Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Lesley University

Lesley's liberal arts program shows a troubling pattern: graduates earn $35,658 in their first year but see earnings drop to $31,898 by year four—a 10% decline when most careers are gaining momentum. Among Massachusetts liberal arts programs, this lands in the 40th percentile, falling well short of the state median of $39,140 and dramatically behind even public options like Worcester State ($43,996). The debt load of $30,057 is above both state and national benchmarks, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.84 that becomes harder to justify as earnings drift downward.

What makes this particularly difficult is the contrast with other Massachusetts liberal arts programs. While MIT and Bentley serve different markets, even comparable institutions like Regis College produce outcomes 47% higher. The nationwide picture isn't much better—this program sits just below the 50th percentile nationally. For an open-admission school (94% acceptance rate), these outcomes suggest students may struggle to convert a general liberal arts degree into stable career traction.

The combination of below-market earnings, above-average debt, and backward career trajectory makes this a questionable value. Families considering Lesley for liberal arts should have frank conversations about career plans and compare closely with Massachusetts public universities, which deliver stronger outcomes at lower cost.