Graduate Admissions FAQs

Q: When does the semester start?

A: The academic calendar provides semester start dates as well as other information.  Visit the following link for the Lehman Academic Calendars.

Q: I have been admitted. How do I accept my offer?

A: You can accept your offer of admission through your ApplyYourself account by following the steps below:

  1. click here
  2. enter your username and password;
  3. once you are logged in, scroll down to the "Decision Status" section and click "Your application decision is now available online";
  4. once the Decision Letter is displayed, to accept an offer of admission, students should click “Enrollment Decision”;
  5. to accept the offer of admission, applicants will click “Yes” to confirm their acceptance.

If your file is complete and you do not see one of the buttons previously mentioned, you can reach out to an admissions advisor through the Lehman chat, Monday to Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.   Click on the chatbot icon in the lower right corner of the Lehman website or send an e-mail to graduate.admissions@lehman.cuny.edu. Include your name as it appears on the application, your EMPL ID number (if you know it) and/or your application number.

Q: I accepted my offer to attend Lehman weeks ago and I have not heard anything since. What should I do now?

A: Two to three weeks after you have accepted your offer, the Office of Graduate Admissions will email you with enrollment information and registration instructions.  If you do not receive an email you can reach out to an admissions advisor through the Lehman chat,  Monday to Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.  Click on the chatbot icon in the lower right corner of the Lehman website or send an e-mail to graduate.admissions@lehman.cuny.edu. Include your name as it appears on the application, your EMPL ID number (if you know it) and/or your application number.

Q: What are the Admission Requirements?

A: For information about admission requirements please click here.

Q: Does Lehman College require GRE scores? 

A: Lehman no longer requires the GRE.

Q: Does Lehman College require TOEFL or IELTS English language exams?

A: Yes, Lehman requires the TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English language exams. If you have already taken one of these exams and have yet to submit your application, please upload your scores to your application. If you already submitted your application, please upload your scores to your Graduate Application in the Exams, Licenses, Certifications and Writing Sample section in the online application.

Q: I see that I was admitted for the fall semester, but my start semester is the summer. Do I have to take summer courses?

A: There is no requirement to take summer courses at Lehman, unless a specific program requires this. When we admit students for the fall semester, we push their start-term to the summer in case a student would like to pursue summer course registration. 

Q: I have been accepted to Lehman and would like to schedule an appointment with an academic advisor so that I can register. How can I make this appointment?

A: Once you have accepted your offer, the Office of Graduate Admissions will create your CUNYfirst (CF) account or update your CF account (if you already have a CF account) and email you with instructions to complete the enrollment process. This email will include a description of when and how to contact the respective Program Director for advisement.

Q: Are graduate applications still being accepted?

A: View deadline dates here.

Q: How do I apply to Lehman?

A: Here - you can find information about applying to Lehman.

Q: How do I submit my application fee?

A: The non-refundable $75.00 application fee must be paid online by credit card or e-check.

  • Veterans and current military service personnel are exempt from the application fee. Veterans must submit their DD-214. Current military service personnel must submit their military identification card.
  • The advanced certificate, degree-seeking, doctoral and non-degree application fee is waived for Lehman College alumni and current graduating students.
  • The application fee is waived if you are currently attending Lehman as a graduate non-degree student and applying for degree-seeking status in the immediate following semester.

Q: I applied to Lehman, and I have not received a response from the school. How can I find out if I was accepted?

A: An email regarding admissions decisions is sent to the email you provided on your application. To review the status of your application, log into your ApplyYourself account.

 Q: How can I apply for an ePermit?

A: Click here, If you wish to take a course at a CUNY College other than your Home College or to apply for a permit outside of the CUNY system.

Q: How can I apply as a non-degree student?

A: To apply online as a non-degree student, go to this website.

Q: I was a non-degree student, but now wish to continue as a degree-seeking student. How do I go about changing my status?

A: If you previously attended Lehman in a non-degree status and now wish to pursue a degree or an advanced certificate program, you must complete and submit the online degree-seeking application here. Supporting documents, including official transcript(s) from all college(s)/institution(s) you attended after high school are required.  The application fee is waived for current graduate non-degree students who are applying for the immediate subsequent semester as a degree-seeking student.

