Lesley University institutional logo

Lesley University

Cambridge, United States Founded 1909

Updated Jun 2026

Overview

English Name: Lesley University
Acronyms: LU
Founded: 1909
Institution Type: University
Control Type: Private
Entity Type: Non-profit
Motto: Perissem Ni Perstitissem
Colours: Gold and green
Lesley University academic and student spaces
1 / 4

Founded in 1909, the Lesley University is a non-profit private higher education institution located in the urban setting of the small city of Cambridge (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants), Massachusetts.

This institution also has a branch campus in Boston. Officially accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education, Lesley University (LU) is a small-sized coeducational US higher education institution.

Lesley University (LU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor's degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study. This 115-year-old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades.

The acceptance rate range is 80-89% making this US higher education organization a least selective institution.

International students are welcome to apply for enrollment. LU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.

Location & Contact

For visits or applications to Lesley University, location and primary contact details are below. Open days are typically announced via social channels — follow them to receive event notifications.

Address: 29 Everett Street
Postal Code: 02138-2790
Map:
Phone: +1 (617) 868 9600
Fax: +1 (617) 349 8810
Social Media:

Academic Details

Enrolment scale, staff balance, and accreditation context for Lesley University are below. Female student percentage signals admissions reach and shapes the student-life environment.

Recognition: New England Commission of Higher Education
Total Students: 1,122
Student Enrollment: 4
Academic Staff Range: 500-599
Campus Setting: Urban
Memberships & Networks
Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) National Athletic Association (NAA) National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

Academic Structures

Lesley University's teaching architecture in the units below. New faculties (formed in the last decade) signal where the institution is investing for the future.

Unit 4 items
  • College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
  • College or Arts and Design
  • Graduate School of Arts and Social Sciences
  • Graduate School of Education

Programs Offered

The full set of programmes Lesley University offers is searchable and grouped by level below. Some programmes accept rolling applications; others run on annual cycles — check before applying.

75 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in United States

Bachelor's Degree 34 programmes

Bachelor's Degree in Applied Mathematics
Mathematics
Bachelor's Degree in Biology, General
Biological Sciences
Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Management and Operations
Business Administration
Bachelor's Degree in Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
Clinical Psychology
Bachelor's Degree in Communication and Media Studies
Communication Studies
Bachelor's Degree in Community Organization and Advocacy
Public Administration
Bachelor's Degree in Design and Applied Arts
Applied Design
Bachelor's Degree in Education, General
Education & Teaching
Bachelor's Degree in English Language and Literature, General
English Language Studies
Bachelor's Degree in Film/Video and Photographic Arts
Film & Animation

Showing 10 of 34.

Master's Degree 24 programmes

Master's Degree in Business Administration, Management and Operations
Business Administration
Master's Degree in Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
Clinical Psychology
Master's Degree in Curriculum and Instruction
Education & Teaching
Master's Degree in Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
Ecology & Conservation
Master's Degree in Education, General
Education & Teaching
Master's Degree in Education, Other
Education & Teaching
Master's Degree in Educational Administration and Supervision
Educational Leadership
Master's Degree in Educational/Instructional Media Design
Education & Teaching
Master's Degree in Film/Video and Photographic Arts
Film & Animation
Master's Degree in Fine and Studio Arts
Visual Arts

Showing 10 of 24.

Doctorate 3 programmes

Doctorate in Education, General
Education & Teaching
Doctorate in Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
Counselling & Psychotherapy
Doctorate in Psychology, Other
Psychology

Associate's Degree 1 programme

Associate's Degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
Liberal Arts

Certificate 1 programme

Certificate in Visual and Performing Arts, General
Visual Arts

Postgraduate Certificate 12 programmes

Postgraduate Certificate in Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
Clinical Psychology
Postgraduate Certificate in Curriculum and Instruction
Education & Teaching
Postgraduate Certificate in Design and Applied Arts
Applied Design
Postgraduate Certificate in Education, General
Education & Teaching
Postgraduate Certificate in Education, Other
Education & Teaching
Postgraduate Certificate in Graphic Communications
Media Studies & Mass Media
Postgraduate Certificate in Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
Liberal Arts
Postgraduate Certificate in Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
Counselling & Psychotherapy
Postgraduate Certificate in Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
Liberal Arts
Postgraduate Certificate in Special Education and Teaching
Special Education

Showing 10 of 12.

How to apply to Lesley University

Step-by-step guidance for applying to Lesley University, covering the typical sequence from programme selection to admissions follow-up.

  1. 1
    Browse the programme catalogue

    Begin by reviewing the programmes section above. Lesley University offers 75 programmes grouped by qualification level. Decide on a target tier (bachelor's, master's, or doctoral) before narrowing by subject.

  2. 2
    Check eligibility for your chosen programme

    Each programme at Lesley University has its own entry requirements — academic minimums, language proficiency, supporting documents, and sometimes interviews or portfolios. Check the programme-specific page or contact admissions to confirm eligibility.

  3. 3
    Get your documents ready

    Most applications require certified academic records, identification documents, language test certificates (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent for English-medium programmes), CV/résumé, and a statement of purpose. Allow extra time for document authentication.

  4. 4
    Apply through the official channel

    Apply directly via Lesley University's online portal at www.lesley.edu. Complete the application form, upload supporting documents, and pay any application fee. Confirmation emails typically arrive within a few business days.

  5. 5
    Reach out and track your application

    After submitting, confirm receipt with the admissions office and track your application status through the portal. Reach the institution by phone at +1 (617) 868 9600. Set reminders for any interview requests, additional document submissions, or admission decision deadlines.

Frequently Asked Questions about Lesley University

A short Q&A covering Lesley University's essentials — founding, location, scale, ranking, and academic structure.

When was Lesley University founded?

Lesley University was established in 1909 (approximately 117 years ago).

Where can I find Lesley University?

The institution is located in Cambridge, United States.

Is Lesley University public or private?

Lesley University operates as a private institution.

How many students does Lesley University have?

The institution has a student body of 4,000-4,999.

How many faculties does Lesley University have?

Lesley University is organised into 4 academic units across its disciplines.

Who recognises Lesley University?

Lesley University is accredited by New England Commission of Higher Education.

How do I find Lesley University online?

You can find Lesley University online at www.lesley.edu.

Top-Ranked Universities in the United States

Industry partnerships of the United States's top universities signal employer engagement at the apex of the system. Lower-ranked institutions including Lesley University may still partner with strong employers locally.

Members of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

Network reputation can differ from individual institutional reputation. National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) membership may enhance or moderate the perceived standing of Lesley University depending on how the network is regarded.

Faculties at nearby universities

If you're weighing Lesley University against other institutions in the area, these neighbouring universities offer overlapping faculties and similar admissions cycles. They are useful for shortlisting based on travel distance or campus environment.

Where Else to Study Education & Teaching

If Lesley University is on your shortlist for studying Education & Teaching, these peer institutions in the United States offer comparable academic depth, industry links, and graduate outcomes. Cross-applying to multiple is common practice in this discipline.

Universities Compared with Lesley University

Comparable peer metrics — selectivity, yield, faculty awards — give a fuller picture than headline rankings alone. The universities below cluster around Lesley University on most of these signals.

Browse all articles →

Spotted something outdated or missing?

Help us keep this page accurate — it takes about 30 seconds.

Explore More Universities in United States

Free calculators and converters to plan your study-abroad journey.

Latest Articles

Fresh guides and advice for studying abroad.

View all →

Compare Compare