Hampshire College vs. Lesley University

Comparable Facts

Compare Hampshire College in Amherst, MA with Lesley University in Cambridge, MA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Lesley University is larger than Hampshire College based on total student enrollment (2,557 students vs. 844 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Hampshire College is located in Amherst, MA (Rural Fringe setting); Lesley University is in Cambridge, MA (Midsize City setting).
• Hampshire College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Lesley University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Hampshire College 13:1; Lesley University 10:1.

Hampshire College vs. Lesley University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Hampshire College or Lesley University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Hampshire College than Lesley University ($27,895 vs. $32,587).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Hampshire College are 19.9% lower than at Lesley University ($15,958 vs. $19,920).
• Hampshire College is 71.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Lesley University (about $24,640 more per year; $58,896.00 vs. $34,256.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 71.9% higher at Hampshire College than at Lesley University (about $24,640 more per year; $58,896.00 vs. $34,256.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Hampshire College as at Lesley University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Hampshire College students is 140.8% larger than aid received by Lesley University students ($46,145 vs. $19,167).

Hampshire College vs. Lesley University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Hampshire College or Lesley University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Lesley University and Hampshire College.

• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Hampshire College - Test-free; Lesley University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Hampshire College Jan 15, 2027.
• Lesley University has a higher acceptance rate (96.9%) than Hampshire College (75.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.4% at Hampshire College vs. 7.9% at Lesley University.

Hampshire College vs. Lesley University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Hampshire College and Lesley University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Hampshire College's six-year graduation rate (61%) is higher than Lesley University's (49%).
• Graduates from Lesley University earn a median of about $1,500 more per year than Hampshire College graduates about ten years after starting college ($38,600 vs. $37,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Hampshire College graduates have a $789 lower median loan debt than Lesley University graduates ($23,531 vs. $24,320).
• Among borrowers, Hampshire College graduates have an estimated $8 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Lesley University graduates ($243 vs. $251).
• More Hampshire College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Lesley University students, three years after graduation. (72% vs. 63%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.