Q: I am interested in readmitting to Lehman. What should I do?

A: If you are interested in readmitting and you stopped attending Lehman for only one semester, reach out to an admissions advisor through the Lehman chat, Monday to Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Click on the chatbot icon in the lower right corner of the Lehman website.

If you stopped attending Lehman between three semesters and three years to be readmitted, complete the online readmit application.

If you stopped attending Lehman for three or more years, you must reapply by completing and submitting a new degree-seeking application as well as all supporting documents using the Graduate Admissions file drop. When you start a new application, create a different ApplyYourself account using a new username and email different from the one used for your previous application.

When readmitting or reapplying, be sure to include transcripts from schools attended since last attending Lehman.

Q: My GPA from Lehman was below a 3.0. How do I appeal to readmit?

A:  Contact the Office of Graduate Studies at graduate.studies@lehman.cuny.edu before completing a readmit application regarding your appeal.

Q: I am applying for readmission/non-degree. How do I pay for the application fee?

A: The non-refundable $75.00 (advanced certficate/ degree-seeking/ extension/ non-degree) or $20.00 (readmit) application fee must be paid online by credit card or e-check.

  • Veterans and current military service personnel are exempt from the application fee. Veterans must submit their DD-214. Current military service personnel must submit their military identification card.
  • The Non-degree application fee is waived for Lehman College alumni and current graduating students.

Q: What does “ Proof of Status” mean?

A: Proof of status is a document that shows your status in the U.S.  Examples are permanent resident card (green card), U.S. passport, naturalization certificate, employment authorization, F1 status, asylee status, etc.

Q: How do I submit my green card or proof of status?

A: Upload proof of status and other supporting documents to the Graduate Admissions file drop.

Q: Can I still commit to Lehman for the coming semester?

A: Commiting to Lehman or Accepting your offer of admission as easy as 1-2-3! If you have not already done so,

  •  Log into your ApplyYourself Account.
  • Scroll down to Decision Status and click on “Your application decision is now available online.”
  • On your admissions letter, scroll down and click on the blue enrollment decision icon.
    image of blue button with the words

For the Fall semester: Your enrollment decision must be received by May 1st, the national deadline for accepting offers of admission and financial aid. If you are admitted after May 1, the enrollment decision is due 2 weeks after the date you received your admission notification.

*New MSW students: You must accept the offer of admission within 3 weeks from the date on your admissions letter. If we do not hear from you by then, we will assume you are not interested in attending and will offer your space to another applicant.

For the Spring semester: Your enrollment decision must be received by December 15th. If you are admitted after December 15, the enrollment decision is due 2 weeks after the date you received your admission notification.

At this time, we do not recommend mailing the commitment deposit fee.  The commitment deposit fee is part of your tuition and will therefore be charged accordingly.

Q: Can I still commit after the college commitment day/deadline?

A: Yes, once we have created or updated your CUNYfirst account, we will send you instructions regarding the commitment process.  If you haven’t already done so, we encourage you to accept your offer of admission through your ApplyYourself account by following the steps below:

  1. click here
  2. enter your username and password;
  3. once you are logged in, scroll down to the "Decision Status" section and click "Your application decision is now available online";
  4. once the Decision Letter is displayed, to accept an offer of admission, students should click “Enrollment Decision”;
  5. to accept the offer of admission, applicants will click “Yes” to confirm their acceptance.

Q: Do I have to be vaccinated to take classes in person?

CUNY has announced that as of Summer 2023, students are no longer required to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination.

Q: If I have questions and would like to meet with an admissions counselor, can I set up an appointment?

A: Click here to connect with Graduate Admissions.

Q: What is the best way to get in touch with someone in the Office of Graduate Admissions?

A: To get in touch with the Office of Graduate Admissions, you can chat live with an admissions’ advisor, Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. To open a live chat, click on Lehman’s mascot, the “Lightening Bug” in the lower right corner of the webpage and type the word “AGENT” in the chatbot and select the office with which you want to chat.

Q: Will Information Sessions or campus tours be offered?

