CUNY Lehman College Logo

CUNY Lehman College

Bronx, NY | Public | College

CUNY Lehman College has an acceptance rate of 56.6%, annual tuition of $7,410, average net price of $3,148, and a national rank of #827 (Grade B), with a 58.1% graduation rate, about 10,696 undergraduates, and median earnings of $63,353 four years after graduation. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.

CUNY Lehman College is a public university in Bronx, NY. Students most often pursue Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing and Computer Science.

Academically, students benefit from a 15:1 student-faculty ratio, and 73.1% first-year retention. Peer cohorts and advising networks provide scaffolding that keeps newcomers anchored during demanding semesters.

EDsmart calculates return on investment at 421.8%, roughly 371.9 points higher than typical outcomes. It's a compelling fit for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore and career-focused learners aiming for high-impact outcomes.

B
Ranking
#827 of 1,962
How We Rank Schools Budget-friendly choiceMajor ROI upsidePublic school option
At a Glance
Ranking
#827 of 1,962 (Top 42.2%)
Tuition
$7,410
Net Price
$3,148
4-Year Tuition
$29,640
Acceptance Rate
56.6%
Transfer Rate
20.9%
Student Population
10,696
Student-Faculty
15:1
Graduation Rate
58.1%
Retention Rate
73.1%
4-Yr Earnings
$63,353
ROI
421.8%

Who is CUNY Lehman College Best For?

A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.

Career maximizers chasing high ROI
Families tracking affordability closely
First-gen or Pell-eligible support
Students seeking strong career outcomes
Students valuing supportive learning environments

EDsmart Scores Summary

Overall Ranking
#827 of 1,962
Top 42.2% of all institutions
EDsmart Score
78.6 / 100 (national index)
Curved score (top institution = 100.0)
Value Rating
3.93 / 5
Based on ROI and outcomes
Completion
C-
#1,033 of 1,962
Affordability
B+
#62 of 1,962
Support
B+
#1,116 of 1,962
Career Outcomes
D-
#1,698 of 1,962

CUNY Lehman College graduates 58.1% of students within eight years of entry and keeps 73.1% of first-year students. Affordability earns a B+ compared with similar schools.

How we calculate this →

Cost & Financial Aid

Quick Answers

What does it cost?
Depends on income
$1,589-$13,600 annual net price based on family income.
What's the graduation rate?
Likely
58.1% earn an award within eight years of entry. 31.5% complete in four years (IPEDS 100% time).
What are job outcomes?
Somewhat likely
42.4% of alumni are employed within three years of leaving. Median earnings four years after graduation are $63,353. Pay varies by major.
Get Your Personalized Cost Estimate

The costs shown are averages. Use CUNY Lehman College's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.

Calculate Your Net Price →

Total Degree Cost Summary

4-Year Total Cost (Pay with Cash)
$56,484
$14,121 × 4 years
Average Total Cost (Pay with Financial Aid)
$15,018
$3,148 × 4.8 years average
Time to Degree
Average: 4.8 years | 4-Year Rate: 31.5% | 6-Year Rate: 58.1%
Most students finish in about four to five years. Four-year completion is 31.5% and six-year completion is 58.1%.

Annual Cost Comparison

Pay with Cash
$14,121
Total annual cost including tuition, books and living expenses; excluding any financial aid, grants or scholarships.
Pay with Financial Aid
$3,148
Average annual cost including tuition, books and living expenses after financial aid, grants or scholarships.

Cost of Undergraduate Attendance

Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.

View cost of attendance line items
Costs to Consider Price
Tuition and Fees $7,410
Books and Supplies $1,500
On-Campus Room and Board Not reported
On-Campus Other Expenses Not reported
Total On-Campus Cost $14,121

Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.

Students Receiving Aid

Pell Grant
59.9%
Federal Loan
0.0%

Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.

EDsmart Insight: About 59.9% of CUNY Lehman College students receive Pell Grants — well above the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.

Net Price by Family Income

Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.

$0 - $30,000
$1,589
Average annual cost for families earning $0-$30K
$30,001 - $48,000
$2,374
Average annual cost for families earning $30K-$48K
$48,001 - $75,000
$6,834
Average annual cost for families earning $48K-$75K
$75,001 - $110,000
$9,696
Average annual cost for families earning $75K-$110K
$110,001+
$13,600
Average annual cost for families earning $110K+

Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Low-income families pay less than $1,589 annually, while high-income families pay $13,600. Use CUNY Lehman College's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.

