Public Health at CUNY Lehman College

CUNY Lehman's public health program delivers strong first-year outcomes at an exceptionally affordable price. With graduates earning $41,255 their first year while carrying just $15,414 in debt—about 40% of the national average—students face virtually no financial burden getting started. The program ranks in the 60th percentile among New York's 43 public health programs, trailing schools like CUNY Hunter ($47,444) but performing solidly above the state median of $39,164.

The concerning pattern here is what happens after year one: earnings slip to $39,894 by year four, a 3% decline that's unusual for any bachelor's degree. This might reflect the career pathways typical for this Bronx student population—many may be entering community health organizations or non-profit roles where salary growth is modest and funding constraints are real. Given that 61% of Lehman students receive Pell grants, many graduates may be prioritizing stable employment over higher-paying corporate wellness positions.

For families watching their finances, the math here works. The debt burden is minimal, first-year salaries cover living expenses in the Bronx, and even with flat earnings, graduates avoid the debt trap that plagues public health majors at pricier schools. If your child is drawn to community-focused public health work rather than chasing maximum salary growth, Lehman offers a financially responsible path into the field.