Psychology at CUNY Lehman College

CUNY Lehman College delivers exceptional value for psychology majors that many families overlook. Graduates earn $36,913 in their first year—outperforming 89% of psychology programs nationally—while leaving with just $10,250 in debt. That's less than half the national median debt for this degree. Within four years, earnings jump 23% to $45,301, putting graduates on stable financial footing early in their careers.

The comparison to New York's competitive landscape tells the real story. While Lehman ranks in the 60th percentile among New York psychology programs (trailing elite schools like CUNY Graduate Center), the debt difference is staggering. Most psychology students in New York graduate with $25,000 in debt—2.5 times what Lehman students carry. This means Lehman graduates reach debt-free status years earlier, even if they earn slightly less than peers at pricier institutions. For a program serving 61% Pell-eligible students, these outcomes demonstrate genuine economic mobility.

For families concerned about psychology's reputation as a low-earning major, Lehman offers reassurance. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.28 means students borrow less than three months' salary—an exceptionally manageable burden. If your child is committed to psychology and wants to stay in New York, this program delivers strong earnings with minimal financial risk, particularly valuable if graduate school is on the horizon.