Political Science and Government at CUNY Lehman College

Lehman College delivers something rare in political science programs: strong earnings with minimal debt. Graduates start at $43,059—beating 84% of similar programs nationally and sitting comfortably above both the national median ($35,627) and New York's median ($35,158). More impressive is the debt burden of just $12,334, which ranks in the 95th percentile nationally (meaning 95% of programs saddle students with more debt). That 0.29 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates owe less than three months' salary, creating immediate financial breathing room.

The 60th percentile ranking among New York programs might seem modest until you consider the competition includes Columbia and Cornell, where earnings top $60,000. Lehman achieves 70% of Columbia's outcomes at a fraction of the cost—a practical win for families prioritizing value. The 12% earnings growth to $48,182 by year four shows steady progression, and with 61% of Lehman students receiving Pell grants, this program clearly serves students who need education to be an economic springboard, not a luxury gamble.

For a politically engaged student interested in nonprofit work, government service, or graduate school, this program removes the financial barriers that often derail those paths. The low debt means your child can pursue meaningful work without being forced into corporate tracks just to manage loan payments.