Analysis
Lehman College's English program outperforms most comparable programs while keeping debt remarkably low—just $11,391, less than half the national median and among the lowest debt loads in the country (5th percentile). The $34,337 first-year earnings place graduates above 74% of English programs nationally and above 60% in New York, a competitive state for this major. That puts Lehman closer to prestigious institutions like Hofstra ($35,637) than to the typical NY program earning $28,290.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.33 is exceptionally favorable, meaning graduates could theoretically pay off their loans in four months of gross earnings. With 61% of Lehman students receiving Pell grants, this program appears to deliver genuine economic mobility to lower-income students pursuing humanities degrees. The 11% earnings growth to $38,076 by year four suggests steady career progression rather than stagnation.
For parents worried about English degrees leading to financial strain, Lehman offers compelling evidence to the contrary. Your child would graduate with minimal debt while earning more than most English majors across New York State, including those from schools with much higher price tags. This is one of the stronger value propositions for an English degree in the region.
Where CUNY Lehman College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all english language and literature 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 | $34,337 | $38,076 | +11% |
| Barnard College | $40,414 | $63,564 | +57% |
| Columbia University in the City of New York | $35,838 | $58,459 | +63% |
| Syracuse University | $25,860 | $55,862 | +116% |
| New York University | $29,967 | $55,481 | +85% |
Compare to Similar Programs in New York
English Language and Literature bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (83 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 CUNY Lehman CollegeBronx | $7,410 | $34,337 | $38,076 | $11,391 | 0.33 |
 Colgate UniversityHamilton | $67,024 | $48,008 | $49,657 | $15,875 | 0.33 |
 Barnard CollegeNew York | $66,246 | $40,414 | $63,564 | $19,000 | 0.47 |
 Nazareth UniversityRochester | $40,880 | $36,200 | $40,794 | $27,000 | 0.75 |
 Columbia University in the City of New YorkNew York | $69,045 | $35,838 | $58,459 | $25,500 | 0.71 |
 Hofstra UniversityHempstead | $55,450 | $35,637 | $44,369 | $24,485 | 0.69 |
| National Median | — | $29,967 | — | $24,529 | 0.82 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with english language and literature 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 99 graduates with reported earnings and 74 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.