Fine and Studio Arts at CUNY Lehman College

Bronx, NY · Public · Bachelor's Degree
40 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
40
Optimistic
40
Base Case
36
Pessimistic
Earnings $27,582/yr (9% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (36% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (118,400 openings/yr)
ROI 17.1x earnings multiple (8.3x out-of-state)
Ranked #27 of 385 Fine and Studio Arts programs Top 10%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Fine and Studio Arts graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $509K $508K $474K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 17.2x 17.1x 16.0x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 8.3x 8.3x 7.7x
Probability of Field Employment 41% 37% 31%
DegreeOutlook Score 40 40 36

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$29,640
Out-of-state: $61,440 (8.3x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$13,928
53% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$10,065
4.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$46,586
69% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $27,582 per year, Fine and Studio Arts graduates from CUNY Lehman College earn slightly above the $25,391 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

With a 17.1x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 7% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Fine and Studio Arts career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

The median debt load of $10,065 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

At #27 of 385 programs, this Fine and Studio Arts program outperforms the majority of its peers. The top 10% ranking reflects consistently above-average outcomes.

The $27,582-to-$46,586 earnings arc over five years reflects a 69% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About CUNY Lehman College

CUNY Lehman College accepts 55% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, enrolling 10,438 students in Bronx, NY. With 61% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum. After financial aid, the average student pays $13,928 over four years — 53% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at CUNY Lehman College →

Top Career Paths

Art directors $111,040/yr
Special effects artists and animators $99,800/yr
Art, drama, and music teachers, postsecondary $80,190/yr
View all 12 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Fine and Studio Arts at Other Schools

Other Majors at CUNY Lehman College

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 40/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Fine and Studio Arts at CUNY Lehman College?
At 40/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Fine and Studio Arts programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
What do students actually pay for Fine and Studio Arts at CUNY Lehman College?
The 53% gap between sticker price and net cost means most students pay far less than $29,640. At a net cost of $13,928, the earnings multiple improves substantially.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →