Skip to main content
CUNY Lehman College graduates earn $35,327 annually while paying just $3,482 in net costs, creating an strong return on investment that stands out among New York's communication disorders programs. This gap between affordability and outcomes reflects the stark divide between public and private options across the state's 20 programs. While private institutions like Marymount Manhattan charge over $37,000 annually, the CUNY and SUNY systems deliver strong career preparation at a fraction of the cost. New York's massive healthcare network, including major medical centers like NYU Langone and Mount Sinai, creates steady demand for speech-language pathologists and audiologists. The state's aging population and emphasis on early intervention services further drive employment opportunities. However, earnings vary significantly, from $17,375 at some programs to over $35,000 at others, making careful program selection essential for maximizing career prospects in this growing field.
28
Programs
$2,446 – $47,560
Net Price Range
$25,834
Avg. Program Earnings
63.2%
Avg. Graduation Rate

28 Communication Disorders Sciences and Services Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $3,482 $35,327 $7,410 49.3% 55.3%
2 $3,830 $24,421 $7,538 60.2% 69.5%
3 $16,547 $27,874 $8,881 58.8% 70.2%
4 $26,870 $34,704 $37,840 71.8% 76.6%
5 $23,819 $29,685 $37,452 51.0% 78.0%
6 $19,951 $24,615 $8,815 68.2% 59.8%
7 $18,481 $22,192 $8,524 68.9% 58.3%
8 $23,901 $24,201 $41,642 55.4% 92.7%
9 $20,470 $19,227 $10,782 73.4% 67.7%
10 $30,521 $26,353 $40,880 72.9% 83.9%
11 $27,951 $24,035 $45,880 57.4% 96.4%
12 $26,985 $17,375 $50,110 68.5% 84.7%
13 $15,644 $8,771 53.5% 84.6%
14 $14,229 $8,486 36.0% 86.0%
15 $47,560 $49,900 83.7% 63.2%
16 $41,026 $63,061 81.4% 51.8%
17 $26,556 $21,810 65.0% 71.3%
18 $28,348 $47,290 68.9% 72.8%
19 $31,046 $51,424 61.4% 82.9%
20 $35,035 $60,438 88.5% 12.5%
21 $15,770 $22,106 48.1% 85.9%
22 $37,037 $40,260 49.8% 72.1%
23 $32,965 $50,510 74.1% 75.2%
24 $35,129 $55,450 67.1% 69.3%
25 $23,735 $37,932 64.0% 96.0%
26 $2,446 $7,382 61.0% 47.9%
27 $3,486 $7,340 54.7% 66.6%
28 $2,943 $7,452 56.6% 54.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $32,000 earnings difference between the highest and lowest-paying programs?

CUNY Lehman graduates earn $35,327 compared to $17,375 at St. John's University, reflecting regional employment patterns and program focus areas. Schools near major medical centers often produce graduates who secure higher-paying positions in hospitals and rehabilitation facilities. Clinical training partnerships and alumni networks also influence starting salary outcomes across different institutions.

How do public universities compare to private colleges for communication disorders value?

Public institutions deliver significantly better value, with CUNY Queens College costing $3,830 annually while producing graduates earning $24,421. Private colleges like Molloy charge $26,870 but offer higher earnings at $34,704, creating a more complex value calculation. The $20,000+ cost difference between sectors means public school graduates typically face much lower debt burdens.

Is the 49.3% graduation rate at CUNY Lehman concerning given its strong earnings outcomes?

The graduation rate appears low compared to schools like Ithaca College at 74.1%, but Lehman's combination of affordability and high earnings creates strong value despite completion challenges. Many CUNY students work while attending school, which can extend time to degree. The $35,327 earnings outcome suggests successful graduates find excellent career opportunities in the New York metro area.

Does location within New York significantly impact career prospects for communication disorders graduates?

New York City and surrounding areas offer the highest concentration of healthcare facilities, schools, and private practices requiring speech-language services. Schools like CUNY Queens and Lehman benefit from proximity to major medical centers and varied patient populations. Upstate programs like SUNY Plattsburgh may offer different clinical experiences but potentially fewer immediate job opportunities upon graduation.

Where do graduates typically find employment in New York's communication disorders field?

New York's extensive hospital systems, including NewYork-Presbyterian and Mount Sinai Health System, employ many speech-language pathologists and audiologists. The state's 700+ school districts also require communication disorders specialists for special education services. Private practices throughout the metropolitan area provide additional opportunities, while early intervention programs serve the state's focus on developmental services for young children.

Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.