Lesley University vs College of Our Lady of the Elms: which has better ROI?
College of Our Lady of the Elms has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $70,180 in 22.1 years versus 44.3 years at Lesley University, on median earnings of $51,540 vs $51,173 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Lesley University | College of Our Lady of the Elms |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $31,152 | $17,545 |
| Total net cost | $124,608 | $70,180 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $51,173 | $51,540 |
| Median debt | $21,000 | $25,000 |
| Payback | 44.3 yrs | 22.1 yrs |
| 20-year net return | -$68,348 | -$6,580 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Lesley University or College of Our Lady of the Elms?
College of Our Lady of the Elms, at $17,545 a year after aid versus $31,152 — a gap of $13,607 a year, or $54,428 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Lesley University or College of Our Lady of the Elms graduates earn more?
College of Our Lady of the Elms graduates report a median $51,540 ten years after entry, $367 more than the $51,173 at Lesley University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, Lesley University or College of Our Lady of the Elms?
Lesley University: its completers carry a median $21,000 in federal loans versus $25,000 at College of Our Lady of the Elms, a difference of $4,000. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
68% of students finish at College of Our Lady of the Elms, against 58% at Lesley University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.