CUNY Lehman College demonstrates exceptional affordability among four-year institutions, with a published cost of attendance of $13,456 per year. This includes in-state tuition of $7,410, room and board costs, and $1,500 for books and supplies.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $14,121 |
| Tuition and Fees | $15,360 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,500 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$10,973 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $3,148 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $1,589 |
| $30–48k | $2,374 |
| $48–75k | $6,834 |
| $75–110k | $9,696 |
| $110k+ | $13,600 |
CUNY Lehman College demonstrates exceptional affordability among four-year institutions, with a published cost of attendance of $13,456 per year. This includes in-state tuition of $7,410, room and board costs, and $1,500 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays just $3,482 after financial aid, representing financial aid savings of $9,974—a 74% reduction from sticker price.
This net price places CUNY Lehman College at the 99.2nd percentile nationally for affordability, ranking among the most affordable institutions we track. Compared to peer institutions, the average net price is $12,108 lower than the peer median of $15,590, demonstrating exceptional value relative to similar schools. The institution's affordability extends across all income levels, with even the highest-income families paying just $10,803 annually.
CUNY Lehman College's financial aid approach reflects its public mission and urban setting. With 60.5% of students receiving Pell grants—well above the national average—the institution demonstrates exceptional success in serving lower-income populations.
The substantial gap between the $13,456 sticker price and $3,482 average net price indicates comprehensive aid packaging that combines federal, state, and institutional resources. New York State's robust higher education aid programs, combined with the CUNY system's affordability mandate, create opportunities for students who might otherwise be priced out of higher education.
The institution's financial aid effectiveness is reflected in its debt outcomes, with graduates carrying just $10,950 in median debt despite the high proportion of students from lower-income backgrounds. This aid profile supports the institution's role as an economic mobility engine, enabling access for students who use education to advance economically.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
CUNY Lehman College graduates carry exceptionally low debt burdens that enhance long-term financial stability. Median debt of $10,950 ranks at the 90th percentile nationally, indicating that 90% of institutions have higher debt levels.
The debt range spans from $3,400 at the 25th percentile to $15,020 at the 75th percentile, demonstrating controlled borrowing across the student population. Compared to peer institutions, CUNY Lehman College graduates carry $9,050 less debt than the $20,000 peer median, representing a 45% reduction in typical debt burden.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.19 indicates that graduates' debt represents less than one-fifth of their annual earnings, well within manageable limits for repayment. Parent PLUS loans average $10,603 with monthly payments of $140, indicating additional family borrowing remains modest.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
CUNY Lehman College represents exceptional return on educational investment, combining low costs with earnings outcomes that significantly exceed expectations. Graduates earn $15,963 beyond what would be predicted based on their demographic characteristics and institutional context, ranking at the 91.9th percentile nationally for earnings uplift.
This value-added performance, combined with median debt of $10,950—well below peer averages—creates a highly favorable risk-return profile. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.19 ensures that educational borrowing represents a manageable share of post-graduation income, supporting long-term financial stability.
With median earnings of $58,013 ranking above average nationally, graduates achieve economic outcomes that justify the educational investment while avoiding debt burdens that might limit future opportunities. The institution's return index percentile of 72.8% confirms above-average value creation relative to costs incurred.
