Admit rate has ranged 73%–85% over the last 5 years — notably volatile. Source: IPEDS via Urban Institute.
Acceptance & SAT from Common Data Set / IPEDS; net price, earnings & graduation from the U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard. Figures lag ~1–2 years — verify with the school.
Lasell University is a small, suburban Boston institution that has carved out a distinct niche by marrying professional preparation with a hands-on, 'connected learning' philosophy. It’s a place where fashion design students show collections, business majors run pop-up shops, and nearly everyone lives on a compact, residential campus. With an admissions process that is accessible and a focus on career-ready degrees, Lasell serves students looking for a practical, immersive college experience just a few T stops from the city.
Admission requirements
Test-optional — scores considered if submitted
Required
High school transcript
Grade point average
Letters of recommendation
TOEFL (non-native English)
Considered (not required)
Class rank
Test scores (SAT/ACT)
College-prep program
Source: IPEDS Admissions survey (2022) via Urban Institute. Covers formal factors only — it does not reflect essays, extracurriculars, or other holistic criteria.
More details
Undergrad enrollment
1,226
In-state tuition
$27,040
Out-of-state tuition
$27,040
Top Majors
Communication (14%), Fashion/Apparel Design (8%), Business Administration (7%)
Graduation Rate
59%
Median Earnings (10yr)
$49,705
Students Living On Campus
80%
Students Receiving Financial Aid
96%
Outcomes & value
Outcomes & value
Median earnings (10 yr)
$49,705
Value (earnings ÷ net price)
1.8×
Median debt at graduation
$26,000
Graduation rate
59%
First-year retention
70%
Reducing loan balance (3 yr)
67%
Pell (lower-income) share
31%
First-gen share (among federal-aid recipients)
29%
Financial health
2.0 / 3.0Meets the federal financial-responsibility standard
U.S. Dept. of Education Financial Responsibility Composite Score (FY2022-23). Scale −1.0 to 3.0; ≥1.5 meets the standard. Reported for private nonprofit & for-profit institutions only — public universities are state-backed and not scored, so this is a stability signal, not a ranking.
Top-earning majors
Median earnings by field of study (highest credential), ~2 years after completion.
Marketing$46,087
Business Administration, Management and Operations$43,426
Hospitality Administration/Management$39,369
Communication and Media Studies$37,808
Criminology$37,478
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness$36,717
Campus & location
Campus safety
On-campus violent crimes (2024)
3
Per 1,000 students
1.87
On-campus criminal offenses classed as violent (murder/non-negligent manslaughter, rape, robbery, aggravated assault) for the most recent reported year. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security (Clery Act). Counts reflect what’s reported to the school, and urban campuses often report more partly due to non-student incidents nearby — read alongside campus size and setting, not as a standalone safety verdict.
Climate
Pleasant days / yr
90
Summer high
82°F
Winter low
24°F
Annual rain
49.8"
Annual snow
33.5"
Natural-hazard risk
Relatively High
Pleasant days counts days per year with a mean temperature of 55–75°F, a high at or below 90°F, a low at or above 45°F, and little precipitation — a transparent comfort measure, not a weighting we invented. Computed from Open-Meteo ERA5 daily history (2019–2023). Natural-hazard risk is the county’s composite rating from the FEMA National Risk Index.
Quick answers
What is the acceptance rate at Lasell University?
Lasell University's acceptance rate is approximately 81% (Newton, MA), based on the most recent figures we compiled from public and primary sources.
What SAT score do you need for Lasell University?
Admitted students at Lasell University typically score 1030–1158 on the SAT (the middle-50% range). Scores outside this band are still admitted, especially with strong applications.
How much does Lasell University cost?
At Lasell University, the average net price (after aid) is about $27,511 per year. Actual cost varies with financial aid and residency.
How many undergraduates attend Lasell University?
Lasell University enrolls approximately 1,226 undergraduate students.
Where is Lasell University located?
Lasell University is located in Newton, MA.
Admissions
Lasell University operates with an open and accessible admissions process, positioning itself as a likely option for a wide range of applicants. The university offers both Early Action and Regular Decision pathways, with Early Action decisions released in mid-December. While the framework outlines how colleges evaluate factors like demonstrated interest, the specific weight Lasell assigns to such criteria is not detailed in the provided sources. The admissions strategy appears focused on fit and readiness rather than extreme selectivity, with a that considers both academic performance and other factors.
Application Volume: Data shows the university received 2,672 applications in a recent cycle.
Test Scores: Admitted students typically present SAT scores within a defined middle range.
