Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences at CUNY Lehman College

In New York, geosciences programs produce a wide range of outcomes, and Lehman College's estimated figures—$37,768 in first-year earnings against $23,763 in debt—land squarely in the middle. Based on comparable programs statewide, this translates to roughly 63 cents of debt for every dollar earned in year one, a manageable ratio that suggests graduates can handle their loans without overwhelming financial strain. The debt burden is actually slightly below the national median for this field, which matters given that 61% of Lehman students receive Pell grants and likely have fewer family resources to fall back on.

The earnings estimate matches the state median exactly, meaning your child would be starting at a typical salary for New York geoscience grads—not exceptional, but not lagging either. What's less certain is the career trajectory: geosciences can lead to well-paying roles in environmental consulting, energy, or government agencies, but those opportunities aren't guaranteed and often require additional credentials or strategic networking. Programs like Buffalo and New Paltz show slightly higher starting salaries, suggesting that institutional resources and alumni networks might matter here.

The key question is whether your child has a clear sense of what they'd do with this degree. If they're passionate about earth sciences and willing to pursue internships and potentially graduate school, the modest debt load gives them room to explore. If it's a tentative choice, the estimated $37,000 starting salary may feel limiting in an expensive city like New York.