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CUNY Lehman College vs Columbia University in the City of New York: which has better ROI?

Public, Bronx NY · vs · Private nonprofit, New York NY

By the Degree Dividend editorial data teamEvery figure verified against its federal source — methodologyData updated June 2026

The verdict

CUNY Lehman College has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $12,592 in 1.3 years versus 1.6 years at Columbia University in the City of New York, on median earnings of $58,013 vs $102,491 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureCUNY Lehman CollegeColumbia University in the City of New York
Net price / yr$3,148$21,590
Total net cost$12,592$86,360
Median earnings, 10 yrs$58,013$102,491
Median debt$10,950$21,500
Payback1.3 yrs1.6 yrs
20-year net return$180,468$996,260

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, CUNY Lehman College or Columbia University in the City of New York?

CUNY Lehman College, at $3,148 a year after aid versus $21,590 — a gap of $18,442 a year, or $73,768 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do CUNY Lehman College or Columbia University in the City of New York graduates earn more?

Columbia University in the City of New York graduates report a median $102,491 ten years after entry, $44,478 more than the $58,013 at CUNY Lehman College. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

Which leaves students with less debt, CUNY Lehman College or Columbia University in the City of New York?

CUNY Lehman College: its completers carry a median $10,950 in federal loans versus $21,500 at Columbia University in the City of New York, a difference of $10,550. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

96% of students finish at Columbia University in the City of New York, against 51% at CUNY Lehman College. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

CUNY Lehman College vs Columbia University in the City of New York: frequently asked questions

Is CUNY Lehman College or Columbia University in the City of New York a better value?
CUNY Lehman College. It clears its $12,592 net cost in about 1.3 years versus 1.6 years at Columbia University in the City of New York, on median earnings of $58,013 vs $102,491 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, CUNY Lehman College or Columbia University in the City of New York?
CUNY Lehman College: $3,148/yr net price after aid versus $21,590/yr at Columbia University in the City of New York — a difference of $18,442 a year, or about $73,768 over four years.
Do CUNY Lehman College or Columbia University in the City of New York graduates earn more?
Columbia University in the City of New York graduates earn a median $102,491 ten years after entry, versus $58,013 at CUNY Lehman College — a $44,478 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.