Head-to-Head Comparison
Binghamton University vs Clarkson University
- Binghamton Wins
- 31
- Tied
- 8
- Clarkson Wins
- 9
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Binghamton University offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $21,620 vs Clarkson University's $30,305, Binghamton University delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, Binghamton University's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
48 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 $8,685 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 83% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- 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
Clarkson
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $89,696 ten years after enrollment, 11% more than Binghamton University
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Binghamton graduates concentrate in Biology & Biomedical (21% of degrees); Clarkson in Engineering (54%). 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 Clarkson University over Binghamton University. Median earnings of $89,696 ten years after enrollment vs $80,596.
Pick Binghamton University over Clarkson University. Net price $21,620 vs $30,305.
Pick Binghamton University over Clarkson University. 5.1% mobility rate vs 3%.
Pick Binghamton University over Clarkson University. 83% completion rate vs 74%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Binghamton University and Clarkson University are close on paper, but Binghamton University wins the head-to-head, leading on 5 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 Clarkson University takes 77%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,415 to 1,304.
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 $8,685 a year below Clarkson University's $30,305. Graduates of Binghamton University also borrow less: median debt of $18,500, against $26,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $34,740 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, Clarkson University graduates report median earnings of $89,696, compared with $80,596 at Binghamton University. That is a 11% advantage. Set against borrowing, Binghamton University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.23x to 0.29x.
So what: An earnings gap of 11% 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
Binghamton University graduates a larger share of its students, 83% versus 74%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 8% 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 Clarkson University, it is 3%. Binghamton University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 9.4% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 5.6%.
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 Clarkson 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 $8,685 a year, yet Clarkson University graduates earn $9,100 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. Binghamton University concentrates enrollment in Social Sciences, while Clarkson University leans toward Engineering. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Engineering-focused students: Clarkson University has the stronger engineering programs.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Binghamton University's enrollment of 14,655 far exceeds Clarkson University's 2,196.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $30,305 runs well above Binghamton University's $21,620.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $26,000, against $18,500 at Binghamton University.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Binghamton offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; Clarkson does not, so there is no early-commitment lever to pull there.
Source: each school's published Common Data Set, via collegedata.fyi.
Overview 5 metrics
Admissions 4 metrics
Admissions Strategy (Common Data Set) 4 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
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.
Clarkson University
Potsdam, NY · Private nonprofit
With an acceptance rate of 77%, Clarkson University in Potsdam, NY, is a solid choice for students seeking a blend of academic rigor and community feel. It's particularly suitable for those interested in fields like Engineering, Business and Marketing, Biology, Computer Science, and Psychology. The hands-on learning and collaborative environment stand out, making it easier for students to connect their studies to real-world applications.
Looking at what comes after graduation, the average earnings ten years out is $89,696. This figure is telling; it suggests that graduates from Clarkson tend to find good job opportunities that lead to solid financial stability. While the median debt is $26,000, the affordability of education here can help mitigate the long-term financial burden for many students.
When we talk about the practical side of attending Clarkson, the net price after aid hovers around $30,305. This cost is manageable compared to what many private institutions charge, especially when considering the potential return on investment. Students who thrive here are typically those who are proactive, engaged, and eager to apply their learning in real-world contexts. The supportive campus community also plays a role in helping students succeed.
Rankings They Appear On
Binghamton University and Clarkson University appear together in 10 rankings. On the Best Biology Colleges in New York, Binghamton University ranks #2 — Binghamton University outranks Clarkson University by 29 positions.
Top Degree Programs
Binghamton's top program is Biology (21% of enrollment), while Clarkson leads with Mechanical Engineering (54%).
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 Clarkson).
The two schools feed different job markets. Binghamton University is strongest in Social Sciences, Psychology, while Clarkson University concentrates in Engineering, Computer Science & IT. 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 Clarkson University?
Binghamton University is harder to get into, admitting 39% of applicants compared with 77% at Clarkson University.
Which is more affordable, Binghamton University or Clarkson University?
Binghamton University is more affordable, with an average net price of $21,620 after aid versus $30,305 at Clarkson University.
Do Binghamton University or Clarkson University graduates earn more?
Clarkson University graduates earn more: median earnings of $89,696 ten years after enrollment, versus $80,596 at Binghamton University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Binghamton University or Clarkson University?
Binghamton University has the higher graduation rate, 83% versus 74%.
Binghamton University vs Clarkson 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%.
Should you choose Binghamton University or Clarkson University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Binghamton University if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Clarkson 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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