At $3,482/yr net price, CUNY Lehman College graduates earn $58,013/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $24,013/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $3,482 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $13,928 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $58,013/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$24,013/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 0.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 49.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $10,950 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $2,047/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $3,756/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $7,516/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $9,173/yr |
| $110,001+ | $10,803/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $107,758 | $22,052 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $104,935 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $95,348 | $13,341 |
| Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language. | Master | $72,325 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Master | $70,277 | $20,500 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Master | $69,338 | $38,404 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $67,273 | $25,000 |
| Student Counseling and Personnel Services. | Master | $66,318 | $41,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $59,124 | $25,825 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $58,943 | $26,164 |
The Risk Factor
49.3% of students at CUNY Lehman College graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
CUNY Lehman College delivers strong financial returns despite a concerning 49% graduation rate that limits overall value. At just $3,482 annually in net costs, you get access to several high-paying career tracks that justify the investment for students who complete their degrees.
Nursing programs dominate the best ROI opportunities, with graduates earning over $95,000 annually even with modest debt loads around $13,000-$22,000. Education majors also perform well, with teaching specializations reaching $70,000+ and educational administration hitting $104,935. These outcomes reflect strong demand in New York's healthcare and education sectors.
The financial risk centers on completion. Nearly half of students don't graduate, meaning you forfeit time and money with no degree to show for it. The 74% first-year retention rate suggests many struggle early, possibly due to academic preparation gaps or financial pressures despite low costs.
You should consider Lehman if you're targeting nursing or education, can handle the academic demands, and want minimal debt exposure. The combination of low costs and strong outcomes in key programs creates excellent ROI potential. However, look elsewhere if you need extensive student support services or want a higher probability of graduation, as the completion rates indicate significant academic challenges that could derail your investment.
With 61% of students receiving financial aid and median debt of just $10,950, most graduates avoid crushing loan burdens. The low sticker price means even modest aid packages can cover most expenses, making this a viable option for budget-conscious students who can successfully handle to graduation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CUNY Lehman College worth the cost for most students?
Yes, Lehman College offers strong ROI with a net price of only $3,482 per year and median debt under $11,000. The low cost makes it worthwhile even with modest post-graduation earnings of $58,013.
What are the highest paying programs at CUNY Lehman College?
Nursing programs lead with graduates earning over $95,000, while educational administration graduates earn around $105,000. Teaching programs pay significantly less at $70,000-$72,000 but still provide positive returns given the low tuition.
How much debt do CUNY Lehman College graduates typically have?
Median debt is just $10,950, which is manageable compared to most colleges. The low tuition and strong financial aid keep borrowing minimal for most students.
What are the risks of attending CUNY Lehman College?
The graduation rate is low at 49%, meaning half of students don't finish their degrees. However, those who do graduate face minimal debt risk due to the affordable tuition.