Economics at CUNY Lehman College

Lehman's economics program produces first-year earnings of $44,258—below both the state median ($50,058) and national median ($51,722) for economics bachelor's degrees. While the estimated debt of $20,072 is manageable relative to those earnings, the more concerning issue is the limited earnings growth: graduates see only a 5% increase over four years, reaching $46,473. Most economics programs show stronger trajectory as graduates move into more senior roles or leverage quantitative skills into higher-paying sectors.

The program serves a predominantly working-class student body (61% receive Pell grants) and delivers modest but accessible outcomes. That estimated debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.45 means graduates should be able to manage loan payments, assuming they secure full-time employment in their field. However, the gap between Lehman's outcomes and top New York programs is substantial—Cornell and Barnard economics graduates earn nearly double in their first year. This reflects both the different career networks these institutions provide and the sectors their graduates enter.

For families weighing this investment, the key question is opportunity cost. The debt burden is reasonable, but economics degrees typically promise stronger earning potential than what these estimates suggest. If your child is considering Lehman, they should plan to be aggressive about internships, networking, and targeting employers who value the degree's quantitative foundation—roles in data analysis, policy work, or financial services where the credential can translate into upward mobility.