About Lesley University
Lesley University builds careers in the creative and helping professions through specialized programs that blend artistic expression with practical application. The school enrolls 1,252 students in Cambridge's active academic corridor. Lesley pioneered the field of expressive arts therapy and remains a leader in training art, dance, and music therapists. The university also offers strong programs in education, counseling, and visual arts with a hands-on approach that emphasizes real-world experience.
Students typically pay around $31,805 after financial aid, though costs vary by family income. Recent graduates earn a median of $51,173 ten years after graduation, which provides reasonable returns given the median debt load of $21,000. The monthly loan payment averages $223, making the investment manageable for careers in education and therapy. About 28% of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the university's commitment to serving diverse economic backgrounds.
The student body skews heavily female at 73%, reflecting the university's focus on education and therapy fields. With a 10:1 student-faculty ratio, classes stay small and personal. The 77% retention rate suggests most students find their academic fit, though the 62% graduation rate indicates some struggle to complete their programs within six years.
Students typically pay around $31,805 after financial aid, though costs vary by family income. Recent graduates earn a median of $51,173 ten years after graduation, which provides reasonable returns given the median debt load of $21,000. The monthly loan payment averages $223, making the investment manageable for careers in education and therapy. About 28% of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the university's commitment to serving diverse economic backgrounds.
The student body skews heavily female at 73%, reflecting the university's focus on education and therapy fields. With a 10:1 student-faculty ratio, classes stay small and personal. The 77% retention rate suggests most students find their academic fit, though the 62% graduation rate indicates some struggle to complete their programs within six years.
Academics & Faculty
Lesley University built its reputation around arts education and creative therapies, offering specialized programs that blend artistic practice with therapeutic applications. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio means small classes where professors know students personally and can provide individualized mentoring in these hands-on fields. Students work directly with faculty on creative projects and clinical training. The university is particularly known for its expressive arts therapy and art education programs, which prepare graduates for careers in schools, hospitals, and community centers. However, the 61.7% six-year graduation rate suggests that the intensive, creative curriculum proves challenging for some students to complete within the traditional timeframe.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 10:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 33.8%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 61.6%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 61.7%
- Retention Rate
- 76.9%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $51,173
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral/Professional University
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Education, General. | Doctoral | $85,760 |
| Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity Studies. | Master | $53,358 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $53,298 |
| Education, Other. | Master | $51,690 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $50,606 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Master | $49,855 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $46,869 |
| Education, General. | Master | $44,595 |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Master | $42,433 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $41,937 |
Campus Life
Students at Lesley wake up in Cambridge just outside Boston, with the T providing easy access to the city's museums and internship opportunities. Only 64% of students can live in the limited on-campus housing of 799 beds, so many rent apartments in the surrounding neighborhoods. Winter coats are essential from December through March as Boston temperatures regularly drop below freezing.
The 10:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate learning environment where professors know your name. Women make up 73% of the student body, reflecting Lesley's strong programs in education, art therapy, and counseling. The Lynx compete in 11 Division III sports with 157 total athletes, though the school draws more students interested in creative expression than athletic competition. Weekends often involve exploring Boston's art scene, attending performances, or working on studio projects. The semester calendar gives students time for intensive creative work, and many use breaks for internships or study abroad. With 94.6% employment rates, graduates typically find work in education, therapy, or nonprofit sectors where Lesley's reputation opens doors.
The 10:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate learning environment where professors know your name. Women make up 73% of the student body, reflecting Lesley's strong programs in education, art therapy, and counseling. The Lynx compete in 11 Division III sports with 157 total athletes, though the school draws more students interested in creative expression than athletic competition. Weekends often involve exploring Boston's art scene, attending performances, or working on studio projects. The semester calendar gives students time for intensive creative work, and many use breaks for internships or study abroad. With 94.6% employment rates, graduates typically find work in education, therapy, or nonprofit sectors where Lesley's reputation opens doors.
- Setting
- City-Midsize
- Housing Capacity
- 799 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1909
Campus Safety (2023)
21 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rape | 5 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 3 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Stalking | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 19°–37°F
- July Avg
- 64°–84°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 49.4"
- Annual Snowfall
- 49.2"
Student Demographics
Lesley draws students passionate about creative fields and helping professions. Women make up nearly three-quarters of the student body, reflecting the university's strength in art therapy, counseling, and education programs. The campus attracts a diverse mix of students, with nearly half from communities of color. Most students come from Massachusetts and nearby New England states, drawn by Lesley's specialized programs in expressive arts and therapeutic disciplines. The university serves many first-generation college students, with over a quarter qualifying for Pell Grants, creating a community committed to social impact careers.
- Men
- 27.4%
- Women
- 72.6%
- White
- 53.0%
- Black
- 8.4%
- Hispanic
- 18.6%
- Asian
- 5.4%
- In-State Students
- 63.4%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 28.3%
Location
Cambridge sits just across the Charles River from Boston, placing Lesley University students in one of America's most college-dense metropolitan areas. The city hosts Harvard University and MIT, creating an intellectual atmosphere where 63.44% of Lesley students come from Massachusetts. Cambridge's Porter Square and Davis Square neighborhoods offer coffee shops, bookstores, and music venues that cater to the area's large student population. The Red Line subway connects students directly to downtown Boston in under 20 minutes. With over 50 colleges and universities in the greater Boston area, students have access to countless cultural events, internships, and academic collaborations. Students considering colleges in Massachusetts may also compare Lesley University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138-2790
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $51,173
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $52,205
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $33,400
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 63.1%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $223/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $21,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Lesley University?
Lesley University accepts 86.23% of applicants, making it accessible to most students who apply. The university focuses heavily on arts education and creative therapies, attracting students passionate about expressive and therapeutic disciplines.
How much does Lesley University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $31,805 annually after aid, with total attendance costs reaching $53,340. About 28% of students receive Pell Grants, and graduates carry a median debt load of $21,000.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Lesley University?
Lesley maintains a 10:1 student-faculty ratio with total enrollment of 1,252 students. This small university environment supports intensive mentoring in creative fields like art therapy, expressive arts therapy, and counseling psychology.
How much do Lesley University graduates earn?
Alumni earn a median salary of $51,173 ten years after graduation, with a strong 94.6% employment rate. The university's focus on helping professions and creative therapies leads to meaningful but modestly-paid career paths in counseling and arts education.
Where is Lesley University located?
The university sits in Cambridge, Massachusetts, with housing capacity for 799 students on campus. About 63% of students come from Massachusetts, drawn to the school's proximity to Boston's rich arts and healthcare communities.
What is Lesley University known for academically?
Lesley built its reputation around arts education and creative therapies programs since its founding in 1909. The student body is 73% female, reflecting the university's strength in traditionally female-dominated fields like art therapy and elementary education.