4-Year Total Cost Estimates:
$0-$30K families
~$7,150
$30K-$48K families
~$10,683
$48K-$75K families
~$30,753
$75K-$110K families
~$43,632
AFFORDABILITY ALERT

If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $9,696/year

If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $13,600/year

See all income brackets →

ROI & Career Outcomes

Return on Investment
421.8%
Based on 6-year median earnings vs. total degree cost
  • Median Earnings (4 Years After Graduation) $63,353
  • 10-Year Median Earnings $58,013
  • Average Years to Graduate 4.8 years
  • Average Student Debt $10,950
  • Repayment Rate (3yr) 50.9%
  • Employment Rate 42.4%

Graduate Earnings Distribution

Earnings range for CUNY Lehman College graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.

Graduates earn a median of $63,353 four years after graduation — roughly 5% above the national median.
Payback Period
0.24 years
Total Degree Cost ÷ Annual Earnings

CUNY Lehman College vs. National Average

Comparison of key performance metrics showing how CUNY Lehman College's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes CUNY Lehman College's performance within the broader higher education landscape.

EDsmart Insight: With a 421.8% return on investment, CUNY Lehman College delivers exceptional value. Graduates earn $63,353 median—+5% above the national average—making this a strong investment for career-focused students.

Acceptance & Selectivity

Getting In

Acceptance Rate
56.6%
Less Selective
National Average
69%
Average acceptance rate
  • SAT Evidence-Based Reading 440-590
  • SAT Math 410-560
  • SAT Writing Not reported
  • ACT Composite Not reported
  • SAT & ACT Required
  • Undergraduate Enrollment 10,696
  • Full-Time Students 69.5%
  • Part-Time Students 30.5%
  • Retention Rate 73.1%
  • Graduation Rate 58.1%
  • Student-Faculty Ratio 15:1

How to Get Into CUNY Lehman College

1. Meet Academic Requirements: CUNY Lehman College requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.

2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.

3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 56.6%, CUNY Lehman College is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.

4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.

Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.

EDsmart Insight: With a 56.6% acceptance rate, CUNY Lehman College is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 850 and 1150 on the SAT.

Academic Programs

Undergraduate Program Distribution

Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among CUNY Lehman College undergraduates. Business Administration, Management and Operations, Psychology, General, and Sociology draw the most students.

  • Business Administration, Management and Operations 10.7%
  • Psychology, General 10.1%
  • Sociology 9.4%
  • Health and Medical Administrative Services 8.6%
  • Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 7.4%
  • Accounting and Related Services 5.5%
See more majors
  • Social Work 5.1%
  • Communication Disorders Sciences and Services 3.9%

Highest Earning Programs

Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.

Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)

  • 1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $128,057
  • 2. Computer Science $89,305
  • 3. Information Science/Studies $74,891
Show additional high-earning majors
  • 4. Communication Disorders Sciences and Services $67,388
  • 5. Biology, General $66,917
  • 6. Public Health $62,041
  • 7. Accounting and Related Services $62,028
  • 8. Journalism $61,643
  • 9. Mathematics $61,161
  • 10. Health and Medical Administrative Services $59,983

Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)

  • 1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Master's Degree) $139,945
  • 2. Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degree) $127,941
  • 3. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Graduate/Professional Certificate) $101,369
Show additional graduate majors
  • 4. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Master's Degree) $92,452
  • 5. Educational Administration and Supervision (Graduate/Professional Certificate) $89,762
  • 6. Student Counseling and Personnel Services (Master's Degree) $89,187
  • 7. Special Education and Teaching (Master's Degree) $85,537
  • 8. Special Education and Teaching (Graduate/Professional Certificate) $83,319
  • 9. Public Health (Master's Degree) $79,956
  • 10. Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language (Master's Degree) $78,802

Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing grads earn $128,057—113% more than Health and Medical Administrative Services ($59,983). Graduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing programs lead with $139,945 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.

Online Degrees & Distance Learning

College Scorecard reports fully online programs for CUNY Lehman College. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard

Most Popular Online Degrees

  • Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degree, 285 graduates)
  • Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 268 graduates)
  • Sociology (Bachelor's Degree, 250 graduates)
  • Health and Medical Administrative Services (Bachelor's Degree, 228 graduates)
  • Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Master's Degree, 175 graduates)

What This School Offers Online, at a Glance

College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.

