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Head-to-head comparison

Lesley University vs American International College: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Cambridge MA · vs · Private nonprofit, Springfield MA

By the Degree Dividend editorial data teamEvery figure verified against its federal source — methodologyData updated June 2026

Option A Cambridge, MA

Lesley University

Net price / year
$31,152
Earnings, 10 years
$51,173
Payback
44.3 yrs

Option B Springfield, MA

American International College

Net price / year
$23,274
Earnings, 10 years
$53,124
Payback
19.5 yrs
The verdict

American International College has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $93,096 in 19.5 years versus 44.3 years at Lesley University, on median earnings of $53,124 vs $51,173 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureLesley UniversityAmerican International College
Net price / yr$31,152$23,274
Total net cost$124,608$93,096
Median earnings, 10 yrs$51,173$53,124
Median debt$21,000$27,000
Payback44.3 yrs19.5 yrs
20-year net return-$68,348$2,184

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

The short answer

Which is cheaper, Lesley University or American International College?

American International College, at $23,274 a year after aid versus $31,152 — a gap of $7,878 a year, or $31,512 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

The short answer

Do Lesley University or American International College graduates earn more?

American International College graduates report a median $53,124 ten years after entry, $1,951 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.

The short answer

Which leaves students with less debt, Lesley University or American International College?

Lesley University: its completers carry a median $21,000 in federal loans versus $27,000 at American International College, a difference of $6,000. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

The short answer

Which graduates more of its students?

58% of students finish at Lesley University, against 46% at American International College. 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.

Lesley University vs American International College: frequently asked questions

Is Lesley University or American International College a better value?
American International College. It clears its $93,096 net cost in about 19.5 years versus 44.3 years at Lesley University, on median earnings of $53,124 vs $51,173 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Lesley University or American International College?
American International College: $23,274/yr net price after aid versus $31,152/yr at Lesley University — a difference of $7,878 a year, or about $31,512 over four years.
Do Lesley University or American International College graduates earn more?
American International College graduates earn a median $53,124 ten years after entry, versus $51,173 at Lesley University — a $1,951 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.