Communication and Media Studies at CUNY Lehman College

Among New York's 79 communication programs, Lehman College punches above its weight—landing at the 60th percentile statewide despite a more accessible price point than most competitors. The $14,623 debt load is less than half the state median, giving graduates meaningful financial breathing room as they launch their careers. While starting earnings of $32,484 trail the national median slightly, they exceed New York's state median and climb 26% by year four.

The real story here is accessibility meeting solid outcomes. This CUNY campus serves a predominantly Pell-eligible population (61%) and delivers better earnings than most New York communication programs without the debt burden typical of private alternatives. Compare to nearby options: Fordham grads earn $46,405 initially but likely carry far more debt, while many CUNY peers in this field see lower earnings. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.45 means graduates face roughly half a year's salary in debt—manageable for a humanities degree.

For families watching budgets carefully, this represents a pragmatic path into media and communication work. You're not getting Cornell-level earnings ($62,182), but you're also not gambling on an expensive degree from a program that underperforms the state average. The upward earnings trajectory suggests graduates find their footing in New York's competitive media market, just at a more measured pace than top-tier programs.