A: Yes, we are offering virtual information sessions. To see our schedule and register for a session click here. You can take a virtual tour of the campus.

Q: How long will it take for an email reply?

A: It typically takes up to five business days to receive a response email. However, you are encouraged to connect with Graduate Admissions via the live chat, Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Tuesdays until 6:00 p.m.  To open a live chat, click on Lehman’s mascot, the “Lightening Bug” in the lower right corner of the webpage and type the word “AGENT” in the chatbot and select the office with which you want to chat.

Q: Is the campus open?

A: Yes, Lehman’s campus is open. If you would like to submit documents, Many supporting documents (except official transcripts) can be loaded to the application before submission or uploaded to the Graduate Admissions file drop here.

Official transcripts must be:

  1. e-mailed electronically via a digital credential company (i.e. Parchment, E transcript(s), National Clearinghouse, Escripts) to graduate.admissions@lehman.cuny.edu from the institution or
  2. mailed (directly from the school) via USPS to:

Lehman College/CUNY
Office of Graduate Admissions
Shuster Hall, Room 158
250 Bedford Park Blvd. West
Bronx, New York 10468

Representatives from all campus offices are accessible virtually, and we encourage you to visit the individual offices webpages to learn about their virtual office hours and contact information.

Q: What is the best way for me to send you my transcript(s)?

A: Please submit Official transcript(s) only. 

Transcripts are considered official when:

  1. e-mailed electronically via a digital credential company (i.e. Parchment, E transcript(s), National Clearinghouse, Escripts) to graduate.admissions@lehman.cuny.edu from the institution or
  2. mailed (directly from the school) via USPS to:
    Lehman College/CUNY
    Office of Graduate Admissions
    Shuster Hall, Room 158
    250 Bedford Park Blvd. West
    Bronx, New York 10468

Q: How do I know if Lehman received my transcript(s)?

A: If you have attended one academic institution, log into the ApplyYourself application portal to see if your transcript has been uploaded to your application file. If your transcript has not been added to your application, email graduate.admissions@lehman.cuny.edu. In your email, include your name as it appears on your transcript, EMPL ID # (if you know it) and the name of the school from which your transcript was sent. We will get back to you as soon as we can. You may reach out to a Graduate Admissions representative via the live chat, Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

If you have attended more than one school, email graduate.admissions@lehman.cuny.edu. In your email, include your name as it appears on your transcript(s), EMPL ID # (if you know it) and the name of the school from which your transcript(s) was sent. We will get back to you as soon as we can.You may reach out to a Graduate Admissions representative via the live chat, Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Q: I'm unable to obtain a transcript from my previous school, can I submit an unofficial transcript instead? 

A: We do not accept unofficial transcripts. Without final official transcripts, the application process will not be complete. Transcripts are considered official when:

  • e-mailed electronically via a digital credential company (i.e. Parchment, E transcript(s), National Clearinghouse, Escripts) to graduate.admissions@lehman.cuny.edu from the institution or
  • mailed (directly from the school) via USPS to:
    Lehman College/CUNY
    Office of Graduate Admissions
    Shuster Hall, Room 158
    250 Bedford Park Blvd. West
    Bronx, New York 10468

Q: Can I drop off documents in-person?

A: Supporting documents (excluding transcripts) can be uploaded to the Exams, Licenses, Certifications and Writing Sample section in the online application.

Official transcripts must be:

  • e-mailed electronically via a digital credential company (i.e. Parchment, E transcript(s), National Clearinghouse, Escripts) to graduate.admissions@lehman.cuny.edu from the institution or
  • mailed (directly from the school) via USPS to:
    Lehman College/CUNY
    Office of Graduate Admissions
    Shuster Hall, Room 158
    250 Bedford Park Blvd. West
    Bronx, New York 10468

Final transcripts submitted in-person must be in a sealed envelope from the respective college/university.

Q: How do I submit proof of graduation, or test scores? 

A: Once your degree has been conferred, provide an updated official transcript with the date of graduation on it. Test scores must be submitted using our secure portal.  Please upload documents to the Graduate Admissions file drop here.

