Romance Languages & Literatures 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 & Literatures 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 & Literatures. 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 & Literatures 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 & Literatures 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 & Literatures at Other Schools

Other Majors at CUNY Lehman College

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 & Literatures at CUNY Lehman College?
At 39/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Romance Languages & Literatures programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Romance Languages & Literatures 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 & Literatures 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 →