Lesley University
Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138-2790
Data last updated: August 29, 2026
Known for psychology — close-knit campus
Lesley University is a private urban institution in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The school is accessible to a wide range of students.
A small campus of 1.3K undergraduates with a 10:1 student-faculty ratio. The urban location puts students at the center of city life.
62% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $51,173 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $31,805.
More About This School
Varsity Sports
History & Fun Facts
- •History 1909–1998 The Lesley School (also known as Lesley Normal School) was founded by Edith Lesley in 1909 at her home at 29 Everett Street, Cambridge.
- •Teacher and writer Elizabeth Peabody opened Boston's first Froebel-inspired kindergarten in 1860; more kindergartens followed.
- •Around 1913, the Lesley School began training for elementary teachers.
- •In 1941, the Lesley School reorganized under a board of trustees; in 1944, it received authority to award baccalaureate degrees and became known as Lesley College.
Source: Wikipedia
Notable Alumni
Eliza Dushku
Actress known for Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Dollhouse
Caroll Spinney
Legendary puppeteer who performed Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch
Esther Perel
Renowned psychotherapist and author
Joan Bennett Kennedy
Socialite and first wife of Senator Ted Kennedy
Erik Weihenmayer
First blind person to summit Mount Everest
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Admissions
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Admissions
Application Platforms
Early Action
December 1
Regular Decision
February 15
Deadline Calendar
Typical Application Requirements
Transfer Admission
International Students
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Financial Aid
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
49.0%
Avg Tuition Increase
4.3%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$15,000
Academics
Programs (74)
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
77%
Campus Life
Housing & Residential Life
Housing Styles
Dining
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
9
Peer Average
13
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
Campus security, emergency notification system
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Estimated from MA state average + city premium
Climate (School Year)
Nearest Cities
Getting There
Nearest Airports
Distance to Cities
Visit Planning
Nearby Hotels
Plan Your Visit
Nearby Attractions
Harvard Squarewalkable
Vibrant area with shops, restaurants, bookstores, and street performers
Harvard Art Museumswalkable
World-class art collection with free admission for students
Porter Squarewalkable
Eclectic neighborhood with diverse dining and shopping
Fresh Pond Reservation
Beautiful park with walking trails around a historic reservoir
MIT Campus
Innovative architecture and public art installations
Days out near Cambridge
NewTwo or three colleges you can see in one day around Boston, from real bookable tour times.
- Merrimack College · Southern New Hampshire UniversityTwo states46 days
- Gordon College · Northeastern UniversityBig and small44 days
- University of Massachusetts-Amherst · Amherst CollegeBig and small24 days