Head-to-Head Comparison
Binghamton University vs Carnegie Mellon University
- Binghamton Wins
- 18
- Tied
- 13
- Carnegie Mellon Wins
- 23
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Binghamton University offers a significantly safer investment tier. While Carnegie Mellon University achieves a higher graduation rate (93% vs 83%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $31,944 compared to Binghamton University's $21,620. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, Binghamton University's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
54 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Binghamton
- Lower cost: Average net price of $21,620, roughly $10,324 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
Carnegie Mellon
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $114,862 ten years after enrollment, 43% more than Binghamton University
- Higher grad rate: 93% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- More selective: Admits 12% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Binghamton graduates concentrate in Biology & Biomedical (21% of degrees); Carnegie Mellon in Engineering (23%). 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 Carnegie Mellon University over Binghamton University. Median earnings of $114,862 ten years after enrollment vs $80,596.
Pick Binghamton University over Carnegie Mellon University. Net price $21,620 vs $31,944.
Pick Binghamton University over Carnegie Mellon University. 5.1% mobility rate vs 2.2%.
Pick Carnegie Mellon University 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
Binghamton University and Carnegie Mellon 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
Carnegie Mellon University is the harder admit. It takes 12% of applicants, while Binghamton University takes 39%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,415 to 1,546.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Carnegie Mellon 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 $10,324 a year below Carnegie Mellon University's $31,944. Graduates of Binghamton University also borrow less: median debt of $18,500, against $21,750.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $41,296 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, Carnegie Mellon University graduates report median earnings of $114,862, compared with $80,596 at Binghamton University. That is a 43% advantage. Set against borrowing, Carnegie Mellon University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.19x to 0.23x.
So what: An earnings gap of 43% 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
Carnegie Mellon University 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 11% 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 Carnegie Mellon University, it is 2.2%. Binghamton University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 9.4% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 4.1%.
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 Carnegie Mellon 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 $10,324 a year, yet Carnegie Mellon University graduates earn $34,266 more ten years after enrollment. The cost advantage and the earnings premium sit at different schools, so your time horizon decides which counts more.
Carnegie Mellon University is harder to get into, with a 12% 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. Binghamton University concentrates enrollment in Biology & Biomedical, Business & Marketing, Social Sciences, while Carnegie Mellon University leans toward Engineering, Computer Science & IT, Mathematics & Statistics. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of Binghamton University's enrollment, and Carnegie Mellon University is stronger here.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Binghamton University's enrollment of 14,655 far exceeds Carnegie Mellon University's 7,304.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $31,944 runs well above Binghamton University's $21,620.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $21,750, against $18,500 at Binghamton University.
- Business and consulting-track students: Carnegie Mellon University has less business program depth, and Binghamton University offers the stronger options.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Carnegie Mellon holds onto its admits more tightly: 47% 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
Research (Times HE) 4 metrics
Online Education (IPEDS) 2 metrics
The Overviews
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.
Carnegie Mellon University
Pittsburgh, PA · Private nonprofit
With an acceptance rate of just 12%, Carnegie Mellon University is a great fit for students who are ready to dive into rigorous academic programs. This school attracts those passionate about fields like Engineering, Computer Science, and Business. The blend of technical and creative disciplines, including Visual and Performing Arts, creates a unique environment where students can thrive while exploring their varied interests.
Life after graduation at Carnegie Mellon looks promising. Graduates can expect to earn an impressive average of $114,862 within ten years of completing their degrees. This strong earning potential is crucial for students weighing their options, as it reflects the value of the education they receive here. With a graduation rate of 93%, it’s clear that students are not only getting in but are also navigating their studies successfully.
When considering the financial aspect, the net price after aid is around $31,944, which can feel daunting but is manageable compared to potential earnings. The median debt for graduates stands at $21,750, suggesting that many students are able to graduate with a reasonable level of debt. Students who tend to thrive here are those who are dedicated, ambitious, and ready to engage deeply with their chosen fields.
Rankings They Appear On
Carnegie Mellon University is featured on the Best Computer Science Colleges in Pennsylvania ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Binghamton's top program is Biology (21% of enrollment), while Carnegie Mellon leads with Mechanical Engineering (23%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Financial Analyst, Management Consultant, Accountant (for Binghamton) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Carnegie Mellon).
The two schools feed different job markets. Binghamton University is strongest in Biology & Biomedical, Social Sciences, Psychology, while Carnegie Mellon University concentrates in Engineering, Computer Science & IT, Mathematics & Statistics. 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 Binghamton University or Carnegie Mellon University?
Carnegie Mellon University is harder to get into, admitting 12% of applicants compared with 39% at Binghamton University.
Which is more affordable, Binghamton University or Carnegie Mellon University?
Binghamton University is more affordable, with an average net price of $21,620 after aid versus $31,944 at Carnegie Mellon University.
Do Binghamton University or Carnegie Mellon University graduates earn more?
Carnegie Mellon University graduates earn more: median earnings of $114,862 ten years after enrollment, versus $80,596 at Binghamton University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Binghamton University or Carnegie Mellon University?
Carnegie Mellon University has the higher graduation rate, 93% versus 83%.
Binghamton University vs Carnegie Mellon 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 2.2%.
Should you choose Binghamton University or Carnegie Mellon University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Binghamton University if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Carnegie Mellon 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.
More Comparisons
View all →Weigh Your Options
Best Colleges in America
How do Binghamton and Carnegie Mellon stack up against regional and national alternatives when evaluated on pure socioeconomic mobility, graduate earnings, and long-term return on investment? Explore the full, verified dataset on our comprehensive rankings directory.
