At $21,364/yr net price, Binghamton University graduates earn $80,596/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $46,596/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $21,364 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $85,456 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $80,596/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$46,596/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 1.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 83.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $18,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $12,916/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $16,168/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $21,832/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $23,279/yr |
| $110,001+ | $28,008/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science. | Master | $116,083 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $101,406 | $41,000 |
| Industrial Engineering. | Master | $87,604 | $30,641 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Master | $84,161 | $16,500 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $75,921 | $19,000 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Master | $75,518 | $20,213 |
| Management Information Systems and Services. | Bachelor | $73,949 | $16,808 |
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $72,214 | $19,000 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $69,775 | $13,045 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $69,002 | $21,500 |
The Risk Factor
83.6% of students at Binghamton University graduate within 6 years. Most students who start here finish their degree.
Analysis
Binghamton University delivers strong financial returns for a public institution, with graduates earning $80,596 ten years after enrollment against a net price of $21,364 annually. Your investment pays off particularly well in technical fields, where computer science majors earn $116,083 and electrical engineering graduates pull in $84,161.
The school's financial appeal centers on its low debt loads across most programs. Computer science graduates carry just $19,000 in median debt while earning $75,921, creating an strong debt-to-income ratio. Electrical engineering students graduate with only $16,500 in debt, making their $84,161 salaries especially attractive.
Nursing presents a notable exception to Binghamton's low-debt pattern, with graduates carrying $41,000 in loans despite strong $101,406 earnings. Industrial engineering also requires more borrowing at $30,641, though the $87,604 salary justifies the expense.
You face limited downside risk here given the 83.6% graduation rate and strong regional job market in the Northeast corridor. The 88.5% retention rate indicates students stick with their programs rather than transferring out with credits but no degree.
This school works best for New York residents who can leverage in-state tuition rates and strong alumni networks in NYC and surrounding areas. Out-of-state students should compare carefully against their home state options, as Binghamton's value proposition weakens significantly at full non-resident pricing.
Only 27.5% of students receive need-based aid, suggesting the school attracts many middle-income families who don't qualify for significant grants but still benefit from reasonable public tuition rates. Merit scholarships exist but remain competitive given the school's academic selectivity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Binghamton University worth the cost compared to other SUNY schools?
Binghamton offers strong ROI with graduates earning $80,596 after 10 years while keeping costs relatively low at $21,364 net price annually. The combination of reasonable debt levels ($18,500 median) and solid earnings makes it one of the better value propositions in the SUNY system.
What are the best paying majors at Binghamton University?
Computer Science leads with graduates earning $116,083, followed by Nursing at $101,406 and Industrial Engineering at $87,604. These technical programs significantly outperform the university average and justify the investment.
How much debt do Binghamton University students typically graduate with?
The median debt is $18,500, which is manageable given the earning potential. Students in high-paying programs like Computer Science and Engineering can expect to pay off loans relatively quickly.
Does Binghamton University provide good financial aid?
With a net price of $21,364 for the average student, Binghamton keeps costs reasonable for a quality education. The relatively low debt burden suggests financial aid packages help make attendance affordable for most students.