Fine and Studio Arts at CUNY Lehman College

Lehman College graduates start modestly at $27,582 but see their earnings jump 54% to $42,498 by year four—unusual growth for a fine arts degree. While that first-year figure might worry parents, the four-year number tells a more encouraging story: graduates are outearning 60% of New York studio arts programs and two-thirds of programs nationally. The debt load of $9,630 is exceptionally low—in the 95th percentile nationally—meaning students leave with manageable obligations that represent just four months of their first-year salary.

The real value here is accessibility. With 61% of students on Pell grants, Lehman serves primarily low-income students who need degrees that won't bury them in debt while they build careers. That career trajectory matters: many arts graduates piece together freelance work and side jobs early on, then find steadier footing as they establish themselves professionally. By year four, these graduates are earning more than many peers from higher-profile programs like Fordham or Syracuse.

For families seeking an affordable path to a studio arts degree, particularly in the New York market where connections and internships matter, Lehman delivers solid returns. The low debt means graduates have breathing room to pursue creative careers without immediately needing high-paying fallback jobs.