Head-to-Head Comparison
Barnard College vs Binghamton University
- Barnard Wins
- 21
- Tied
- 13
- Binghamton Wins
- 16
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Binghamton University offers a significantly safer investment tier. While Barnard College achieves a higher graduation rate (93% vs 83%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $28,800 compared to Binghamton University's $21,620 for in-state paths. Students who choose Binghamton University benefit from a cost structure that keeps debt manageable while maintaining competitive graduate earnings of $80,596 at ten years.
50 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Barnard
- Higher grad rate: 93% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $18,000, the lower of the two
- More selective: Admits 9% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
Binghamton
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $80,596 ten years after enrollment, 0% more than Barnard College
- Lower cost: Average net price of $21,620, roughly $7,180 a year less
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 5.1%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Barnard graduates concentrate in Social Sciences (29% of degrees); Binghamton in Biology & Biomedical (21%). If you already know the field you want, the choice is mostly made for you.
Based on each school's share of degrees by field (College Scorecard). It shows where graduates actually concentrate, not the only path a school offers.
Which School Fits You?
Pick Binghamton University over Barnard College. Median earnings of $80,596 ten years after enrollment vs $80,516.
Pick Binghamton University over Barnard College. Net price $21,620 vs $28,800.
Pick Binghamton University over Barnard College. 5.1% mobility rate vs 3.5%.
Pick Barnard College over Binghamton University. 93% completion rate vs 83%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Barnard College and Binghamton University split the core measures almost evenly. Neither comes out a clean winner, so the choice rests on which of these dimensions you care about most.
Getting in
Barnard College is the harder admit. It takes 9% of applicants, while Binghamton University takes 39%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,520 to 1,415.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Barnard College sets the higher bar. The less selective school is easier to get into, which can work in your favor rather than against it.
What it costs
On price, Binghamton University comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $21,620, about $7,180 a year below Barnard College's $28,800. Graduates of Barnard College also borrow less: median debt of $18,000, against $18,500.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $28,720 before any change in aid. Choosing Binghamton University leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Binghamton University graduates report median earnings of $80,596, compared with $80,516 at Barnard College. That is a 0% advantage. Set against borrowing, Barnard College has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.22x to 0.23x.
So what: An earnings gap of 0% this early in a career tends to widen, since raises build on the higher base. Of the measures on this page, this one carries the most financial weight.
Finishing the degree
Barnard College graduates a larger share of its students, 93% versus 83%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 10% is a risk measure. Students at the school with the lower rate face higher odds of leaving with debt and no degree, the most expensive outcome in higher education.
Moving people up
Binghamton University does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 5.1%; at Barnard College, it is 3.5%. Binghamton University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 9.4% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 6.5%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, Binghamton University offers the stronger statistical shot at reaching the top of the income distribution. The gap is wide enough to weigh in any access-minded decision.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick Binghamton University to keep costs and debt down.
Data certainty: High. Both schools report 6 of 6 core signals used here, so every comparison above matches reported data against reported data.
Counterintuitive Insights
Barnard College is harder to get into, with a 9% admit rate, but Binghamton University posts the higher mobility rate, at 5.1%. Selectivity and income mobility measure different things; here, the easier admit does more for the low-income students it enrolls.
Their academic identities diverge. Barnard College concentrates enrollment in Computer Science & IT, while Binghamton University leans toward Business & Marketing. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $28,800 runs well above Binghamton University's $21,620.
- Business and consulting-track students: Barnard College has less business program depth, and Binghamton University offers the stronger options.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Binghamton University's enrollment of 14,655 far exceeds Barnard College's 3,264.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Barnard holds onto its admits more tightly: 67% of admitted students enroll, versus 15% at Binghamton — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices.
Source: each school's published Common Data Set, via collegedata.fyi.
