Lesley University vs. Centra College

Comparable Facts

Compare Lesley University in Cambridge, MA with Centra College in Lynchburg, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Lesley University is larger than Centra College based on total student enrollment (2,557 students vs. 219 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Lesley University is located in Cambridge, MA (Midsize City setting); Centra College is in Lynchburg, VA (Small City setting).
• Lesley University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Centra College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Lesley University 10:1; Centra College 3:1.

Lesley University vs. Centra College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Lesley University or Centra College? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Centra College are 37.6% lower than at Lesley University ($12,424 vs. $19,920).
• Lesley University is 163.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Centra College (about $21,273 more per year; $34,256.00 vs. $12,983.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 163.9% higher at Lesley University than at Centra College (about $21,273 more per year; $34,256.00 vs. $12,983.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Lesley University than at Centra College (100% vs. 0%).

Lesley University vs. Centra College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Lesley University or Centra College? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Centra College and Lesley University.

• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Lesley University - Test-free; Centra College - Test-free.
• Centra College has a higher acceptance rate (100%) than Lesley University (96.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 7.9% at Lesley University vs. 0% at Centra College.

Lesley University vs. Centra College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Lesley University and Centra College? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Graduates from Centra College earn a median of about $6,200 more per year than Lesley University graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,800 vs. $38,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Centra College graduates have a $12,278 lower median loan debt than Lesley University graduates ($12,042 vs. $24,320).
• Among borrowers, Centra College graduates have an estimated $127 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Lesley University graduates ($124 vs. $251).
• More Centra College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Lesley University students, three years after graduation. (66% vs. 63%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.