Journalism at CUNY Lehman College

Bronx, NY · Public · Bachelor's Degree
39 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
40
Optimistic
39
Base Case
37
Pessimistic
Earnings $26,319/yr (-24% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (64% exposed)
Job Market Large (50,500 openings/yr)
ROI 21.7x earnings multiple (10.5x out-of-state)
Ranked #50 of 178 Journalism programs Top 50%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Journalism graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $668K $643K $564K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 22.5x 21.7x 19.0x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 10.9x 10.5x 9.2x
Probability of Field Employment 53% 46% 31%
DegreeOutlook Score 40 39 37

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 (10.5x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$13,928
53% less than sticker · See by income
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$61,643
134% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

CUNY Lehman College's Journalism graduates start at $26,319/yr, trailing the $34,417 national average by 24%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

With a 21.7x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 16% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Journalism career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

A #50 ranking among 178 Journalism programs places CUNY Lehman College in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $26,319-to-$61,643 earnings arc over five years reflects a 134% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About CUNY Lehman College

CUNY Lehman College's 55% acceptance rate reflects moderate selectivity, serving 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

Communications teachers, postsecondary $77,800/yr
Editors $75,260/yr
Writers and authors $72,270/yr
View all 8 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Journalism at Other Schools

Other Majors at CUNY Lehman College

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 39/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Journalism at CUNY Lehman College?
At 39/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Journalism programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Journalism at CUNY Lehman College?
The 64% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Is CUNY Lehman College a good choice for Journalism despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If CUNY Lehman College's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
What do students actually pay for Journalism 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 →