Graduate Tuition & Fees

Tuition, Fees, and Discounts

Discounts

We offer a few discounts for graduate students. For example, a 10 percent tuition discount for many of our campus-based graduate programs. You may be eligible if you are a Lesley alum, a senior (age 55+), a Cambridge, Massachusetts resident, or a City of Cambridge employee. Or, get a 25 percent discount if you are affiliated with City Year. Learn more about our graduate tuition discounts.

Master's Degree and Certificate Programs: Tuition & Fees

Tuition rates and fees vary by program and are effective as of June 1 each year. The displayed rates are applicable upon admission to a degree-granting program. Rates are subject to change.

  • Certificate Programs and Non-Degree Course Tuition
    Certificate Programs and Non-Degree Courses 2023–2024 2024–2025
    Arts in Health (On campus) $1,150/credit $1,200/credit
    Counseling Psychology (On campus) $1,300/credit $1,350/credit
    Education (On campus) $925/credit $875/credit
    Education (Off campus) $750/credit $875/credit
    Education (Online) $750/credit $875/credit
    Expressive Therapies (On campus)  $1,300/credit $1,350/credit
    Intercultural Relations $1,150/credit $1,200/credit
    Mindfulness (Low residency) $1,150/credit $1,200/credit
    Reading Specialist CAGS (On campus) $925/credit $875/credit

     

  • Master’s Degree & License-Only Programs Tuition
    Counseling/Psychology Programs 2023–2024 2024–2025
    Clinical Mental Health Counseling (On campus) $1,300/credit $1,350/credit
    Counseling Psychology (On campus) $1,300/credit $1,350credit
    Expressive Therapies (On campus & Low residency) $1,300/credit $1,350/credit

     

    Education Programs 2023–2024 2024–2025
    M.Ed. with Initial License Programs    
    M.Ed. with Initial License (On campus) (includes Reading Specialist program that leads to 2nd initial license) $925/credit $875/credit
    M.Ed. with Initial License (Off campus or online courses) (includes Reading Specialist program that leads to 2nd initial license) $750/credit $875/credit
    M.Ed. with Initial License (Teacher residency) (Lesley courses) $925/credit $875/credit
    M.Ed. Early Childhood with ESL Preparation in Somerville (Teacher residency) (Somerville courses) $300/credit $300/credit
    M.Ed. Elementary Education with ESL Preparation (Teacher residency) (School-based courses) $300/credit $300/credit
    M.Ed. with Initial License (Teacher residency) (Collaborative school-based courses) Varies by school Varies by school
    M.Ed. with Professional or Non-License Programs    
    M.Ed. Professional license or Non-license (On campus) $925/credit $875/credit
    M.Ed. Professional license or Non-license (Off campus) $750/credit $875/credit
    M.Ed. Professional license or Non-license (Online) $750/credit $875/credit
    License-Only Education Programs    
    License-Only (On campus) $925/credit $875/credit
    License-Only (Off campus) $750/credit $875/credit
    School Counseling Programs    
    MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling: School & Community Counseling (On campus) $1,300/credit $1,350/credit
    MA in Counseling Psychology: School Counseling Specialization (On campus) $1,300/credit $1,350/credit

     

    Other Programs 2023–2024 2024–2025
    International Higher Education (On campus) $1,150/credit $1,200/credit
    Management Program (Online) $750/credit $875/credit
    Master of Social Work (MSW) (On campus) $1,150/credit $1,200/credit
    Mindfulness Studies Programs (Low residency) $1,150/credit $1,200/credit
    MFA Programs    
    Creative Writing MFA (Low residency) $925/credit $975/credit
    Photography MFA (On campus) $1,150/credit $1,200/credit
    Visual Arts MFA  (Low residency) $1,150/credit $1,200/credit

     

  • Graduate Fees

    Review our Glossary of Fees for an explanation of the various fees and what they cover.
     

    The Comprehensive Fee replaces several fees that graduate students were previously assessed, including Activity Fees, Technology Fees, Registration Fees, Degree Completion Fees, Assessment Fees, and Materials Fees.  The Comprehensive Fee is $25 per registered credit.  Students registering for courses bearing zero credits are charged a Comprehensive Fee equal to one credit.

