Head-to-Head Comparison
Bentley University vs Binghamton University
- Bentley Wins
- 13
- Tied
- 10
- Binghamton Wins
- 27
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Binghamton University offers a significantly safer investment tier. While Bentley University achieves a higher graduation rate (88% vs 83%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $37,930 compared to Binghamton University's $21,620 for in-state paths. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, Binghamton University's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
50 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Bentley
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $120,959 ten years after enrollment, 50% more than Binghamton University
- Higher grad rate: 88% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
Binghamton
- Lower cost: Average net price of $21,620, roughly $16,310 a year less
- Less debt: Median debt of $18,500, the lower of the two
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 5.1%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
- More selective: Admits 39% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Bentley graduates concentrate in Business & Marketing (90% 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 Bentley University over Binghamton University. Median earnings of $120,959 ten years after enrollment vs $80,596.
Pick Binghamton University over Bentley University. Net price $21,620 vs $37,930.
Pick Binghamton University over Bentley University. 5.1% mobility rate vs 2.9%.
Pick Bentley University over Binghamton University. 88% completion rate vs 83%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Bentley University and Binghamton University are close on paper, but Binghamton University wins the head-to-head, leading on 4 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
Binghamton University is the harder admit. It takes 39% of applicants, while Bentley University takes 45%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,352 to 1,415.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Binghamton University 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 $16,310 a year below Bentley University's $37,930. Graduates of Binghamton University also borrow less: median debt of $18,500, against $25,023.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $65,240 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, Bentley University graduates report median earnings of $120,959, compared with $80,596 at Binghamton University. That is a 50% advantage. Set against borrowing, Bentley University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.21x to 0.23x.
So what: An earnings gap of 50% 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
Bentley University graduates a larger share of its students, 88% versus 83%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 5% 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 Bentley University, it is 2.9%. Binghamton University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 9.4% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 4.9%.
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; pick Bentley University for the higher earnings ceiling.
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
The cheaper school is not the lower-earning one here. Binghamton University saves about $16,310 a year, yet Bentley University graduates earn $40,363 more ten years after enrollment. The cost advantage and the earnings premium sit at different schools, so your time horizon decides which counts more.
Their academic identities diverge. Bentley University concentrates enrollment in Computer Science & IT, while Binghamton University leans toward Biology & Biomedical. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $37,930 runs well above Binghamton University's $21,620.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $25,023, against $18,500 at Binghamton University.
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of Binghamton University's enrollment, and Bentley University is stronger here.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Binghamton University's enrollment of 14,655 far exceeds Bentley University's 4,474.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Bentley holds onto its admits more tightly: 21% of admitted students enroll, versus 15% at Binghamton — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. Test scores matter less at Bentley, where only about 21% of enrolled freshmen submitted any SAT or ACT.
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
Bentley University
Waltham, MA · Private nonprofit
At Bentley University, students who are interested in business, technology, and social sciences will find a supportive environment that encourages growth and collaboration. With an acceptance rate of 45%, this private nonprofit school draws in a diverse group of around 4,474 students. The focus here is on practical skills and real-world applications, making programs in Business & Marketing, Computer Science, and Health Professions particularly popular.
When looking ahead to life after graduation, Bentley graduates see impressive financial outcomes. On average, they earn about $120,959 within ten years of completing their degrees. This figure is significant because it reflects the university's strong emphasis on preparing students for successful careers. While 16% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating a commitment to affordability for those who need it, the overall financial picture remains favorable for graduates.
Considering the practicalities, the net price after aid stands at $37,930, which is manageable relative to the median debt of $25,023. This debt load is reasonable and allows many graduates to thrive in their early careers. Bentley is ideal for motivated individuals who are ready to engage deeply with their studies and the broader community, setting themselves up for success in a competitive job market.
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
Bentley University and Binghamton University appear together in 2 rankings. On the Best MBA Programs for Finance, Bentley University ranks #2 — Bentley University outranks Binghamton University by 30 positions.
Top Degree Programs
Bentley's top program is Business Administration (90% 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 Bentley) and Financial Analyst, Management Consultant, Accountant (for Binghamton).
The two schools feed different job markets. Bentley University is strongest in Computer Science & IT, Communications, while Binghamton University concentrates in Biology & Biomedical, Psychology. 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 Bentley University or Binghamton University?
Binghamton University is harder to get into, admitting 39% of applicants compared with 45% at Bentley University.
Which is more affordable, Bentley University or Binghamton University?
Binghamton University is more affordable, with an average net price of $21,620 after aid versus $37,930 at Bentley University.
Do Bentley University or Binghamton University graduates earn more?
Bentley University graduates earn more: median earnings of $120,959 ten years after enrollment, versus $80,596 at Binghamton University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Bentley University or Binghamton University?
Bentley University has the higher graduation rate, 88% versus 83%.
Bentley University 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 2.9%.
Should you choose Bentley University or Binghamton University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Binghamton University if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Bentley University if you're optimizing for post-grad earnings. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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