Overview 5 metrics
Admissions 4 metrics
Admissions Strategy (Common Data Set) 6 metrics
Cost & Financial Aid 9 metrics
Academics 5 metrics
Student Body 6 metrics
Outcomes 6 metrics
Social Mobility (Chetty) 4 metrics
Social Capital 3 metrics
Online Education (IPEDS) 2 metrics
The Overviews
Barnard College
New York, NY · Private nonprofit
With an acceptance rate of just 9%, Barnard College attracts a driven and academically ambitious group of students. It's a great fit for those who are passionate about the liberal arts and sciences, and you’ll find a vibrant selection of programs here, including Social Sciences, Biology, Psychology, Computer Science, and the Visual and Performing Arts. The close-knit community in the heart of New York City offers a unique blend of rigorous academics and cultural experiences.
After graduation, Barnard alumni see impressive earnings, with a median income of $80,516 after ten years. This level of financial success is a clear indicator of the value of a Barnard degree in today’s job market. The school’s strong graduation rate of 93% speaks volumes about student support and engagement, making it likely that graduates will find their footing in a competitive landscape.
In terms of affordability, the net price after aid stands at $28,800, which is manageable given the potential earning power of graduates. With a median debt of $18,000, students tend to graduate with a reasonable financial burden. Those who thrive here are often those who are not only academically inclined but also eager to engage with the diverse opportunities the city has to offer, making Barnard a launching pad for future success.
Binghamton University
Vestal, NY · Public
With an enrollment of over 14,600 students, Binghamton University in Vestal, New York, caters particularly well to those interested in fields like Biology, Business, Psychology, and Engineering. The acceptance rate of 39% suggests a competitive atmosphere, but for many students, the supportive environment and high graduation rate of 83% make it an appealing choice. It's a place where driven individuals can find their path and thrive academically.
Looking ahead to life after graduation, Binghamton graduates earn an impressive average of $80,596 within ten years of leaving school. This strong earning potential reflects the value of the education here, especially in high-demand fields. The affordability also stands out, with a net price of $21,620 and a median debt of $18,500, which is manageable for many students. About 28% of the student body receives Pell Grants, indicating that support is available for those who need it.
When considering the overall financial picture, Binghamton University positions itself as a reasonable option for students seeking a solid education without overwhelming debt. The combination of an affordable net price and a relatively low median debt means that graduates can focus on their careers rather than struggling with loans. Students who tend to thrive here are often those who value academic rigor and are motivated to make the most of their college experience, setting themselves up for success in their future endeavors.
Rankings They Appear On
Barnard College and Binghamton University appear together in 6 rankings. On the Best Online Colleges in New York, Barnard College ranks #5 — Barnard College outranks Binghamton University by 2 positions.
Top Degree Programs
Barnard's top program is Sociology (29% of enrollment), while Binghamton leads with Biology (21%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Barnard) and Financial Analyst, Management Consultant, Accountant (for Binghamton).
The two schools feed different job markets. Barnard College is strongest in Computer Science & IT, while Binghamton University concentrates in Business & Marketing. Those concentrations determine which recruiters show up on campus and where alumni cluster by industry. Match the school's program strengths to the field you plan to enter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Barnard College or Binghamton University?
Barnard College is harder to get into, admitting 9% of applicants compared with 39% at Binghamton University.
Which is more affordable, Barnard College or Binghamton University?
Binghamton University is more affordable, with an average net price of $21,620 after aid versus $28,800 at Barnard College.
Do Barnard College or Binghamton University graduates earn more?
Binghamton University graduates earn more: median earnings of $80,596 ten years after enrollment, versus $80,516 at Barnard College.
Which has a better graduation rate, Barnard College or Binghamton University?
Barnard College has the higher graduation rate, 93% versus 83%.
Barnard College vs Binghamton University: which is better for social mobility?
Binghamton University is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 5.1% versus 3.5%.
Should you choose Barnard College or Binghamton University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Binghamton University if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Barnard College if you want the more selective, higher-stats peer group. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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