Veteran Benefits & Resources

The Veteran's Administration has approved many on-campus Lesley programs for VA benefit coverage. On-campus students should contact the Office of the University Registrar for information about VA benefits and program eligibility as not all programs are approved. A list of approved programs can be found on the public WEAMS site.

Lesley University proudly participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program, making it possible for veterans and their dependents to earn a degree.

The Post-9/11 GI Bill®, developed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, pays full in-state tuition and fees at public schools. For private schools like Lesley, it covers tuition and fees up to a cap each year. You may qualify for tuition benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill® if you’ve served at least 90 days on active duty since September 11, 2001.

The Yellow Ribbon Program is a provision of the Post-9/11 GI Bill®. It helps close the gap between the amount the Post-9/11 GI Bill® covers and the actual amount for tuition and fees at private institutions. As a participating school, we’ve dedicated funds for the Yellow Ribbon Program that Veterans Affairs matches dollar for dollar.

You may qualify for the Yellow Ribbon Program if you:

• have been honorably discharged from active duty
• have been released from active duty and placed on the retired list or temporary disability retired list
• have been released from active duty and transferred to the Fleet Reserve or Fleet Marine Corps Reserve
• have been released from active duty for further service in a reserve component of the Armed Forces
• have been honorably discharged from active duty for a service-connected disability and served 30 continuous days since September 11, 2001

Your dependents may be eligible for Transfer of Entitlement under the Post-9/11 GI Bill®.

Questions regarding the Post 9/11 GI Bill® or the Yellow Ribbon Program should be directed, Thomas Graves, Registrar Representative and VA Certifying Official at 617-349-8781 or tgraves@lesley.edu.

* GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.

Further Resources to Financial Aid & Scholarships

Guide: Financial Aid & Scholarships, Undergraduate First-Year and Transfer Students | Lesley University

Guide: Financial Aid & Scholarships, Bachelor's Degree Completion (Adult Learners) | Lesley University

Guide: Financial Aid & Scholarships, Graduate & Doctoral Students | Lesley University

A designated space on campus for veterans.

At Lesley University, we honor the dedication and sacrifice of our veterans. Our Veterans' Lounge is a warm and inviting space designed exclusively for those who have served our nation and their friends. Here, veterans from all branches of the military can come together to find camaraderie, support, and a sense of belonging. 

Our lounge is a place where veterans can connect with others who may have shared similar experiences. Whether you're a current student, faculty member, or community member, this space is open to all veterans and their friends. It's a safe haven to relax, discuss common issues, speak openly about challenges, and host small meetings and events that matter to you. 

Open since November 2019! 

What you'll find in the Center

• Microwave oven and refrigerator 
• Comfy furniture 
• Television

Location

University Hall
1815 Massachusetts Avenue
3rd Floor (next to the Porter Café)
Cambridge, MA 02140

Retention Rates

For first-time, full-time bachelor’s degree-seeking students:

• Fall 2021-2022 = 74%
• Fall 2020-2021 = 75%
• Fall 2019-2020 = 67%

6-Year Graduation Rates

For first-time, full-time undergraduates:

• 2016 Cohort – Overall: 61%
  • By Gender:
    • Male – 58%
    • Female – 62%

By each major racial and ethnic subgroup:

• American Indian/Alaska Native – 100%
• Asian – 64%
• Black/African-American – 62%
• Hispanic/Latino – 61%
• White – 61%
• Two or more races – 60%
• Race/ethnicity unknown – 70%
• U.S. Nonresident – 71%

By recipients of a Pell Grant (within entering year): 59%

By recipients of a Direct Subsidized Loan (within entering year) who did not receive a Pell Grant: 60%

By recipients who did not receive either a Pell Grant or Direct Subsidized Loan (within entering year): 64%

• 2015 Cohort – Overall: 58%
• 2014 Cohort – Overall: 60%

3-Year Employment Rates

(percentage of graduates employed of those available for employment based on annual surveys with knowledge rates ranging from 63%-71%):

• Class of 2022
  • Graduate Programs – 96%
  • Undergraduate Programs – 92%
• Class of 2021
  • Graduate Programs – 96%
  • Undergraduate Programs – 94%
• Class of 2020
  • Graduate Programs – 95%
  • Undergraduate Programs – 90%