Lesley University vs. Drexel

Comparable Facts

Compare Lesley University in Cambridge, MA with Drexel University in Philadelphia, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Drexel University is larger than Lesley University based on total student enrollment (21,153 students vs. 2,557 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Lesley University is located in Cambridge, MA (Midsize City setting); Drexel University is in Philadelphia, PA (Large City setting).
• Lesley University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Drexel University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Lesley University 10:1; Drexel University 9:1.

Lesley University vs. Drexel Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Lesley University or Drexel? 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 Lesley University than Drexel ($32,587 vs. $42,801).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Drexel University are 9.2% lower than at Lesley University ($18,096 vs. $19,920).
• Drexel University is 82.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Lesley University (about $28,156 more per year; $62,412.00 vs. $34,256.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 82.2% higher at Drexel than at Lesley University (about $28,156 more per year; $62,412.00 vs. $34,256.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Lesley University as at Drexel University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Drexel University students is 82.9% larger than aid received by Lesley University students ($35,051 vs. $19,167).

Lesley University vs. Drexel Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Lesley University or Drexel? 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 Drexel and Lesley University.

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsDrexel University 1240/1440.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsDrexel University 27/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Lesley University - Test-free; Drexel - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Drexel Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Drexel students have a 0.36 point higher average high school GPA (3.67) than students at Lesley University (3.31).
• Lesley University has a higher acceptance rate (96.9%) than Drexel (79.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 7.9% at Lesley University vs. 8.1% at Drexel.

Lesley University vs. Drexel Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Lesley University and Drexel? 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).

• Drexel University's six-year graduation rate (68%) is higher than Lesley University's (49%).
• Graduates from Drexel University earn a median of about $38,800 more per year than Lesley University graduates about ten years after starting college ($77,400 vs. $38,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Lesley University graduates have a $1,923 lower median loan debt than Drexel graduates ($24,320 vs. $26,243).
• Among borrowers, Lesley University graduates have an estimated $20 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Drexel graduates ($251 vs. $271).
• More Drexel graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Lesley University students, three years after graduation. (77% 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.