CUNY Lehman College admits approximately 55.4% of applicants, meaning roughly 11 in 20 applicants receive an offer of admission. This moderately selective admission rate places the institution in the middle range of four-year colleges nationally. The peer median admission rate of 78.1% indicates that CUNY Lehman College is more selective than typical institutions serving similar student populations, reflecting stronger demand relative to capacity. This level of selectivity suggests that while admission is competitive, well-prepared students have reasonable chances of acceptance. The institution's selectivity reflects its urban location and strong outcomes record, which attract more applicants than available spaces. Students should treat CUNY Lehman College as a realistic target rather than a safety school, particularly given its strong reputation in the New York metropolitan area. For prospective students, this selectivity level indicates the importance of submitting a complete, competitive application while also including schools with higher acceptance rates in their college list. The combination of moderate selectivity with exceptional outcomes makes CUNY Lehman College an attractive option for students seeking value and economic mobility.
A directional estimate — not a prediction
Admitted students at CUNY Lehman College typically score 860-1220 on the SAT, with a median of 1,010. The middle 50% of enrolled students fall within this range, though students scoring outside this range are admitted in smaller numbers. SAT Math scores typically range from 400-630, while SAT Verbal scores span 460-590, indicating relatively balanced academic preparation across disciplines. These scores rank at the 86th percentile nationally, reflecting well above average academic preparation among enrolled students. Compared to peer institutions serving similar populations, CUNY Lehman College students score 188 points lower on average, though this comparison includes institutions with different geographic contexts and student body compositions. Students scoring below 860 should expect to be at a competitive disadvantage but are not automatically excluded from consideration. If your scores fall within the 860-1220 range, you are academically competitive for admission. The institution's strong outcomes despite moderate test score ranges suggest that factors beyond standardized testing contribute significantly to student success. Students should consider whether their academic profile aligns with this range when building their college list, while recognizing that holistic review considers factors beyond test scores alone.
Understanding institutional priorities and student support
CUNY Lehman College enrolls a highly diverse student body that reflects its urban setting and mission of educational access. The institution serves 60.5% Pell-eligible students, indicating that a majority of enrolled students come from lower-income families, and 51.9% first-generation students, meaning more than half are the first in their families to attend college. Additionally, 50.6% of students are transfers, reflecting the institution's role in providing pathways for students who began their higher education elsewhere. This composition indicates that CUNY Lehman College actively enrolls students from diverse economic and educational backgrounds, creating a campus environment where students from various circumstances can find community and support. The high share of Pell-eligible and first-generation students suggests the institution prioritizes access for underrepresented populations in higher education. First-generation students should know that 51.9% of enrolled students share their background, potentially providing peer support and understanding. Students from lower-income families should consider the 60.5% Pell share as an indicator that the institution has systems in place to support their success. Transfer applicants should note that 50.6% transfer enrollment indicates strong pathways and support for students transitioning from other institutions.
With CUNY Lehman College's 55.4% acceptance rate, roughly 4 in 9 applicants do not gain admission. Students seeking similar outcomes with different admission profiles should consider these alternatives.
Strong options in your region with comparable outcomes.
CUNY Lehman College demonstrates mixed outcomes in student retention and completion, with notable strengths in supporting Pell-eligible students. 73.5% of freshmen return for sophomore year, which falls below the peer median of 83.7%, indicating challenges in first-year student engagement and support. The six-year graduation rate is 49.3%, also below the peer median of 65.9%. However, Pell-eligible students graduate at 56.6%, creating a positive gap of 7.3 percentage points above the overall completion rate—an exceptional outcome that indicates stronger support systems for lower-income students than typically found nationally. This reverse completion gap suggests that once Pell-eligible students enroll, they receive effective support that enables degree completion at higher rates than their higher-income peers. Students who gain admission should expect an environment where academic support exists, though first-year retention challenges suggest the importance of engaging with available resources early. Lower-income students should view the positive Pell gap as evidence of institutional commitment to their success. Prospective students should consider these completion patterns when evaluating fit, recognizing that the institution's economic mobility outcomes suggest that students who persist achieve strong career results.
Similar quality tier in Northeast (#2100 ranked)
Schools with comparable admission profiles — useful for building a balanced list.
Higher acceptance rates with similar career outcomes.
Similar quality tier (#2104 ranked)
Similar quality tier (#2103 ranked)
Similar quality tier (#2102 ranked)
Build a balanced list with schools at different selectivity and price points.
Explore More Schools