Analysis
Similar human services programs in Massachusetts typically produce first-year earnings around $45,600, which would put Lesley graduates well above the national median for this field ($36,630). While the $31,000 in debt sits near the middle of what human services majors nationally carry, the state's stronger salary baseline helps considerably—at these estimated income levels, graduates would earn enough to manage their loans without the squeeze many bachelor's-level social service workers face.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.68 suggests manageable repayment, assuming Lesley's outcomes align with peer programs in Massachusetts. What matters here is Massachusetts' unusual advantage: human services salaries in the state run about 25% higher than the national median, likely reflecting the region's higher cost of living but also better-funded social services. Programs at Northeastern and Fitchburg State report similar earnings, which supports the estimate.
The caveat parents should weigh: because these figures come from comparable programs rather than Lesley's actual graduate outcomes, there's inherent uncertainty. If your child is drawn to human services work, this program appears positioned in a state where those careers pay better than most places. Just recognize you're making this decision with less visibility into Lesley's specific track record than you'd ideally want.
Where Lesley University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all human services bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Massachusetts
Human Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Massachusetts (12 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Lesley UniversityCambridge | $32,780 | $45,641* | — | $31,000 | — |
 Northeastern University Professional ProgramsBoston | — | $45,799* | $37,367 | $26,000 | 0.57 |
| Northeastern UniversityBoston | $63,141 | $45,799* | $37,367 | $26,000 | 0.57 |
 Fitchburg State UniversityFitchburg | $11,046 | $45,641* | $48,365 | $26,352 | 0.58 |
 Cambridge CollegeBoston | $18,072 | $44,287* | $37,169 | $32,524 | 0.73 |
 Fisher CollegeBoston | $35,013 | $35,289* | $44,634 | $29,935 | 0.85 |
| National Median | — | $36,630* | — | $31,573 | 0.86 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with human services graduates
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Lesley University, approximately 28% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 5 similar programs in MA. Actual outcomes may vary.