Q:  How do I submit documents electronically to complete my enrollment process, after I have been admitted?

A: Documents must be submitted using our secure portal.  Please upload documents to the Graduate Admissions file drop here.

Q: If I need to postpone my enrollment for a semester what should I do?

A: If you accept your offer of admission you can defer your enrollment to most programs, for up to one year (two semesters), by filling out and uploading the deferment and commitment deposit forms (Including the Program Director signature on deferment form) to the Graduate Admissions file drop here (hyper link). The forms must be received before classes begin to be considered for deferment. Not all programs allow students to defer. We encourage you to contact your Program Director before completing the forms.

Q: How do I go about getting my Lehman ID card? 

A: Students (including transfer students), new faculty and staff can obtain a Lehman College ID card using the Office of Public Safety’s online photo system.  For additional information click on Lehman ID Card.

Q: I need help doing my financial aid forms. Who can I contact?

A: For help doing your financial aid forms or specific forms to finalize your Financial Aid, you should contact the Financial Aid Office at 718-960-8545 or via email at financial.aid@lehman.cuny.edu. However, please check the main Financial Aid website for additional information.

Q: How can I view my financial aid package?

A: If you’ve completed a FAFSA application and your financial aid is packaged, you may view your Financial Aid package by following the CUNYfirst instructions below:

  1. Navigate to Self Service followed by Student Center.
  2. Scroll down to Finances section, click the Account Inquiry link to see the details of the Account Summary.
  3. Under the Account Inquiry tab, click on the pending aid sub-tab to view your estimated award amounts.
  4. Once your pending aid has been disbursed, look at your payments to be displayed under the payments sub-tab

* IMPORTANT NOTE: Your financial aid award will NOT appear on your Account Summary page for at least 1 business day AFTER your complete your initial enrollment. If changes are made that affect your awards, allow 1 business day for updates to appear.

Q: Do I send tax verification to the financial aid office email or upload the documents to CUNYfirst?

A: You can securely upload documents via CUNYfirst. Click here for instructions. However, please check the main Financial Aid website or additional methods to upload documents.

Q: Is there any specific financial aid available for DACA students?

A: You can find information pertaining to DACA here.

Q: How can I have my Alien Registration Card/Proof of Permanent Resident visa status hold removed?

A: In order to remove your hold please upload document(s) to the Graduate Admissions file drop. Once the document is successfully received, we will remove the hold.

Q: I have a residency hold. What should I do?

A: If you have a residency hold, please fill out and upload a copy of the Residency Application and required supporting documentation via the Graduate Admissions file drop here Official documents will be required in order to maintain enrollment. 

Q: I have an Immunization Hold on my record. What should I do?

A: For details about immunizations requirements, please visit the Students Health Center website. The documents can be submitted online through Lehman 360.

Q: Who can I contact about enrollment for International Students? I have already committed to the college.

A: You should be in touch with the International Student & Scholar Office (ISSO). Please visit this link for more information.

Q: How can I submit a transcript(s) from a school outside of the United States?

A: Your foreign transcript must be authenticated, translated (if necessary), and evaluated (course by course and degree) to determine the US degree equivalent. Go to the admissions website for a list of preferred agencies. Most of these agencies will forward the evaluation directly to us electronically.

Q: How do I register for classes?

A: You will receive an email from the Office of Graduate Admissions with registration and enrollment instructions.

Q: Can I register for classes earlier than the date provided in my CUNYfirst account? 

A: No, new incoming students have a pre-determined registration date.

Q: The class I want is closed. Can the admissions department put me into the class?

A: If a class is full, only the individual academic department can “over-tally” a class. Please reach out to your Program Director via email for admission into an already closed class.

Q: When I try to register for a class it says that permission is needed. What does that mean?

A: Certain courses require departmental permission to register. If you attempt to register for a course and permission is required, you should contact your Program Director in order to request permission to enroll in the class.

Q: How can I maintain enrollment after completing program course requirements?

A: To maintain enrollment, contact the Registrar’s Graduation Specialist at sheniqua.fleming@lehman.cuny.edu.

Q: I graduated from Lehman College. How can I get my diploma?