    Graduate Fees 2023–2024 2024–2025
    Affiliation Fee For specific education courses. $925 (one-time fee) $925 (one-time fee)

    Comprehensive Fee

    $25/credit $25/credit
    Field Experience Fees (For graduate programs with an internship or practicum.)    
    Counseling/Psychology $850/semester of internship $850/semester of internship
    Expressive Therapies $850/semester of internship $850/semester of internship
    Education $850/practicum $850/practicum
    MAP E-Portfolio Fee (For education master's and license-only programs) $200 (one-time fee) $200 (one-time fee)
    MAP Tevera Fee - Mental Health Field Placement, Licensure/Credentialing & Assessment Management Software Subscription Fee (for Expressive Therapies, Counseling & Psychology, and Social Work master's degree programs) $200 (one-time fee) $200 (one-time fee)
    Residency Fees Some low-residency programs charge this fee.    
    Creative Writing MFA $500/residency $500/residency
    Mindfulness Studies (Master’s & Certificate) $500/residency $500/residency
    Visual Arts MFA  (Residency fee) $500/residency $500/residency

     

  • Student Health Insurance (Graduate)

    You'll be billed for student health insurance if you're half- or full-time in an on-campus graduate program, unless you opt out. Low-residency students are not eligible for the Student Health Insurance plan.

    Learn more about Student Health Insurance.

    Student Health Insurance (Graduate) 2023–2024 2024–2025
    Annual Rate $7,533 $8,526
    Spring-Only Rate $4,394 $4,973
  • Tuition Insurance (optional)

    What happens when your education is disrupted by an unexpected injury or illness? Depending on the timing of the withdrawal, you may not be eligible to receive a refund of all your tuition and fees.

    The Tuition Insurance Protection Plan helps students and their families overcome the financial losses that may result from events that force students to withdraw from the semester due to a covered medical reason.  Helping families get the most out of your Lesley University experience is always our top priority.  That's why we've partnered with GradGuard to make the Tuition Insurance Protection Plan available to our families.

    This coverage strengthens and broadens the scope of our existing refund policy by ensuring reimbursement for tuition, housing, and other payments if a student withdraws for any covered medical reason at any time during the semester.

    Please remember the deadline to enroll is the day before classes begin each semester.

    Learn more at GradGuard.com/Tuition/Lesley or call 1.866.724.4384.

    Lesley University is not compensated for this program and provides the Tuition Insurance Protection Plan as a valuable student benefit.  The enrollment date is based on the academic calendar.  If you are not a traditional semester-based student, sign-up dates may vary.  Enrollment must be before the first day of class for your program of study.

    Terms, conditions, and exclusions apply. Plans only available to U.S. residents.  GradGuard is a service of Next Generation Insurance Group, LLC, the licensed agent for all insurance programs.  Insurance benefits are underwritten by Jefferson Insurance Company (NY; Administrative Office: Richmond, VA), rated "A+" (Superior) by A.M. Best Co., under Jefferson Form No. 101-C series or 101-P series.  Plan(s) may not be available in all jurisdictions.  Allianz Global Assistance and Allianz Tuition Insurance are brands of AGA Service Company.  AGA Service Company is the licensed producer and administrator of and an affiliate of Jefferson Insurance Company.  The insured shall not receive any special benefit or advantage due to the affiliation between AGA Service Company and Jefferson Insurance.

    *For our returning students, please note that this plan is offered through a different carrier and does not have the same opt-in/opt-out process.  Please refer to the Student Account Center, Lesley.afford.com, for further enrollment details.

    *Tuition Insurance is available to International Students as long as they use their US or college residence address when enrolling in the program.  The insurance is not offered to those with addresses outside of the country.  However, because the student will reside at the college during their education, they have a US residence.

  • Late Fees & Penalties

    Fees that apply to all students

      2023-2024 2024-2025
    Late Registration Fee $100/semester $100/semester
    Late Payment Fee Based on account balance, twice per semester:
    $500.00 to $3,000.00 - $100.00
    $3,001.00 to $5,500.00 - $200.00
    $5,501.00 and up - $300.00
    Based on account balance, twice per semester:
    $500.00 to $3,000.00 - $100.00
    $3,001.00 to $5,500.00 - $200.00
    $5,501.00 and up - $300.00
    Declined Payment Fee $50 $50
    Replacement Check Fee $20 $20
    Conduct Sanction Violation Fee Varies Varies
    Student ID Replacement Fee $25.00 $25.00

Doctoral (PhD) Programs

  • Doctoral Tuition
    PhD Programs 2023–2024 2024–2025
    Counseling Psychology
    (Low residency)
    $1,350/credit $1,350/credit
    Educational Studies: Educational Leadership
    (Low residency)
    $1,150/credit $1,200/credit
    Educational Studies: Human Development & Learning
    (Low residency)
    $1,150/credit $1,200/credit
    Educational Studies: Individually Designed
    (Low residency)
    $1,150/credit $1,200/credit
    Expressive Therapies (Low residency) $1,150/credit $1,200/credit
  • Doctoral Fees

    Review our Glossary of Fees for an explanation of the various fees and what they cover.

