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CUNY Lehman College Review: Affordable Bronx Education with Real Value

GradeToGrad Editorial Team

April 8, 2026

CUNY Lehman College offers in-state tuition of just $7,410 and an average net price of $3,482. With a 55.4% acceptance rate and median earnings of $58,013 ten years after enrollment, it's a practical choice for Bronx students seeking affordability.

Overview of CUNY Lehman College

CUNY Lehman College is a public, four-year institution located in the Bronx, New York, and part of the City University of New York system. With an undergraduate enrollment of 10,438 students, Lehman is a mid-sized urban campus that serves a diverse population of traditional and non-traditional learners. The college is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and classified as a Master's: Larger institution by the Carnegie Foundation.

For New York students—especially those from the Bronx, Manhattan, and surrounding boroughs—Lehman represents one of the most affordable pathways to a bachelor's degree in the country. The college's mission centers on access and affordability, making it a critical option for first-generation college students, working adults, and families with limited financial resources.

Academics and What the School Is Known For

Lehman College emphasizes liberal arts education combined with professional preparation. The institution offers more than 50 undergraduate majors and minors across colleges including Arts and Sciences, Business, and Education. The college is particularly recognized for its teacher education programs, nursing, business administration, and social sciences.

As a CUNY institution, Lehman benefits from the system's reputation for rigorous academics and affordability. The college serves a significant population of part-time students (29.3%), reflecting its commitment to working adults who need flexible scheduling. This makes Lehman an excellent option for students balancing employment and education.

However, it's important to note that Lehman is not a research-intensive university. If you're seeking extensive research opportunities, cutting-edge laboratory facilities, or specialized graduate programs, you may want to compare this against CUNY's flagship institutions like CUNY Graduate Center or larger state universities. That said, Lehman offers solid undergraduate instruction and increasingly competitive academic programming.

Admissions: Acceptance Rate, Test Scores, and What It Takes to Get In

Acceptance Rate: 55.4%

Lehman has a moderate acceptance rate, meaning admission is achievable for most applicants with decent academic credentials. This is notably more accessible than selective four-year universities, but it's not a guaranteed admission school.

Average SAT Score: 1,010

The average SAT score of 1,010 reflects Lehman's student body composition. For context, this is below the national average of around 1,060, but it's important to understand why: Lehman serves many first-generation college students, students from under-resourced high schools, and adult learners who may not have taken the SAT recently. A 1,010 average doesn't mean the college is "easy"—it means the college is genuinely accessible to students from diverse educational backgrounds.

What It Takes to Get In:

To be competitive for admission to Lehman, you should aim for:

A high school GPA of 3.0 or higher
SAT scores around 950–1,050 (or ACT equivalent)
Completion of core high school requirements
A completed application and essay

Lehman also considers non-traditional factors, including life experience and work history, particularly for adult learners. The college does not have a test-optional policy, so you'll need to submit SAT or ACT scores.

A Note on Freshman Retention: The 73.5% freshman retention rate is a critical metric. This means about 26.5% of first-year students do not return for their sophomore year. While this is not unusual for open-access institutions, it suggests that some students struggle with the transition to college or find that Lehman doesn't meet their needs. This underscores the importance of strong academic support and clear communication about what to expect.

Tuition, Financial Aid, and True Cost of Attendance

This is where Lehman College shines for New York residents.

In-State Tuition: $7,410 per year Out-of-State Tuition: $15,360 per year

For in-state students, this is exceptionally affordable. For comparison, the average public four-year university tuition is around $9,750 nationally. Lehman's in-state cost is significantly below that benchmark.

Average Net Price (After Aid): $3,482 per year

This is the real story. After accounting for federal, state, and institutional aid, the average student pays only $3,482 annually. Over four years, that's approximately $13,928 in total cost—less than many private colleges charge for a single semester.

Median Student Debt at Graduation: $10,950 Estimated Monthly Loan Payment: $116

These debt figures are among the lowest in the country. The median borrower leaves Lehman with under $11,000 in debt, translating to a manageable monthly payment of roughly $116. This is a significant advantage: many graduates from other institutions carry $25,000–$40,000 in debt.

Important Caveat: Only 12.9% of Lehman students take federal loans, which suggests that most students are either not borrowing or are funding their education through other means (family support, work, scholarships, or grants). This is positive for debt outcomes but also indicates that many students may be working while in school, which can affect time-to-degree and graduation rates.

