At $31,805/yr net price, Lesley University graduates earn $51,173/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $17,173/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $31,805 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $127,220 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $51,173/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$17,173/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 7.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 61.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $21,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $26,173/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $27,225/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $31,594/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $34,465/yr |
| $110,001+ | $34,726/yr |
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 |
The Risk Factor
61.7% of students at Lesley University graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 38% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Lesley University delivers weak financial returns that don't justify its high costs for most students. With median 10-year earnings of $51,173 against a net price of $31,805 annually, you're paying premium private school prices for below-average career outcomes.
Education majors represent the lone bright spot financially. General Education graduates earn $85,760, making this program genuinely worthwhile despite carrying $75,166 in debt. Special Education pays $53,298 with more manageable debt of $32,257. These teaching-focused programs align with strong regional demand in Massachusetts and reflect Lesley's core competency.
Every other major struggles financially. Business Administration barely crosses $50,000 despite the substantial investment. Arts therapy and counseling programs, which Lesley heavily promotes, show poor earnings relative to debt loads. The 61.70% graduation rate means four in ten students never finish their degrees.
You should seriously consider Lesley only if you're committed to teaching careers, particularly special education or general K-12. The education programs have established pipelines into Massachusetts school districts and strong alumni networks. For any other field, you can find better value elsewhere.
Financial aid coverage appears limited, with only 28.25% of students receiving aid. The relatively low median debt of $21,000 suggests many students pay close to full price or transfer out before accumulating significant loans. This creates a bifurcated outcome where wealthy families can afford the experience while others face financial strain without corresponding career benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lesley University worth the cost?
Lesley University's graduates earn a median of $51,173 ten years after graduation, which is relatively low given the $31,805 annual net price. The return on investment depends heavily on your program choice, with education majors earning significantly more than other fields.
What are the highest paying majors at Lesley University?
General Education graduates from Lesley earn the most at $85,760 annually, while other education specialties pay around $51,000-$53,000. Non-education programs like business and diversity studies typically result in lower salaries in the $50,000 range.
How much student debt do Lesley University graduates have?
Lesley University graduates have a median debt of $21,000, which is manageable compared to many private schools. However, with relatively modest post-graduation earnings, loan repayment may still be challenging for graduates in lower-paying programs.
Does Lesley University have good job outcomes?
Lesley has a 61.7% graduation rate and accepts 86% of applicants, suggesting less selective admissions. Job outcomes vary significantly by program, with education majors generally finding better employment prospects than graduates in other fields.