    Fees 2023–2024 2024–2025
    PhD Matriculation Fee
    Charged for first 12 semesters.
    $1,000/semester $1,000/semester
    PhD Continuation Fee
    Charged after first 12 semesters.
    $1,330/semester $1,330/semester
    Comprehensive Fee $25/credit $25/credit
  • Residency Fees
    Residency Programs 2023–2024 2024–2025
    Educational Studies: Educational Leadership $500/residency $500/residency
    Educational Studies: Human Development & Learning $500/residency $500/residency
    Educational Studies: Individually Designed $500/residency $500/residency
  • Student Health Insurance (Graduate)

    You'll be charged the Student Health Insurance fee if you are enrolled half- or full-time in an on-campus doctoral program unless you opt out.

    Low-Residency programs are not eligible for Student Health Insurance.

    Health Insurance Rates 2023–2024 2024–2025
    Annual Rate $7,533 $8,526
    Spring-Only Rate $4,394 $4,973
    Low residency programs are not eligible. N/A N/A

    Learn more about Student Health Insurance.

  • Tuition Insurance (optional)

    What happens when your education is disrupted by an unexpected injury or illness?  Depending on the timing of the withdrawal, you may not be eligible to receive a refund of all your tuition and fees.

    The Tuition Insurance Protection Plan helps students and their families overcome the financial losses that may result from events that force students to withdraw from the semester due to a covered medical reason.  Helping families get the most out of the Lesley University experience is our top priority. That's why we've partnered with GradGuard to make the Tuition Insurance Protection Plan available to our families.

    This coverage strengthens and broadens the scope of our existing refund policy by ensuring reimbursement for tuition, housing, and other payments if a student withdraws for any covered medical reason at any time during the semester.

    Deadline to Enroll: The day before classes begin each semester.

    Learn more: GradGuard.com/Tuition/Lesley or 1.866.724.4384

    Lesley University is not compensated for this program and provides the Tuition Insurance Protection Plan as a valuable student benefit.  The enrollment date is based on the academic calendar.  If you are not a traditional semester-based student, sign-up dates may vary.  Enrollment must be before the first day of class for your program of study.

    Terms, conditions, and exclusions apply. Plans only available to U.S. residents.  GradGuard is a service of Next Generation Insurance Group, LLC, the licensed agent for all insurance programs.  Insurance benefits are underwritten by Jefferson Insurance Company (NY; Administrative Office: Richmond, VA), rated "A+" (Superior) by A.M. Best Co., under Jefferson Form No. 101-C series or 101-P series.  Plan(s) may not be available in all jurisdictions.  Allianz Global Assistance and Allianz Tuition Insurance are brands of AGA Service Company.  AGA Service Company is the licensed producer and administrator of and an affiliate of Jefferson Insurance Company.  The insured shall not receive any special benefit or advantage due to the affiliation between AGA Service Company and Jefferson Insurance.

    *For our returning students, please note that this plan is offered through a different carrier and does not have the same opt-in/opt-out process.  Please refer to the Student Account Center, Lesley.afford.com, for enrollment details.

  • Late Fees & Penalties

    Fees that apply to all students

      2023-2024 2024-2025
    Late Registration Fee $100/semester $100/semester
    Late Payment Fee Based on account balance, twice per semester:
    $500.00 to $3,000.00 - $100.00
    $3,001.00 to $5,500.00 - $200.00
    $5,501.00 and up - $300.00
    Based on account balance, twice per semester:
    $500.00 to $3,000.00 - $100.00
    $3,001.00 to $5,500.00 - $200.00
    $5,501.00 and up - $300.00
    Declined Payment Fee $50 $50
    Replacement Check Fee $20 $20
    Conduct Sanction Violation Fee Varies Varies
    Student ID Replacement Fee $25.00 $25.00
Contact Student Accounts