Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at CUNY Lehman College
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
CUNY Lehman College's nursing program punches well above its weight. Despite serving a predominantly working-class student body in the Bronx—61% receive Pell grants—graduates earn a median of $101,531 in their first year, crushing the national average by $27,000 and landing in the 95th percentile nationally. Even within New York's competitive nursing market, where salaries run higher, Lehman graduates still earn above the state median. The debt picture makes this even more compelling: at just over $20,000, students borrow roughly $7,000 less than typical nursing grads while earning substantially more.
The value becomes crystal clear when you compare outcomes to cost. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.20, graduates could theoretically pay off their loans in under three months of work. Earnings continue climbing to $112,500 by year four, placing Lehman solidly among New York's top-performing nursing programs—comparable to SUNY Downstate and not far behind NYU, which likely costs significantly more. The robust sample size confirms these aren't flukes.
For families worried about affordability, Lehman delivers elite-level nursing outcomes at CUNY prices. The combination of low debt, high immediate earnings, and strong career trajectory makes this one of the best ROI nursing programs you'll find in New York.
Where CUNY Lehman College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How CUNY Lehman College graduates compare to all programs nationally
CUNY Lehman College graduates earn $102k, placing them in the 95th percentile of all registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in New York
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (61 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CUNY Lehman College | $101,531 | $112,500 | $20,055 | 0.20 |
| Helene Fuld College of Nursing | $119,170 | $111,944 | — | — |
| CUNY Medgar Evers College | $115,779 | $109,153 | $21,213 | 0.18 |
| CUNY York College | $113,718 | $101,249 | $12,125 | 0.11 |
| SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University | $112,670 | $107,199 | $22,023 | 0.20 |
| New York University | $111,360 | $106,295 | $25,500 | 0.23 |
| National Median | $74,888 | — | $27,000 | 0.36 |
Other Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Programs in New York
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across New York schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Helene Fuld College of Nursing New York | $24,648 | $119,170 | — |
| CUNY Medgar Evers College Brooklyn | $7,352 | $115,779 | $21,213 |
| CUNY York College Jamaica | $7,358 | $113,718 | $12,125 |
| SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University Brooklyn | — | $112,670 | $22,023 |
| New York University New York | $60,438 | $111,360 | $25,500 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At CUNY Lehman College, approximately 61% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 291 graduates with reported earnings and 216 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.