Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions at Lesley University

Lesley's rehabilitation program graduates earn roughly $7,500 less than their peers at other Massachusetts schools—a significant gap that places them in the bottom quarter statewide. While the $23,000 debt load is slightly below state norms, first-year earnings of just under $29,000 make repayment challenging. Even after four years, graduates average only $31,300, trailing the typical Massachusetts program by about $5,000 annually. For context, nearby UMass-Lowell graduates in the same field start $7,000 higher and Boston University grads begin at $36,700.

The earnings trajectory here is troubling: the 9% growth over four years barely keeps pace with inflation, suggesting limited career advancement in these early years. At the 16th percentile nationally, this program underperforms most comparable offerings across the country. The 94% admission rate reflects Lesley's accessibility, but accessibility doesn't offset the financial reality of below-market earnings in a relatively expensive city.

If your child is committed to rehabilitation work in Massachusetts, investigate why Lesley graduates earn substantially less than peers from state schools with similar admissions profiles. The answer might lie in field placement, credential types, or employer networks—factors worth clarifying before enrollment. Unless there's a compelling program-specific reason, the in-state publics offer better economic outcomes in this field.