A: As a Lehman graduate, to get a copy of your diploma you will need to contact the Registrar’s Graduation Audit team at graduation.audit@lehman.cuny.edu.

Q: Does Lehman offer childcare?

A: Lehman has a Student Child Care Center which is committed to providing the children and families of Lehman’s student body with the highest quality early- child care programs and support possible. Eligibility for the Child Care Center is contingent upon your status as a currently enrolled, matriculated Lehman student. For more information, please visit this link.

Q: How do I register for student disability services?

A: If you are a student with a disability or medical condition, either temporary or permanent, please reach out to the Office of Student Disability Services (SDS). We are here to support you with achieving your academic goals. SDS works in partnership with the entire Lehman community to ensure access to all areas of campus life and arrange for appropriate academic accommodations, programs and services. Every student is treated as an individual and we provide referrals to both on-campus offices and outside agencies to assist students with being successful.

To learn more please contact our office at 718 960-8441 or send us an email at disability.services@lehman.cuny.edu or complete the application by clicking the link here and following the instructions: https://www.lehman.edu/student-disability-services/reasonable-accommodations.php

To contact SDS, email disability.services@lehman.cuny.edu or 718-960-8441. You can also visit their website.

Q: Does Lehman offer housing for students?

A: As of Spring 2022, the college no longer offers campus housing to students. There are various off-campus housing options available in the local community. For more information, please visitthis link The resources mentioned are not endorsed or affiliated with the college. They are independent services that students may explore at their discretion. The college does not take responsibility for any agreements or arrangements made with these external housing resources. Please note that while the college no longer offers campus housing, we remain committed to supporting our students throughout their educational journey. If you have any further questions or need assistance with housing or any other student affairs matter, please don't hesitate to contact our office 

Q: Is there student parking on campus?

A: Limited parking is available to students for approximately $75 per semester and is offered on a first-come, first-serve basis. Visit this link for information about parking.

Q: I'm having trouble completing the SPARC Training. What should I do?

A: Contact Denny Santos, Director of Compliance and Operations at denny.santos@lehman.cuny.edu

Q: Does Lehman offer tutoring?

A: Lehman College offers a wide variety of instructional support services. Please visit this link for information about tutoring and support services.

Q: How can I claim my Lehman email account?

A: Another important step in the enrollment process is claiming your Lehman email account, which will give you access to many necessary tools and systems. Once you have accepted your admissions offer, and your CUNYfirst account is created or updated, you will receive login instructions on how to claim your Lehman email account. Once you have claimed your Lehman email account, make sure to check it regularly for important updates.

Q: What is the difference between the EmpLID #, the Lehman ID # and the CUNYfirst ID #?

A: The descriptions associated with your CUNY identification number (EmplLID #, Lehman # and CUNYfirst ID #) are used interchangeably and all refer to the same number. You can locate your CUNYfirst ID # by logging into your CUNYfirst account and navigating to your Student Center. The ID # is located in the top right corner. 

Q: How do I update my CUNYfirst (CF) account if I already have an account with another CUNY school? 

A: Once you have committed to Lehman and registered for courses, you will see your CF college-affiliation change from your previously attended CUNY College to Lehman. Even prior to this change of college affiliation, your ‘To-Do’ list in CF will display Lehman-specific action items.

Q: What is tuition at Lehman?

A: CUNY tuition and fees page

Q: How do I set up a payment plan?

A: Please visit this link to watch a video about how to enroll in a Nelnet Payment Plan.

Q: How do I submit my tuition payments each semester?

Tuition payment can be made online via e-check or credit/debit card.

Q: When does the first tuition payment have to be sent in?

A: Tuition must be submitted prior to the first day of classes or else you risk being dropped from your classes. For more information, visit the Academic Calendar.

Q: How can I be a visiting student at Lehman?

A: If you are currently enrolled at another college and would like to take courses at Lehman for a semester then return to your Home College, you will need to complete the visiting student application.

For questions about the process, please e-mail visiting.students@lehman.cuny.edu.
For current tuition rates based on NYS residency status, please visit the Tuition and Fees website.