Head-to-head · 2026
CUNY City College vs CUNY Lehman College
Side-by-side ROI breakdown. 3 wins for CUNY City College, 4 for CUNY Lehman College — CUNY Lehman College has more metric-level advantages.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric, winner flagged
9 metrics, side by side. The colored cell wins. Green = lower-is-better wins, indigo = higher-is-better wins.
| Metric | CUNY City College | CUNY Lehman College |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 43.72 | 46.07 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $3,776 | $3,148 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $66,039 ✓ | $58,013 |
| Acceptance rate | 60% | 56.6% ✓ |
| Graduation rate | 56.8% ✓ | 51.3% |
| Median debt | $11,990 | $10,950 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 12,505 | 10,696 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1260 ✓ | 970 |
| Wins | 3 | 4 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
CUNY City College costs $628 more per year than CUNY Lehman College ($3,776 vs $3,148). CUNY City College graduates report $8,026 higher median earnings after ten years ($66,039 vs $58,013). On EduGradify's model that puts CUNY Lehman College ahead on projected ROI (46.07 vs 43.72, 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, CUNY City College is accessible at 60% acceptance versus 56.6% (accessible) at CUNY Lehman College.
Frequently asked
CUNY City College vs CUNY Lehman College, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is CUNY City College or CUNY Lehman College the better value?
CUNY Lehman College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (46.07 vs 43.72), 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 $3,776 at CUNY City College. The annual difference of $628 adds up to about $2,512 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
CUNY City College reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $66,039 vs $58,013 at CUNY Lehman College. The annual gap in the federal data is $8,026.
Which school is harder to get into?
CUNY Lehman College is more selective at 56.6% acceptance vs 60% at CUNY City College.
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. CUNY City College reports a A+ value grade; CUNY Lehman College reports A+.