Lesley University: Out-Of-State Student Support And Resources

Lesley University is a private, nonprofit institution located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, that offers a variety of financial aid options for its students. The university strives to make its private university experience as affordable as possible, with 95% of first-time undergraduate students receiving financial aid. The university meets 60% of the demonstrated financial need for undergraduates, and the average financial aid package for a full-time, first-year student is $19,036 per year. Additionally, Lesley University offers merit-based scholarships, grants, work-study programs, and loans to help students finance their education. International students, who are not eligible for federal or state funding, can also apply for private loans, student jobs, and scholarships. The university provides a range of scholarships for students from different communities and schools, as well as those with financial need or exceptional academic records. The university also participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program, which assists veterans and their dependents in earning a degree. While the university does not specifically mention assistance with travel expenses for out-of-state students, the range of financial aid options available can help reduce the overall cost of attendance, including transportation costs.

Scholarships and grants

Lesley University offers a range of scholarships and grants to help students finance their education. These include:

Merit-Based Scholarships

Lesley University offers merit-based scholarships to incoming students based on their academic record and potential for success. Students are automatically considered for these scholarships when they apply, and there is no need to fill out additional application forms. The scholarships are renewable each year, provided the student maintains good academic standing and makes satisfactory progress toward their degree.

Urban Scholars Initiative (USI)

The Urban Scholars Initiative provides scholarships to first-year and transfer undergraduate students from partner community organizations. These scholarships cover 50% of the student's tuition. To be eligible, students must have participated in and be recommended by one of Lesley's USI partner organizations and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

City of Boston Scholarship

This scholarship is offered in collaboration with Bunker Hill Community College and the Urban College of Boston. It provides financial support to graduates with an Associate's degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field who are committed to working in Boston for at least three years. The scholarship covers full tuition and fees through December 2025.

Community Scholarships

Lesley University offers a few undergraduate scholarships for students from certain communities or schools, such as the Cambridge Rindge & Latin Merit Scholarship and the Boston Arts Academy Scholarship. These scholarships provide full tuition for up to four years and are awarded based on academic merit and portfolio strength.

Federal Pell Grant

The Federal Pell Grant is a need-based grant offered by the U.S. Department of Education to first-time bachelor's degree students. The maximum grant amount for the 2021-2022 academic year was $6,495.

Federal TEACH Grant

The Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant is a federal grant for students studying to become teachers, particularly those planning to work in low-income schools and teach high-need subjects. The grant amount varies based on financial need.

State Scholarships and Grants

Lesley University has agreements with grant agencies in Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Vermont, allowing funds from these states to be disbursed to full-time undergraduate students.

Massachusetts Grants

Massachusetts residents can apply for various need-based grants, such as the Massachusetts State Grant, Paraprofessional Teacher Preparation Grant, Early Childhood Educators Scholarship, and Massachusetts Public Service Grant.

Non-Massachusetts State Grants

For students residing outside of Massachusetts, there may be need-based grants and scholarships available from their state of residence. However, receiving a non-Massachusetts state grant may result in a reduction in Lesley grant funding.

Study Abroad Scholarships

For students interested in studying abroad, there are several organizations that provide scholarships, including AIFS Study Abroad, Benjamin Gilman International Scholarships, CIEE, and Fund for Education Abroad.

Graduate Scholarships

Lesley University offers several merit-based scholarships for graduate students, including the Dimock Scholars, Eliot Scholars, Quincy Scholars, and Riverside Scholars programs. These scholarships are based on the strength of the student's application and provide generous financial support.

Early Childhood Education Program Scholarship

The Constance and Lewis Counts Scholarship is awarded to students pursuing a degree in early childhood education, either at the bachelor's or master's level. Applicants are evaluated based on their commitment to the field, interest in multicultural issues, financial need, and academic standing.

The Lesley Dividend

Students who earn their bachelor's degree at Lesley University are eligible for a significant discount on their master's degree, receiving 12 free credits toward their graduate program. This can result in tuition savings of up to $13,560.

City Year Partnership Discount

City Year corps members, alumni, and staff are offered a 25% tuition discount on select graduate programs at Lesley University. This discount can be combined with the City Year Scholarship, which provides additional financial support.

Other Lesley Graduate Tuition Discounts

Lesley University offers several other tuition discounts for graduate programs, including the Lesley Alumni Discount, Senior Citizen Discount, City of Cambridge Employee Discount, and Cambridge Resident Discount. These discounts range from 10-25% and have specific eligibility requirements.

Study abroad

Studying abroad is a fantastic opportunity for students to broaden their horizons, gain new perspectives, and enhance their language skills. Lesley University offers a range of study abroad programs for both undergraduate and graduate students, with options available across the globe.

