Health and Medical Administrative Services at CUNY Lehman College

Lehman's healthcare administration program delivers something increasingly rare: minimal debt paired with solid earning potential. At $12,500 in median debt, graduates carry less than half the typical burden for New York programs in this field ($28,367) and roughly one-third the national average. That 0.29 debt-to-earnings ratio means a graduate could theoretically pay off their loans in under four months of earnings—a financial position that opens doors for other life decisions.

The earnings trajectory tells an encouraging story. While the $42,389 starting salary sits slightly below both state and national medians, the 26% growth to $53,599 by year four suggests graduates gain valuable experience and advance in their careers. Yes, top-performing CUNY programs like NYC College of Technology show higher starting salaries, but they don't necessarily offer the same debt advantage. For a family prioritizing affordability—particularly relevant given that 61% of Lehman students receive Pell grants—this program delivers healthcare sector access without financial strain.

The tradeoff is straightforward: your child won't start with the highest salary in the field, but they'll have financial flexibility their peers may lack. In healthcare administration, where advancement often depends on gaining experience and building relationships within organizations, starting with minimal debt provides breathing room to choose opportunities based on career fit rather than immediate salary needs.