Romance Languages at CUNY Lehman College

Bronx, NY · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
39 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
40
Optimistic
39
Base Case
31
Pessimistic
Earnings $35,941/yr (4% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (58% exposed)
Job Market Large (75,000 openings/yr)
ROI 15.6x earnings multiple (7.5x out-of-state)
Ranked #66 of 198 Romance Languages & Literatures programs Top 50%

How AI Changes the Outlook

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

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $458K $462K $438K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 15.4x 15.6x 14.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 7.5x 7.5x 7.1x
Probability of Field Employment 43% 38% 27%
DegreeOutlook Score 40 39 31

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 (7.5x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$13,928
53% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$6,989
2.3 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $35,941/yr, roughly in line with the $34,637 national median for Romance Languages. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

With a 15.6x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 4% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Romance Languages career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

With first-year pay of $35,941 far exceeding the $6,989 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

A #66 ranking among 198 Romance Languages programs places CUNY Lehman College in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

About CUNY Lehman College

A 55% admission rate makes CUNY Lehman College accessible to a wide range of qualified students, 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

Foreign language and literature teachers, postsecondary $77,010/yr
Secondary school teachers, except special and career/technical education $64,580/yr
Interpreters and translators $59,440/yr
View all 3 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Romance Languages at Other Schools

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Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 39/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Romance Languages at CUNY Lehman College?
At 39/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Romance Languages programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Romance Languages at CUNY Lehman College?
The 58% 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.
What do students actually pay for Romance Languages 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 →