Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 61.6%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 61.7%
- Retention Rate
- 76.9%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $51,173
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $21,000
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 10:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 63.1%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $223/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education, General. | Doctoral | $85,760 | $75,166 |
| Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity Studies. | Master | $53,358 | $42,279 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $53,298 | $32,257 |
| Education, Other. | Master | $51,690 | $34,166 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $50,606 | $18,292 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Master | $49,855 | $28,059 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $46,869 | $34,401 |
| Education, General. | Master | $44,595 | $31,458 |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Master | $42,433 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $41,937 | $16,355 |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. | Master | $41,353 | $66,083 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $38,289 | |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Bachelor | $38,289 | $21,500 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $36,141 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Bachelor | $34,704 | $19,167 |
Outcomes Overview
Lesley graduates earn a median of $51,173 ten years after graduation, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 41% with typical debt loads of $21,000. Monthly loan payments of $223 consume about 5% of median income, well below the concerning 10% threshold. The university's focus on arts education and creative therapies means many graduates enter social services, education, and healthcare fields that prioritize purpose over high salaries. With a 94.6% employment rate and strong placement in meaningful careers, graduates find steady work despite modest pay scales. The relatively low debt burden and high job placement rate make this a strong return on investment for students committed to service-oriented careers.