Head-to-head · 2026
College of Staten Island CUNY vs CUNY Lehman College
Compare average net price ($5,579 at College of Staten Island CUNY; $3,148 at CUNY Lehman College), ROI score (23.97 vs 46.07), ten-year median earnings ($53,501 vs $58,013), and admissions selectivity (92.3% acceptance at College of Staten Island CUNY; 56.6% at CUNY Lehman College) using federal College Scorecard data. CUNY Lehman College has a 6-1 metric-level edge. CUNY Lehman College has the stronger ROI signal here, though the final choice should still account for aid, major and campus fit.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
9 metrics, side by side. A colored cell marks a metric-level advantage. Green = lower-is-better, violet = higher-is-better.
| Metric | College of Staten Island CUNY | CUNY Lehman College |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 23.97 | 46.07 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $5,579 | $3,148 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $53,501 | $58,013 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | 92.3% | 56.6% ✓ |
| Graduation rate | 33.9% | 51.3% ✓ |
| Median debt | $14,350 | $10,950 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 9,657 | 10,696 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1040 ✓ | 970 |
| Metric advantages | 1 | 6 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
College of Staten Island CUNY costs $2,431 more per year than CUNY Lehman College ($5,579 vs $3,148). CUNY Lehman College graduates report $4,512 higher median earnings after ten years ($58,013 vs $53,501). On EduGradify's model that puts CUNY Lehman College ahead on projected ROI (46.07 vs 23.97, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (CUNY Lehman College) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, College of Staten Island CUNY is accessible at 92.3% acceptance versus 56.6% (accessible) at CUNY Lehman College.
Frequently asked
College of Staten Island CUNY vs CUNY Lehman College, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is College of Staten Island CUNY or CUNY Lehman College the better value?
CUNY Lehman College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (46.07 vs 23.97), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
CUNY Lehman College is cheaper — average net price $3,148 per year vs $5,579 at College of Staten Island CUNY. The annual difference of $2,431 adds up to about $9,724 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
CUNY Lehman College reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $58,013 vs $53,501 at College of Staten Island CUNY. The annual gap in the federal data is $4,512.
Which school is harder to get into?
CUNY Lehman College is more selective at 56.6% acceptance vs 92.3% at College of Staten Island CUNY.
What should I compare beyond ROI?
Use the ROI score as a value screen, then compare aid letters, program fit, graduation rate, location, campus size, and debt. College of Staten Island CUNY reports a A+ value grade; CUNY Lehman College reports A+.