Online Bachelor's Degrees (48 programs)â–¼
  • Business Administration, Management and Operations
  • Psychology, General
  • Sociology
  • Health and Medical Administrative Services
  • Accounting and Related Services
  • Social Work
  • Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
  • English Language and Literature, General
  • Computer Science
  • Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services
  • Information Science/Studies
  • Public Health
  • Anthropology
  • Communication and Media Studies
  • Biology, General
  • Mathematics
  • Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
  • Fine and Studio Arts
  • Health and Physical Education/Fitness
  • Political Science and Government
  • Chemistry
  • Philosophy
  • Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
  • History
  • Journalism
  • Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
  • Economics
  • Natural Resources Conservation and Research
  • Visual and Performing Arts, General
  • Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies
  • Design and Applied Arts
  • Physics
  • Music
  • Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
  • Area Studies
  • Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
  • Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
  • Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
  • Dance
  • Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
  • Geography and Cartography
  • Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
  • Slavic, Baltic and Albanian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
  • Religion/Religious Studies
  • Middle/Near Eastern and Semitic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
  • Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
  • Education, Other
  • Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
Online Master's Degrees (23 programs)â–¼
  • Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
  • Business Administration, Management and Operations
  • Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
  • Social Work
  • Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
  • Special Education and Teaching
  • Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language
  • Student Counseling and Personnel Services
  • Educational Administration and Supervision
  • Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
  • Accounting and Related Services
  • Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services
  • Public Health
  • Biology, General
  • Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
  • Geography and Cartography
  • Fine and Studio Arts
  • Mathematics
  • Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
  • Computer Science
  • English Language and Literature, General
  • History
  • Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (12 programs)â–¼
  • Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
  • Educational Administration and Supervision
  • Special Education and Teaching
  • Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
  • Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education
  • Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
  • Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language
  • Geography and Cartography
  • Public Policy Analysis
  • Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
  • Bioethics/Medical Ethics
  • Social and Philosophical Foundations of Education
Online Undergraduate Certificates & Diplomas (4 programs)â–¼
  • Geography and Cartography
  • Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
  • Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians
  • Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other
Online First Professional Degrees (1 program)â–¼
  • Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing

Student Demographics

Student Population

  • Total Undergraduate Enrollment 10,696
  • Full-Time Students 69.5%
  • Part-Time Students 30.5%
  • Male Students 35.0%
  • Female Students 65.0%
  • Caucasian 4.0%
  • Asian 6.6%
  • Hispanic 57.8%
  • Black 26.3%
  • Pell Grant Recipients 59.9%

Racial & Ethnic Diversity

Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects CUNY Lehman College's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.

Gender Distribution

Gender breakdown of CUNY Lehman College's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.

Graduation Rate Equity Analysis

How well does CUNY Lehman College support students from different economic backgrounds?

Pell Grant Recipients
51.7%
6-year graduation rate
Non-Pell Students
49.8%
6-year graduation rate
Equity Gap
1.9 pts
excellent equity

What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.

Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity

Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity

Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at CUNY Lehman College, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.

EDsmart Insight: CUNY Lehman College has a diverse student body, with 4.0% identifying as White. Women make up 65.0% of undergraduates. 59.9% of students receive Pell Grants, well above the national average, indicating strong support for low-income students.

Graduation Rate Equity Analysis

How well does CUNY Lehman College support students from different economic backgrounds?

Pell Grant Recipients
51.7%
6-year graduation rate
Non-Pell Students
49.8%
6-year graduation rate
Equity Gap
1.9 pts
excellent equity

What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.

Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity

Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity

Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at CUNY Lehman College, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.

Our Take

CUNY Lehman College achieves an exceptional 421.8% return on investment, ranking among the top value institutions nationwide. While ranked #827 overall, the school's financial value proposition significantly outperforms its selectivity ranking.

Students graduate to $63,353 median earnings while paying just $3,148 annually—a combination that produces superior ROI. The 58.1% graduation rate and 73.1% retention demonstrate solid student outcomes and satisfaction.

High-Value Institution: Why CUNY Lehman College Delivers Strong Returns

EDsmart identifies CUNY Lehman College as a high-value institution where modest costs combine with strong earning potential.

