marketing, Special Education, and Business Administration cluster in the low-to-mid $40,000s, creating a problematic gap between what you'll pay and what you'll earn.
The 53% graduation rate signals serious retention problems that compound the financial risk. Nearly half of students who start at Lasell don't finish their degrees, leaving them with debt but no credential to show for it. The 71% first-year retention rate suggests many students recognize the poor value proposition early.
Only 32% of students receive need-based aid, indicating limited financial support for middle-income families who need it most. This makes Lasell particularly unsuitable for students without significant family financial backing.
You should consider Lasell only if you're pursuing Management Sciences with strong family financial support and can graduate debt-free. Students interested in education, marketing, or general business programs will find much better value at public universities or community colleges with transfer pathways that offer similar career outcomes at a fraction of the cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lasell University worth the cost compared to other colleges?
Lasell University graduates earn a median of $49,705 ten years after graduation, which is below average for the $24,944 annual net price. The 53% graduation rate means nearly half of students don't finish their degree.
What are the best paying majors at Lasell University?
Management Sciences leads at $59,011 median earnings, followed by Communication and Media Studies at $53,775. Marketing and education programs pay significantly less, with Special Education graduates earning $44,933.
How much debt do Lasell University students typically graduate with?
The median debt is $26,000, which is manageable given typical starting salaries. However, this figure only includes students who actually graduate, not the 47% who leave without a degree.
Does Lasell University provide good financial aid to make it affordable?
The net price of $24,944 suggests decent financial aid since the sticker price is higher. However, the earnings-to-cost ratio remains weak compared to many state schools or community college transfer options.