Sociology at CUNY Lehman College

CUNY Lehman College's sociology program represents exceptional value that most families overlook. With graduates earning $42,710 in their first year—ranking in the 95th percentile nationally and 80th percentile in New York—this program significantly outperforms expectations for a school with a 55% admission rate and median SAT of 1010.

The financial picture is outstanding. At just $11,247 in median debt, Lehman graduates owe less than half the national average ($25,000) and far less than the typical New York sociology program ($24,407). The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.26 means students can realistically pay off their loans in about three years, while earnings continue growing to $47,174 by year four. Among New York's sociology programs, only elite institutions like Columbia and Colgate produce higher-earning graduates, but those schools come with dramatically higher costs and debt burdens.

This program delivers Ivy-adjacent outcomes at community college prices. With 61% of students receiving Pell grants, Lehman clearly serves a population that needs strong financial returns, and the data shows it delivers. For families seeking a sociology degree that won't burden their child with crushing debt while still opening doors to solid middle-class careers, this program offers remarkable value that's hiding in plain sight.