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Head-to-head comparison

Lesley University vs College of Our Lady of the Elms: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Cambridge MA · vs · Private nonprofit, Chicopee 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 Chicopee, MA

College of Our Lady of the Elms

Net price / year
$17,545
Earnings, 10 years
$51,540
Payback
22.1 yrs
The verdict

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.)

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Head to head
MeasureLesley UniversityCollege 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
Payback44.3 yrs22.1 yrs
20-year net return-$68,348-$6,580

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

The short answer

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.

The short answer

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.

The short answer

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.

The short answer

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.

Lesley University vs College of Our Lady of the Elms: frequently asked questions

Is Lesley University or College of Our Lady of the Elms a better value?
College of Our Lady of the Elms. It clears its $70,180 net cost in about 22.1 years versus 44.3 years at Lesley University, on median earnings of $51,540 vs $51,173 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Lesley University or College of Our Lady of the Elms?
College of Our Lady of the Elms: $17,545/yr net price after aid versus $31,152/yr at Lesley University — a difference of $13,607 a year, or about $54,428 over four years.
Do Lesley University or College of Our Lady of the Elms graduates earn more?
College of Our Lady of the Elms graduates earn a median $51,540 ten years after entry, versus $51,173 at Lesley University — a $367 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.