Academic Profile: The average high school GPA of admitted students is reported as 3.27.
Earnings = median of students working ~10 years after entry; debt = median of graduates. Value divides 10-yr earnings by one year’s net price — read it as earnings per dollar of annual cost, not a full lifetime ROI; it favors lower-cost schools. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard. Figures lag ~2 years and reflect all students, not your intended major.
Specialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Operations$36,560
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods$35,416
Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings). Figures cover graduates who received federal aid and lag ~2 years; not all programs report data.
Lasell's academic identity is built on its 'connected learning' model, which emphasizes the direct application of classroom theory to real-world projects, internships, and professional scenarios. The curriculum is heavily oriented toward career preparation across its schools. Students choose from over 30 undergraduate majors and minors, with particularly strong enrollments in communication, fashion/apparel design, and business administration.
Signature Programs: Fashion/Apparel Design is a notable standout, comprising 8% of all majors. Business Administration and Management (7%) and Communication (14%) are also top programs. Other career-focused offerings include Athletic Training (offered as a 4+2 program), Criminal Justice, and Sport Management.
Teaching Environment: The university is characterized as a small institution where professors are noted for being personable and accessible. Academic support, including tutoring and advisory services, is described as extremely available.
Pedagogical Approach: The university promotes an interdisciplinary and connected approach to learning, particularly within its schools of business, communication, and fashion.
Life at Lasell is intensely residential and active, with the vast majority of undergraduates living on campus. The 50-acre suburban setting in Newton provides a traditional collegiate environment that is still closely linked to Boston. Student life is organized around a robust roster of clubs and organizations—over 60 in total—which aim to foster community and cultural awareness.
Residential Character: 80% of students live in college-owned, -operated, or -affiliated housing, creating a predominantly on-campus community. Only 20% of students live off-campus.
Campus Engagement: The university is committed to student success both inside and outside the classroom. The Multicultural Student Union (MSU) is a key organization that works to unite students from all backgrounds and promote cultural awareness on campus.
Setting: The suburban campus is described as providing a vibrant student life, with numerous events held throughout the year. Campus housing costs are a significant part of the overall .
Lasell's outcomes reflect its mission as a career-oriented institution. The university reports solid post-graduation earnings for its alumni, with salaries six years after graduation notably exceeding the national median for many colleges. Graduation rates have been reported at various levels across sources, indicating a focus on student progression through to degree completion.
Post-Graduation Earnings: The median earnings for graduates six years after entry are reported as $45,468, which is about 4% higher than national outcomes. Other sources cite earnings of $57,604 five years after graduation.
Graduation Rate: The six-year graduation rate is reported as 58.6%. Other sources note a 62% graduation rate and a five-year average of 61% of students earning their degree.
Early Career Earnings: Earnings one year after graduation are reported at $37,194 per year.
Lasell is a private university with a sticker price that reflects its New England location, but it works to offset that cost with substantial institutional aid. The vast majority of students receive some form of financial assistance, making the significantly lower than the published tuition and fees.
Financial Aid Prevalence: 96% of full-time beginning undergraduates receive grant or scholarship aid. One source states 100% of undergraduate students receive financial aid, with 32% benefiting from federal Pell grants.
Institutional Support: The university awards more than $30 million annually in financial aid. The average financial aid package is reported as $18,956.
Net Price: The average net price—the cost after aid and scholarships—is a key figure for families. Aid offers are determined using a structured approach that considers both academic performance and demonstrated financial need based on the FAFSA. The university provides a Net Price Calculator for estimates and requires the FAFSA for financial aid consideration.
Loan Availability: Direct Unsubsidized Loans are available to undergraduates regardless of demonstrated financial need.
Lasell University distinguishes itself through a deliberate and pervasive focus on 'connected learning'—a pedagogy that blurs the line between classroom theory and professional practice. This isn't a school with a few internship options; it's a curriculum built around the idea that students learn by doing, whether that's designing a fashion line, managing a business simulation, or training in athletic clinics. This practical ethos is housed within a classic, highly residential New England campus where 80% of students live, fostering a tight-knit community just outside Boston. The combination creates a specific type of college experience: one that is immersive, hands-on, and unapologetically geared toward launching careers, all while providing the traditional supports and social structure of a small university. It's a fit for students who want a clear path from study to work, without sacrificing the on-campus collegiate experience.
Lasell University seal · sourceCampus Map | Lasell University Catalog · sourceConference and Event Services – Lasell University · sourceLasell University - Newton, MA · source