Eligibility

To be eligible to study abroad, students must be in good academic and conduct standing with the university. They must also have a valid passport and comply with any provider or exchange requirements. It is important to note that applications should be submitted at least a year before the intended travel date, with most applications due the semester before.

Types of Programs

Lesley University offers three types of study abroad programs:

• Travel-study/faculty-led: These programs are led by Lesley University faculty and can be taken at any time, as long as students meet the course prerequisites.
• Provider programs: These programs are offered by outside providers and can include semesters at universities, field-based locations, or even semesters at sea! Students pay the provider's educational fees and can use their state and federal aid, but not Lesley scholarships, to fund their studies.
• Exchange programs: These programs allow students to study at partner institutions for a semester or a year.

Application Process

The application process for studying abroad at Lesley University is straightforward. Students can follow these steps:

• Email advising@lesley.edu to request a meeting with an advisor about studying abroad.
• Meet with your academic advisor to discuss program options.
• Decide on a program and get a cost estimate from the provider.
• Meet with student financial services to discuss funding options for your semester abroad.
• Complete the consortia agreement sent by your academic advisor.
• Fill out the FAFSA to determine your eligibility for federal and state aid.
• Receive a cost estimate from the Study Abroad Office and review your aid options with the Financial Aid Office.
• Complete a Study Abroad Contractual Agreement from the Financial Aid Office.
• Learn about study abroad scholarships.

Students with Disabilities

Lesley University is committed to ensuring that all qualified students with disabilities have an equal opportunity to participate in study abroad programs. Students with disabilities are encouraged to speak with their disability specialist to identify any reasonable accommodations they may need while overseas. It is important to keep in mind that disability accommodations and perceptions vary across cultures, so flexibility is key.

Tuition fees

Tuition rates and fees at Lesley University vary by program and are effective from June 1 each year. The rates are also subject to change. In 2021, the tuition for full-time students was $31,890 a year, which increased by 4.51% in 2023. The university meets 60% of the demonstrated financial need for undergraduates.

For undergraduate programs, tuition rates differ depending on whether you are studying on-campus or online. For on-campus programs, full-time students (12-18 credits/semester) are charged a different rate to part-time students (up to 11.5 credits/semester). There is also a separate rate for each credit over 18 (overload). Summer courses are also charged at a different rate.

For online undergraduate programs, there are separate rates for fully online bachelor's degree programs and post-baccalaureate certificate programs.

For graduate programs, there are different rates for master's degree and certificate programs, with a 10% tuition discount available for many campus-based graduate programs. The master's degree and certificate programs also have varying rates depending on whether they are on-campus or off-campus.

There are also additional fees for graduate programs, such as the Comprehensive Fee, which is $25 per registered credit, and the Affiliation Fee for specific education courses. Field Experience Fees are charged for graduate programs with an internship or practicum, and these vary depending on the program.

Lesley University offers a range of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and loans. The university has a dedicated financial aid office to assist students and their families in navigating the different options and creating a customized financial plan.

Financial aid

Lesley University is a private, nonprofit institution, so it has the same tuition fees for residents of Massachusetts as it does for residents from other states. The tuition fees for full-time students at the university were $31,890 a year in 2021, and $30,514 in 2023. The university meets 60% of the demonstrated financial need for undergraduates, and first-year students that attend full-time are awarded $19,036 a year in financial aid, on average.

International students are not eligible for federal or state funding, but they can research private or university-specific grants, scholarships, and other funding opportunities. International students can also apply for private loans, and student jobs.

For US students, the majority of undergraduates use financial aid to help pay for school. Students should begin their pursuit of financial aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This will determine eligibility for federal and state aid, and some types of school-based aid. There are also other non-government aid programs that require the FAFSA.

Lesley University offers merit-based scholarships to incoming students, which are awarded based on the strength of the student's academic record and their demonstrated potential for further success. There are also community scholarships available for students from certain communities or schools.

There are also federal grants and loans available, such as the Federal Direct Loan, the Federal Perkins Loan, and the Federal TEACH Grant for Education Students.

Work options

International students can apply for part-time, paid jobs on campus through the Lesley Works employment program. They can also get authorised to work off-campus through Curricular Practical Training and Optional Practical Training.

Students who receive Federal Work-Study funding can find a part-time Work-Study job and earn their award through the hours they work. Most jobs are on campus in an office, but some are at off-campus locations.

If you don't get Work-Study funding, you can apply for other part-time jobs on campus through the Lesley Works student employment program. Or, search for an off-campus job through the Career Resource Center.

Frequently asked questions