Analysis
Drawing estimates from Massachusetts mathematics programs, Lesley's bachelor's degree appears positioned right at the state median—around $62,000 in first-year earnings against roughly $19,000 in debt. That 0.31 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests manageable repayment, with total borrowed representing less than a third of year-one income. However, context matters considerably here: the highest-earning math programs in Massachusetts (MIT, Tufts, Northeastern) produce graduates earning $30,000 to $50,000 more annually, creating a significant earnings gap even within the same state.
The estimated debt figure lands slightly below both state and national benchmarks for mathematics degrees, which offers some reassurance. Combined with moderate projected earnings, this suggests graduates could reasonably service their loans. But peer programs in Massachusetts show enormous variance in outcomes—from the state median of $62,000 to well over $100,000 at elite institutions—making the specific program quality and career preparation critically important factors that these estimates can't capture.
For families evaluating Lesley's mathematics program, the fundamental challenge is uncertainty. These estimates tell you what typical Massachusetts math programs produce, not what this particular program delivers for its graduates. Before committing, you'd want concrete information: where do Lesley math graduates actually work? What roles do they secure? The estimated numbers suggest reasonable, not exceptional, value—but without program-specific outcomes data, you're making decisions with incomplete information about a credential that shows wide variability across institutions.
Where Lesley University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all mathematics bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Massachusetts
Mathematics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Massachusetts (44 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $32,780 | $61,761* | — | $19,334* | — | |
| $67,844 | $110,512* | — | $17,750* | 0.16 | |
| $60,156 | $109,288* | $180,882 | $10,003* | 0.09 | |
| $67,280 | $78,500* | $109,199 | $14,745* | 0.19 | |
| $63,141 | $76,392* | $90,232 | $21,750* | 0.28 | |
| $58,150 | $74,737* | — | $19,334* | 0.26 | |
| National Median | — | $48,772* | — | $21,500* | 0.44 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with mathematics graduates
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
Water Resource Specialists
Data Scientists
Business Intelligence Analysts
Clinical Data Managers
Mathematicians
Statisticians
Biostatisticians
Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Mathematical Science Occupations, All Other
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 15 similar programs in MA. Actual outcomes may vary.