
Lesley University is a private university in Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States. The university has a total undergraduate enrollment of 1,554 students as of Fall 2022 and offers more than 20 undergraduate majors and over 90 graduate programs. The university is made up of several academic units, including the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the Art Institute of Boston, and the Graduate School of Arts and Social Sciences. The campus is located in Cambridge, close to Harvard Square and Harvard Law School, and spans 5 acres.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of University | Private |
| Year founded | 1909 |
| Founder | Edith Lesley |
| Campus size | 5 acres |
| Location | Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States |
| Number of Campuses | 2 (Cambridge and Boston) |
| Number of Buildings | 6 (4 residence halls, 1 dining hall, classrooms) |
| Number of Students | 1,554 (as of fall 2022) |
| Number of Professors | Unknown, but small classes are offered |
| Number of Programs | Over 20 undergraduate majors and over 90 graduate programs |
| Ranking | #342 in National Universities (2025 edition of Best Colleges) |
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What You'll Learn

The university had 1,554 undergraduate students enrolled as of Fall 2022
As of Fall 2022, Lesley University had 1,554 undergraduate students enrolled. The university, founded in 1909, has since then maintained a focus on a select group of disciplines, including education, human services, management, and the arts. The original school, founded by Edith Lesley, was a private women's institution that trained kindergarten teachers. It was influenced by the work of Friedrich Froebel, who invented the concept of kindergarten.
Lesley University is a private institution based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, with a campus size of 5 acres. The campus is located near Harvard Square and Harvard Law School. The university has two main campuses: the South Campus in Harvard Square and the Doble Campus, which is adjacent to Cambridge Common. The South Campus is home to residence halls, a dining hall, classrooms, and the Graduate School of Arts and Social Sciences. The Doble Campus houses the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, previously known as the Lesley College, which offers undergraduate programmes.
In 1998, the Art Institute of Boston merged with Lesley College, and the institution gained university status in 2001. The Art Institute of Boston is now known as the College of Art and Design and is located on the main campus in Cambridge after moving there in 2015. The university has a strong focus on experiential learning, and students have the opportunity to complete multiple internships throughout their college experience. Lesley University offers more than 20 undergraduate majors and over 90 graduate programmes, including Adult Bachelor's, Master's, Certificates of Advanced Graduate Study, and PhDs.
Lesley University is known for its top-rated programmes in various fields, including counselling, psychology, business, and therapy. The university also has one of the best education programmes in New England and the country. The curriculum includes real-world projects, providing students with practical experiences and contributing to a high job placement rate among graduates. The university's ranking in the 2025 edition of Best Colleges is National Universities, #342.
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The campus size is 5 acres
Lesley University is a private university located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States. It was founded by Edith Lesley in 1909 as a private women's institution for training kindergarten teachers. The campus is named for Lesley benefactor and former chair of the Lesley Corporation, Frank C. Doble.
The Lunder Arts Center, located on the Porter Campus, was built on the former site of the North Prospect Church in 2013. The church was moved slightly to the south and repurposed. The Lunder Arts Center was awarded a LEED Gold certification by the U.S. Green Building Council, and Lesley also received a Preservation Award from the Cambridge Historical Commission for the restoration of the historic church.
In addition to its three campuses in Cambridge, Lesley University also offers programs at its Boston campus and online. The university offers over 20 undergraduate majors and 90 graduate programs, including Adult Bachelor's, Master's, Certificates of Advanced Graduate Study, and PhD programs.
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The university is located in Cambridge, Massachusetts
Lesley University is a private university located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States. The university is situated in an urban area, interwoven among three neighbourhoods between Harvard Square and Porter Square, all within walking distance of each other. The three areas are Doble Campus, South Campus (formerly Brattle), and Porter Campus. The main address is 29 Everett Street, Cambridge, MA 02138.
The university is easily accessible via public transportation. The Doble and South campuses are each just a five-minute walk from Harvard Square, which is served by the Red Line subway and numerous bus lines. The Porter Campus is conveniently located near Porter Square station, also accessible via the Red Line. For those visiting the university by car, parking passes can be requested from the Public Safety Office, and there is also paid parking available behind University Hall.
Cambridge is a vibrant city known for its research and scholarship, with a plethora of shops and restaurants along Massachusetts Ave. The university is also within walking distance of its famous neighbour, Harvard University. The city offers a wealth of exploration, with Boston just minutes away by train. Cambridge's artistic and cultural offerings are enhanced by the presence of Lesley University, which has a strong focus on the arts, with nearly half of its students and faculty engaged in artistic pursuits.