Student Outcomes: Graduation Rates and Earnings After College

4-Year Graduation Rate: 51.2% 6-Year Graduation Rate: 51.2%

This is a significant concern. The fact that the 4-year and 6-year graduation rates are identical (51.2%) suggests that very few additional students graduate between year four and year six. Nationally, four-year graduation rates at public universities average around 56%, and six-year rates are typically 10–15 percentage points higher. Lehman's rates are below average.

Why does this matter? A longer time-to-degree means:

Additional years of tuition and living expenses
Delayed entry into the workforce
Higher cumulative debt
Increased risk of dropping out entirely

Transfer-Out Rate: 18.7%

Nearly 19% of students transfer out of Lehman, typically to other CUNY schools or four-year institutions. This is a normal occurrence at community-oriented colleges, but it's worth noting if you're looking for a school where most students stay and graduate.

Median Earnings After College:

6 years after enrollment: $51,067
10 years after enrollment: $58,013

These earnings figures are moderate. For context, the median earnings for college graduates nationally are around $60,000–$65,000 at the six-year mark. Lehman graduates earn somewhat less, which reflects the college's student demographics and the career paths available to graduates (many pursue teaching, social work, and public service roles—important but lower-paying fields).

The Bottom Line on Outcomes: Lehman's value proposition is strongest for students who graduate on time and who pursue fields with strong job markets (nursing, accounting, business). However, the lower-than-average graduation rates and moderate post-college earnings suggest you should be intentional about major selection and academic planning.

Campus Life and Student Body

Student Demographics:

Hispanic: 56.8%
Black: 26.8%
White: 4.2%
Asian: 6.8%

Lehman is a predominantly Hispanic-serving institution (HSI), which is reflected in its student body. The college serves a highly diverse, urban population and is deeply embedded in Bronx community life.

Part-Time Students: 29.3%

Nearly 30% of Lehman's enrollment is part-time, indicating a student body that includes working adults, parents, and others balancing multiple responsibilities. This creates a different campus culture than traditional residential universities. You're less likely to find a vibrant on-campus social scene or Greek life; instead, you'll find a commuter-oriented campus with strong academic and professional development programming.

Campus Experience:

The Lehman campus is located in the Bronx and offers urban amenities but lacks the residential college experience of many four-year institutions. Most students commute, and the campus is not known for robust student housing or late-night social programming. However, the college does offer clubs, cultural events, and student organizations.

If you're seeking a traditional college experience with dorms, football games, and a vibrant residential community, Lehman may not deliver that. If you're looking for an affordable, academically solid education in an urban setting with a diverse peer group, Lehman is well-suited to your needs.

Is CUNY Lehman College Right for You?

Lehman is an excellent fit if you:

Are a New York resident seeking an affordable four-year degree
Are a first-generation college student
Are a working adult or non-traditional student
Want to minimize student debt
Are interested in teaching, nursing, business, or social sciences
Value diversity and urban engagement
Need flexible scheduling (part-time options available)

You should look elsewhere if you:

Are seeking a residential college experience with on-campus housing
Need extensive research opportunities or graduate program pathways
Require high graduation rates and quick time-to-degree
Are an out-of-state student (tuition nearly doubles)
Want a campus with robust social life and traditional student activities
Are pursuing specialized STEM fields requiring cutting-edge facilities

A Realistic Assessment:

CUNY Lehman College delivers exceptional value for in-state students, particularly those with limited financial resources. The combination of low tuition, affordable net price, and manageable debt makes it a smart financial choice. However, the below-average graduation rates and moderate post-college earnings suggest that success at Lehman requires intentionality: clear major selection, strong academic planning, and engagement with support services.

This is not a college that will "carry" you to success through prestige or resources alone. It's a college that offers access and affordability—and the rest is up to you.

Next Steps:

If Lehman resonates with your needs and circumstances, visit the campus, speak with current students, and explore specific programs that interest you. Compare Lehman against other CUNY schools (like CUNY Hunter College or CUNY Queens College) and regional public universities to ensure you're making the best choice for your goals.

Ready to explore more colleges and compare your options? Use GradeToGrad.com to research institutions that match your academic profile, financial situation, and career aspirations. Our college comparison tools make it easy to evaluate schools side-by-side and build a balanced college list.