Lesley University vs. USW

Comparable Facts

Compare Lesley University in Cambridge, MA with University of the Southwest in Hobbs, NM on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Lesley University is larger than USW based on total student enrollment (2,557 students vs. 1,130 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Lesley University is located in Cambridge, MA (Midsize City setting); University of the Southwest is in Hobbs, NM (Rural Fringe setting).
• Lesley University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of the Southwest is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Lesley University 10:1; University of the Southwest 21:1.

Lesley University vs. USW Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Lesley University or USW? 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 University of the Southwest than Lesley University ($17,243 vs. $32,587).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of the Southwest are 59.3% lower than at Lesley University ($8,100 vs. $19,920).
• Lesley University is 105.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than USW (about $17,586 more per year; $34,256.00 vs. $16,670.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 105.5% higher at Lesley University than at University of the Southwest (about $17,586 more per year; $34,256.00 vs. $16,670.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Lesley University than at University of the Southwest (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lesley University students is 83.7% larger than aid received by University of the Southwest students ($19,167 vs. $10,436).

Lesley University vs. USW Admissions comparison

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

• University of the Southwest reports an open admissions policy.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Lesley University - Test-free; USW - Open admission.
• Accepted freshman Lesley University students have a 0.68 point higher average high school GPA (3.31) than students at USW (2.63).

Lesley University vs. USW Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Lesley University and USW? 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 University of the Southwest's (18%).
• Graduates from University of the Southwest earn a median of about $7,100 more per year than Lesley University graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,700 vs. $38,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of the Southwest graduates have a $820 lower median loan debt than Lesley University graduates ($23,500 vs. $24,320).
• Among borrowers, USW graduates have an estimated $9 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Lesley University graduates ($242 vs. $251).
• More Lesley University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former USW students, three years after graduation. (63% vs. 47%)

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.