Lesley Art + Design

1801 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts

Lunder Arts Center
Photo: Robert Benson courtesy of Bruner/Cott Architects
Background Image: Lesley Art + Design : Lunder Arts Center

Combining the rigor of an independent art school with the resources of a larger university, Lesley Art + Design has nurtured the creativity and shaped the careers of artists and designers for 100+ years. With an experimental and interdisciplinary approach, the college emphasizes small class sizes, studio-intensive mentoring, and access to high-profile faculty and visiting artists. Explore our BFA, MFA, and pre-college programs.

DEGREES OFFERED: BA, BS, BFA, MFA
ACCREDITATION: NASAD, NECHE

Hover over dots to see degrees offered and online availability.

MAJORS OFFERED:

Animation and Motion MediaBachelors Degree
Art EducationMasters Degree
Art HistoryBachelors Degree
DesignBachelors Degree Certificate
Digital FilmmakingBachelors Degree
Fine ArtsBachelors Degree

 

 

Graphic DesignBachelors Degree
IllustrationBachelors Degree Certificate
Interactive DesignBachelors Degree
Interdisciplinary StudiesBachelors Degree
PhotographyBachelors Degree Masters Degree
Visual ArtsMasters (low-residency) Masters Degree

MINORS OFFERED:

Animation and Motion MediaBachelors degree
Art HistoryBachelors degree
Book ArtBachelors degree
DesignBachelors degree
Digital VideoBachelors degree

 

Fine ArtsBachelors degree
IllustrationBachelors degree
Installation/PerformanceBachelors degree
PhotographyBachelors degree
Visual NarrativesBachelors degree

LEGEND

Certificate
Associates Degree
Bachelor's Degree

Postbaccalaureate Certificate
Low-Residency Masters
Masters Degree


Fully Online
Partially Online
Optional Online

FOUNDATION PROGRAM
In the foundation year of the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) program, students will reap numerous benefits, be immersed in an artistic community, explore areas of study beyond their comfort zone, and integrate those newly developed skills/knowledge into their artistic process.


This program is Residential.

UNDERGRADUATE COST OF ATTENDANCE 2025-2026
FULL-TIME  
TUITION $ 34,826
MANDATORY FEES 1,146
BOOKS & SUPPLIES 1,815
ON-CAMPUS ROOM & BOARD 21,112
OFF-CAMPUS ROOM & BOARD 15,246
OTHER 1,634
FINANCIAL AID 2023-2024 FULL-TIME FRESHMEN *
AID CATEGORY AVG PER RECIPIENT 1st YR RECIPIENTS
INSTITUTIONAL AWARDS3 $16,670 100%
FEDERAL/NATIONAL GRANTS 6,634 25%
STATE & LOCAL GRANTS 2,913 69%
FEDERAL STUDENT LOANS 5,054 67%

AVERAGE AMOUNT RECEIVED PER RECIPIENT: $26,736
100% OF FULL-TIME FRESHMEN RECEIVED AID

* Most recent financial aid data available

ACCEPTANCE RATE: 85%

Acceptance Rate = The percentage of students admitted out of applications received in a given year.

 
ENROLLMENT: FALL 2024

UNDERGRADUATE FTE1 = 427

UNDERGRADUATE

FULL-TIME 389
PART-TIME 98

NOTE 1: "Full-Time Equivalent" is the common way to measure the relative size of colleges. This adjusts for differences in the percentage of part-time students (or faculty). For example: one full-time student = 1 FTE; three half-time students = 1.5 FTE, etc.

UNDERGRADUATE ADMISSIONS PROCESS
APPLICATION: Required
ONLINE APPLICATION: Recommended
APPLICATION FEES: $50 (approximate)
HOME EXAM: Not Required
INTERVIEW: Recommended
ESSAY: N/A
SAT / ACT: Required
PORTFOLIO: Required
LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION: N/A
IELTS: Required if English is a second language
Minimum score 6
TOEFL: N/A

TRANSCRIPTS

HIGH SCHOOL: Not Required
COLLEGE: Required, if transferring
FACULTY: 2024-2025

FACULTY FTE1 = 49

FULL-TIME 19
PART-TIME 64
 

STUDENT/FACULTY RATIO: FALL 2024
8.7 TO 1
FTE STUDENTS PER FTE FACULTY1

RETENTION

FRESHMAN RETENTION

FALL 2022 FRESHMEN
RETURNING IN FALL 2023
73%
 
FALL 2023 FRESHMEN
RETURNING IN FALL 2024
80%
GRADUATION

SIX-YEAR GRADUATION RATE

FALL 2017 FRESHMEN
GRADUATING WITHIN SIX YEARS
 
68%
 
FALL 2018 FRESHMEN
GRADUATING WITHIN SIX YEARS
 
71%

UNDERGRADUATE ETHNICITY

FALL 2024

UNDERGRADUATE GENDER DISTRIBUTION

FALL 2024

NEW STUDENT GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION2

FALL 2024
OTHER PROGRAMS

Advanced Professional Certificate
Continuing Education
High School / Pre College Programs
Summer Sessions

SPECIAL OPPORTUNITIES

Internship Required
Wide Range of Study Abroad Options
Access through Lesley University to: Academic Support Services, Athletics, Counseling, Health Services, Career Services, and a Multitude of Student Activities and Community Service Programs

NOTE 1: "Full-Time Equivalent" is the common way to measure the relative size of colleges. This adjusts for differences in the percentage of part-time students (or faculty). For example: one full-time student = 1 FTE; three half-time students = 1.5 FTE, etc. NOTE 2: Geographic distribution is reported for first-time degree/certificate-seeking undergraduates. NOTE 3: Includes all institutional scholarships and grants, but does not include College Work Study or third party awards.