Lesley University vs. Empire State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Lesley University in Cambridge, MA with Empire State University in Saratoga Springs, NY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Empire State University is larger than Lesley University based on total student enrollment (10,469 students vs. 2,557 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Lesley University is located in Cambridge, MA (Midsize City setting); Empire State University is in Saratoga Springs, NY (Small Suburban setting).
• Lesley University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Empire State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Lesley University 10:1; Empire State University 17:1.

Lesley University vs. Empire State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Lesley University or Empire State 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 Empire State University than Lesley University ($11,659 vs. $32,587).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Empire State University are 28.6% lower than at Lesley University ($14,230 vs. $19,920).
• Lesley University is 347.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Empire State University (about $26,608 more per year; $34,256.00 vs. $7,648.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 95.1% higher at Lesley University than at Empire State University (about $16,698 more per year; $34,256.00 vs. $17,558.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Lesley University than at Empire State University (100% vs. 82%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lesley University students is 132.5% larger than aid received by Empire State University students ($19,167 vs. $8,243).

Lesley University vs. Empire State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Lesley University or Empire State 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 Empire State University and Lesley University.

• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Lesley University - Test-free; Empire State University - Not reported.

Lesley University vs. Empire State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Lesley University and Empire State 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).

• Lesley University's six-year graduation rate (49%) is higher than Empire State University's (19%).
• Graduates from Empire State University earn a median of about $7,400 more per year than Lesley University graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,000 vs. $38,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Empire State University graduates have a $1,070 lower median loan debt than Lesley University graduates ($23,250 vs. $24,320).
• Among borrowers, Empire State University graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Lesley University graduates ($240 vs. $251).
• More Lesley University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Empire State University students, three years after graduation. (63% vs. 44%)

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.