The university's location in Cambridge provides a stimulating environment for its students, with the city attracting creative, smart, and interesting people from all over the world. Cambridge forms an intellectual hub, with a unique blend of research and scholarship that is unmatched globally. The university's proximity to other academic institutions and cultural attractions makes it an ideal location for those seeking a well-rounded educational experience.
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Lesley University is made up of several colleges, schools, and centres
Lesley University is a private university in Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States. It was founded by Edith Lesley in 1909 as a private women's institution for training kindergarten teachers. The university is made up of several colleges, schools, and centres, offering a wide range of academic programmes.
The university's original colleges became its undergraduate units when it gained university status. These include the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, formerly known as Lesley College, which became coeducational in 2005. The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences offers a variety of programmes, including a BFA in Graphic Design and Illustration. The College of Art and Design, previously known as the Art Institute of Boston, is another integral part of the university, reflecting its focus on the arts.
Lesley University also comprises graduate schools, including the Graduate School of Arts and Social Sciences, located in Harvard Square. This graduate school offers advanced programmes, contributing to the university's academic portfolio. The university's centres, such as the Lesley Center for the Adult Learner, provide specialised educational opportunities. The centre caters to adult learners, offering bachelor's degree programmes with flexible on-campus, off-campus, and online learning options.
The university's campuses in Cambridge and Boston house its academic units. The South Campus in Harvard Square features residence halls, a dining hall, classrooms, and the Sherrill Hall, in addition to the Graduate School of Arts and Social Sciences. The Doble Campus is adjacent to Cambridge Common, providing further academic facilities. The Lunder Arts Center, located in Porter Square, is a notable addition to the university's infrastructure, earning LEED Gold certification and a Preservation Award for its restoration of the historic North Prospect Church.
Lesley University's colleges, schools, and centres collectively offer a comprehensive array of academic programmes, contributing to a diverse and enriching educational experience for its students.
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The university has a strong focus on experiential learning
Lesley University is a private university in Cambridge, Massachusetts, with a total undergraduate enrollment of 1,554 students as of Fall 2022. The university has a strong focus on experiential learning, offering a range of unique programs and opportunities that provide students with hands-on, real-world experience in their chosen fields.
One of the key ways in which Lesley University incorporates experiential learning is through its internship program. The university has partnerships with various organizations and institutions, offering students the opportunity to gain practical experience and build their professional networks. For example, the university's education program stands out due to its partnerships with schools and school districts, such as the Perkins School for the Blind and the Quincy school system. These partnerships provide students with field placements and priority job considerations upon graduation.
The teacher residency program at Lesley University is another example of its commitment to experiential learning. This intensive program allows students to earn a Master's of Education degree and an initial teaching license in just over a year of full-time work and study. By immersing themselves in the classroom and gaining hands-on experience, students not only acquire theoretical knowledge but also develop practical skills and competencies.
The university also emphasizes the importance of community engagement and social impact. Through initiatives like the Maine Scholars program, Lesley University creates seamless pathways to employment for its students, particularly in fields such as education and mental health. Additionally, the university fosters an inclusive and empathetic environment, with programs like the anti-bias education initiative, which empowers early childhood educators to create learning communities that support human differences and address issues such as racism and white privilege.
Lesley University's approach to experiential learning is evident in its dedication to providing students with a well-rounded education that extends beyond the classroom. The university encourages students to explore their creativity and engage with the vibrant local community in Cambridge. With its strong focus on the fine arts, liberal arts, and design, the university offers a diverse range of academic units, including the College of Art and Design and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Students can pursue a variety of undergraduate majors, graduate programs, and even adult bachelor's degree programs, allowing them to tailor their educational journey to their unique interests and goals.
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Frequently asked questions
As of Fall 2022, there were 1,554 undergraduate students enrolled at Lesley University. The university was founded in 1909 as a private women's institution for kindergarten teacher training.
The Lesley University campus is 5 acres big and is located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, close to Harvard Square. The campus is next to Harvard Law School.
The school's early philosophy was based on John Ruskin's words: "In art that the heart, the head, and the hand of a man come together". The university is also dedicated to the idea that "beauty comes from use". Today, the university is known for its focus on experiential learning, with students completing multiple internships and real-world projects during their time at the university.











































