Analysis
CUNY Lehman College's Communication Disorders program is one of those rare finds where strong outcomes meet exceptional affordability. One year after graduation, students earn $36,241—nearly 50% above the national median for this field and $11,000 more than any other program in New York. By year four, median earnings jump to $53,707, reflecting the career trajectory that makes this pathway attractive. Yet graduates leave with just $11,544 in debt, less than half the typical burden for this degree nationally.
The value proposition becomes even clearer in context: 61% of Lehman students receive Pell grants, meaning this isn't a privileged cohort starting with advantages. Instead, the college is delivering measurable economic mobility for working-class students in the Bronx. The 0.32 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates can comfortably manage their modest loans while building toward careers in speech-language pathology or related fields that typically require graduate education.
For families weighing CUNY options, Lehman substantially outperforms sister campuses like Brooklyn College and Queens College in this program. The combination of top-tier earnings outcomes, minimal debt, and access to NYC's healthcare and education sectors makes this a standout choice for students serious about communication sciences.
Where CUNY Lehman College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all communication disorders sciences and services bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How CUNY Lehman College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| CUNY Lehman College | $36,241 | $53,707 | +48% |
| CUNY Brooklyn College | $26,817 | $71,855 | +168% |
| St. John's University-New York | $19,067 | $61,347 | +222% |
| CUNY Queens College | $23,108 | $60,508 | +162% |
| University at Buffalo | $24,952 | $59,663 | +139% |
Compare to Similar Programs in New York
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (29 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $7,410 | $36,241 | $53,707 | $11,544 | 0.32 | |
| $7,452 | $26,817 | $71,855 | $14,250 | 0.53 | |
| $8,524 | $25,475 | $49,572 | $24,980 | 0.98 | |
| $10,782 | $24,952 | $59,663 | $21,944 | 0.88 | |
| $8,881 | $24,536 | $49,846 | $25,500 | 1.04 | |
| $7,538 | $23,108 | $60,508 | $8,500 | 0.37 | |
| National Median | — | $24,702 | — | $22,362 | 0.91 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with communication disorders sciences and services graduates
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At CUNY Lehman College, approximately 61% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 118 graduates with reported earnings and 89 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.