About Binghamton University
Binghamton ranks among the most selective schools in the SUNY system with a 41.75% acceptance rate. This public research university has built a reputation as one of New York's "Public Ivies," attracting 14,401 students to its suburban campus in Vestal. The rigorous academics have produced notable graduates including NFL linebacker Khalil Mack and comedian David Cross. Students here typically arrive with strong credentials, averaging 1425 on the SAT.
The financial picture makes Binghamton particularly attractive for New York residents. In-state students pay just $10,363 in tuition, while the average net price across all income levels sits at $21,364. Graduates earn a median of $80,596 ten years after graduation, making the typical debt load of $18,500 very manageable. Most students graduate with monthly loan payments around $196, a reasonable burden given the strong earning potential.
The student body reflects New York's diversity, with 18.39% Asian students and 13.43% Hispanic students among the enrollment. Nearly 88% of students return for sophomore year, suggesting satisfaction with the academic experience. The 83.6% six-year graduation rate demonstrates that students who enroll here typically finish their degrees and move successfully into careers or graduate school.
The financial picture makes Binghamton particularly attractive for New York residents. In-state students pay just $10,363 in tuition, while the average net price across all income levels sits at $21,364. Graduates earn a median of $80,596 ten years after graduation, making the typical debt load of $18,500 very manageable. Most students graduate with monthly loan payments around $196, a reasonable burden given the strong earning potential.
The student body reflects New York's diversity, with 18.39% Asian students and 13.43% Hispanic students among the enrollment. Nearly 88% of students return for sophomore year, suggesting satisfaction with the academic experience. The 83.6% six-year graduation rate demonstrates that students who enroll here typically finish their degrees and move successfully into careers or graduate school.
Academics & Faculty
Binghamton is the crown jewel of the SUNY system, earning recognition as a "Public Ivy" for its rigorous academics and research opportunities. The university excels in business, engineering, and psychology programs that consistently rank among the top public institutions nationally. With a student-faculty ratio of 18:1, students receive more attention than at many large research universities. The 83% four-year graduation rate reflects strong academic support and student engagement. Binghamton's research focus means undergraduates can work alongside faculty on modern projects. The school's reputation for academic excellence attracts high-achieving students, with average SAT scores of 1425 creating a competitive classroom environment that pushes everyone to excel.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 18:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 75.6%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 83.2%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 83.6%
- Retention Rate
- 88.5%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $80,596
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral University (R1)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science. | Master | $116,083 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $101,406 |
| Industrial Engineering. | Master | $87,604 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Master | $84,161 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $75,921 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Master | $75,518 |
| Management Information Systems and Services. | Bachelor | $73,949 |
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $72,214 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $69,775 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $69,002 |
Campus Life
Students bundle up in heavy winter coats for much of the academic year in upstate New York, where snow blankets the campus from December through March. The university sits about 140 miles northwest of New York City in the Southern Tier region. With housing capacity for 7,586 students out of 14,401 enrolled, roughly half the student body lives on campus in residence halls and apartment complexes scattered across the 930-acre campus.
The Nature Preserve provides 182 acres of hiking trails where students escape academic pressure, especially popular during the brief but beautiful fall foliage season. Weekend social life centers around the downtown Binghamton area, about 10 minutes away, though many students stay on campus for intramural sports and residence hall programming. The Bearcats compete in 17 Division I sports, with basketball games drawing the most student energy during winter months. Greek life exists but doesn't dominate the social scene. Students often gather in the Union for late-night study sessions, particularly during finals when the academic intensity matches the school's reputation as one of SUNY's most competitive campuses.
The Nature Preserve provides 182 acres of hiking trails where students escape academic pressure, especially popular during the brief but beautiful fall foliage season. Weekend social life centers around the downtown Binghamton area, about 10 minutes away, though many students stay on campus for intramural sports and residence hall programming. The Bearcats compete in 17 Division I sports, with basketball games drawing the most student energy during winter months. Greek life exists but doesn't dominate the social scene. Students often gather in the Union for late-night study sessions, particularly during finals when the academic intensity matches the school's reputation as one of SUNY's most competitive campuses.
- Setting
- Suburb-Midsize
- Housing Capacity
- 7,586 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1946
Campus Safety (2023)
206 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stalking | 70 | 50 | 3 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 23 | 18 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 10 | 9 | 2 | 0 |
| Burglary | 9 | 3 | 1 | 0 |
| Fondling | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 14°–33°F
- July Avg
- 58°–82°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 42.4"
- Annual Snowfall
- 86.5"
Student Demographics
This SUNY flagship draws primarily New York residents who see it as their state's most strong public option. With 87% in-state enrollment, Binghamton has built its reputation closer to home rather than chasing national recognition. The student body leans slightly female, reflecting strong liberal arts and business programs alongside traditional STEM fields. More than one in four students receives Pell Grants, showing the university fulfills its public mission of serving middle-class families. High-achieving students with SAT scores averaging 1425 choose Binghamton as an affordable alternative to top private colleges.
- Men
- 47.3%
- Women
- 52.7%
- White
- 52.7%
- Black
- 4.9%
- Hispanic
- 13.4%
- Asian
- 18.4%
- In-State Students
- 87.1%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 27.5%
Location
Binghamton University sits in Vestal, New York, about 140 miles northwest of New York City in the Southern Tier region. The campus sprawls across rolling hills in a midsize suburban setting that feels distinctly upstate. Students get four seasons of weather, from snowy winters perfect for sledding down the campus hills to warm falls when the surrounding forests explode with color. The area maintains a classic college town atmosphere despite being part of the larger Binghamton metropolitan area. With 87.12% of students coming from in-state, most are already familiar with the region's mix of small cities and rural landscapes. Students considering colleges in New York may also compare Binghamton University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Vestal, New York 13850-6000
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $80,596
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $80,182
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $47,700
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 75.5%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $196/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $18,500
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Binghamton University?
Binghamton admits 41.75% of applicants, making it one of the most selective schools in the SUNY system. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1340-1510 on the SAT, reflecting the university's reputation as a top public research institution.
How much does Binghamton University cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $21,364 per year, though costs vary by family income. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay an average of $12,916, while those from higher-income families pay closer to the full cost.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Binghamton University?
Binghamton maintains an 18:1 student-faculty ratio with 14,401 total students. The university is known for rigorous academics and research opportunities, with an 83.22% four-year graduation rate that exceeds many public universities.
What do Binghamton University graduates earn after college?
Alumni earn a median salary of $80,596 ten years after graduation, with a 93.3% employment rate. Graduates typically leave with $18,500 in debt and monthly loan payments of $196, making it a strong value proposition for a research university education.
Where is Binghamton University located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in Vestal, NY, a mid-size suburban setting that houses 7,586 students on campus. With 17 varsity sports teams competing as the Bearcats in NCAA Division I, the university maintains an active athletic culture alongside its academic reputation.
Is Binghamton University diverse in its student body?
The student body is 52.74% women and includes significant diversity with 18.39% Asian students and 13.43% Hispanic students. However, 87.12% of students come from New York state, giving it a distinctly regional character within the SUNY system.