The Value Formula: CUNY Lehman College's 421.8% ROI stems from balancing $63,353 median post-graduation earnings against $3,148 annual costs. This ratio outperforms most selective institutions where higher earnings come with prohibitive price tags.

Ideal Candidates: Budget-conscious students seeking maximum financial return. First-generation college students and middle-class families who need affordable paths to solid careers. Students in practical fields (business, healthcare, technology) where degree cost directly impacts lifetime wealth accumulation.

Understanding the Trade-offs: Schools with 421.8% ROI typically offer less brand prestige than elite universities. Career services, research opportunities, and facilities may be less extensive. For fields where institutional reputation matters significantly (law, medicine, academia), higher-ranked alternatives might justify additional investment.

EDsmart Verdict: With a B grade and #827 ranking, CUNY Lehman College represents smart value for students prioritizing financial outcomes. The school proves that high ROI doesn't require elite selectivity—careful program selection and cost management deliver results.

Key Takeaways

  • 58.1% graduation rate sits 4.4 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
  • 73.1% first-year retention is 3.7 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
  • 421.8% return on investment is 371.9 points above the national 49.9% benchmark.
  • Median earnings of $63,353 run about 5% higher than national outcomes four years after graduation.
  • Average net price of $3,148 is roughly $16,931 lower than the national median of $20,079.

Helpfulness for Students

Green Flags
  • 15:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
  • 73.1% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
  • 42.4% employment rate within three years sits 25.8 points below national outcomes.
Red Flags
  • Budget carefully for clinical travel, off-campus housing, and practicum fees to avoid surprise costs.
  • Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
  • Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis

CUNY Lehman College is a public university based in Bronx, NY and earns a B overall grade. It stands at #827 among 1962 schools Completion earns C-, Support B+, Career Outcomes D-, and Affordability B+.

Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.

Student momentum is strong: 73.1% retention and 58.1% six-year graduation. The reported ROI is 421.8%, a figure families can weigh against cost and aid details above.

Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.

EDsmart Financial Snapshot

Families pay about $3,148 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $14,121.

Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $10,973 per year.

Graduates leave with a median of $10,950 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.

About 59.9% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.

Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.

EDsmart Career Snapshot

Median earnings come in near $63,353 four years after graduation. This is roughly 5% above typical U.S. college outcomes.

The three-year employment rate is close to 42.4%.

Plan around an ROI of about 421.8% according to the Scorecard data.

Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.

EDsmart Admissions Snapshot

56.6% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.

The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.

Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the CUNY Lehman College admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.

Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.

EDsmart Verdict
3.93 / 5
Value Rating - Based on affordability and career outcomes

Your Decision Toolkit

Run the Net Price Calculator
Get your personalized cost estimate
Compare with similar schools
See how CUNY Lehman College stacks up to alternatives
Check your major's earnings
See ROI for your specific field of study
Visit the campus
Schedule a campus tour or virtual visit
Visit CUNY Lehman College Website →

Similar Schools

Institutions with similar academic profiles, selectivity, and outcomes

Nearby Schools

Other campuses you might consider

Other New York campuses you might consider

Syracuse University
Syracuse, NY
B #831 of 1,962
Wagner College
Staten Island, NY
B #819 of 1,962
SUNY College at Geneseo
Geneseo, NY
B #806 of 1,962
Yeshiva University
New York, NY
B #851 of 1,962

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CUNY Lehman College's acceptance rate?

CUNY Lehman College's acceptance rate is 56.6%, based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard admissions data.

How much does CUNY Lehman College cost?

At CUNY Lehman College, listed tuition and fees are $7,410 per year, and the average net price after aid is $3,148. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.

What is CUNY Lehman College's ranking?

CUNY Lehman College ranks #827 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of B, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.

What is CUNY Lehman College's graduation rate?

At CUNY Lehman College, the graduation rate is 58.1%, and first-year retention is 73.1%.

What are CUNY Lehman College's job outcomes?

Graduates of CUNY Lehman College report median earnings of $63,353 four years after graduation, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.

What is CUNY Lehman College's student population?

CUNY Lehman College enrolls about 10,696 undergraduate students, per College Scorecard enrollment data.

Contact Information

  • AccreditationMiddle States Commission on Higher Education (MSACHE)
  • Endowment$35.5M
  • Transfer Enrollment Rate20.9%

Data Source & Methodology â–¼