Median Earnings (1yr)
$36,241
95th percentile
80th percentile in New York
Median Debt
$11,544
48% below national median

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

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
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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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
CUNY Lehman CollegeBronx$7,410$36,241$53,707$11,5440.32
CUNY Brooklyn CollegeBrooklyn$7,452$26,817$71,855$14,2500.53
State University of New York at New PaltzNew Paltz$8,524$25,475$49,572$24,9800.98
University at BuffaloBuffalo$10,782$24,952$59,663$21,9440.88
State University of New York at PlattsburghPlattsburgh$8,881$24,536$49,846$25,5001.04
CUNY Queens CollegeQueens$7,538$23,108$60,508$8,5000.37
National Median$24,702$22,3620.91

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with communication disorders sciences and services graduates

Speech-Language Pathologists

Assess and treat persons with speech, language, voice, and fluency disorders. May select alternative communication systems and teach their use. May perform research related to speech and language problems.

$95,410/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Audiologists

Assess and treat persons with hearing and related disorders. May fit hearing aids and provide auditory training. May perform research related to hearing problems.

$92,120/yrJobs growth:Doctoral or professional degree

Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in health specialties, in fields such as dentistry, laboratory technology, medicine, pharmacy, public health, therapy, and veterinary medicine.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:
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.