Lesley University

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Average Rating: 58.7 Average Consensus: 69 Average Review: 76.8
No College Consensus
AVERAGE: 69
No Publisher Consensus
AVERAGE: 58.7
72.8
Student Consensus
AVERAGE: 76.8
Publisher Ratings
Student Reviews
75.2
Unigo
74.6
Grad Reports
68.4
Niche
Scores last updated on January 6, 2024
86%
Percent Admitted
47%
4-year Graduation Rate
3,406
Enrollment
10.0:1
Student-to-Faculty Ratio
$14,103
Average Undergraduate Students Aid
$31,364
In-State Tuition and Fees
$31,364
Out-of-State Tuition and Fees
= Average
Sector
Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
Carnegie Classification
Doctoral/Professional Universities
Religious Affiliation
Not applicable

Lesley University is a private, 4-year school located in Cambridge, MA, just 5 miles from downtown Boston. The school was founded in 1909 as Lesley Normal School by Edith Lesley as a women’s school to train kindergarten teachers. In 1944, it achieved college status and in 1998, the school merged with the School of Practical Art (which had become the Art Institute of Boston) and was known as Lesley University as of 2001. The school admitted men starting in 2005. The 14 acre urban campus features an eclectic blend of Victorian, traditional gothic and contemporary architecture. The school has three separate locations in close general proximity: Brattle, Doble and Porter campuses.

Academic Programs

Lesley University is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education and offers Bachelor’s degrees, post-baccalaureate Certificates, Master’s degrees, post-masters Certificates and Doctorates in multiple fields. The University is comprised of four colleges and schools, one center and one program: College of Art and Design, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Graduate School of Education, Graduate School of Arts and Social Sciences, Center for the Adult Learner and Threshold Program. Noted for Teacher Education, the largest programs on campus are Visual and Performing Arts and Psychology. Per the Mission Statement, “Lesley University engages students in transformative education through active learning, scholarly research, diverse forms of artistic expression, and the integration of rigorous academics with practical, professional experience, leading to meaningful careers and continuing lifelong learning. Lesley prepares socially responsible graduates with the knowledge, skills, understanding and ethical judgment to be catalysts shaping a more just, humane, and sustainable world.”

Student Life

There are nearly 2,000 undergraduate students enrolled in Lesley University, most of whom live on campus among a variety of residence options ranging from traditional dormitories to Victorian houses. The University sponsors over 50 clubs and student organizations including club sports and intramurals. For the varsity athlete, the green and white Lynx, field teams in 8 sports and participate in NCAA Division III competition. Students understand the stated Core Values of the school: Inquiry: Lesley University is devoted to academic excellence through active teaching, engaged learning, and individual student development; Community: Learning is an individual and collective endeavor that involves students, educators, families, and communities.; Diversity: Our community respects, values, and benefits from the individual, demographic and cultural differences of our students, faculty, and staff; Citizenship: Higher educational institutions have a responsibility to prepare their graduates to participate in the cultural, political and economic life of their community, nation and world. This democratic ideal is reflected in Lesley’s academic environment that encourages scholarship, freedom of expression, and the open exchange of ideas.

Ready to start your journey?

Ready to start your journey?