Head-to-Head Comparison
Binghamton University vs Clemson University
- Binghamton Wins
- 24
- Tied
- 12
- Clemson Wins
- 16
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Binghamton University offers a significantly safer investment tier. While Clemson University achieves a higher graduation rate (87% vs 83%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $22,253 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.
52 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Binghamton
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $80,596 ten years after enrollment, 13% more than Clemson University
- Lower cost: Average net price of $21,620, roughly $633 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
Clemson
- Higher grad rate: 87% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Binghamton graduates concentrate in Biology & Biomedical (21% of degrees); Clemson in Business & Marketing (26%). 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 Clemson University. Median earnings of $80,596 ten years after enrollment vs $71,513.
Pick Binghamton University over Clemson University. Net price $21,620 vs $22,253.
Pick Binghamton University over Clemson University. 5.1% mobility rate vs 1.2%.
Pick Clemson University over Binghamton University. 87% completion rate vs 83%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Binghamton University and Clemson 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
Clemson University is the harder admit. It takes 38% of applicants, while Binghamton University takes 39%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,415 to 1,353.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Clemson 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 $633 a year below Clemson University's $22,253. Graduates of Binghamton University also borrow less: median debt of $18,500, against $21,500.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $2,532 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 $71,513 at Clemson University. That is a 13% advantage. Set against borrowing, Binghamton University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.23x to 0.3x.
So what: An earnings gap of 13% 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
Clemson University graduates a larger share of its students, 87% 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 Clemson University, it is 1.2%. Binghamton University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 9.4% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 3.2%.
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
Clemson University is harder to get into, with a 38% 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, while Clemson University leans toward Engineering. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Engineering-focused students: Clemson University has the stronger engineering programs.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $21,500, against $18,500 at Binghamton University.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Clemson University's enrollment of 23,300 far exceeds Binghamton University's 14,655.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Clemson 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. Binghamton offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; Clemson 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
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.
Clemson University
Clemson, SC · Public
Clemson University is a great fit for students who seek a strong sense of community and a variety of academic paths. With around 23,300 undergraduates, there’s a vibrant campus life, and the acceptance rate of 38% means it’s selective but still accessible for many. Students frequently dive into programs like Business & Marketing, Engineering, and Biology & Biomedical, which are well-regarded and align with industry needs.
Looking ahead, graduates from Clemson can expect promising outcomes. The average earnings a decade after graduation sit at $71,513, which reflects the value of their education in real-world terms. While the affordability of higher education continues to be a concern, Clemson’s net price after aid is around $22,253, making it a reasonable option for many families. This financial aspect is crucial, especially when considering long-term financial mobility.
On a practical level, students here graduate with a median debt of $21,500, which is manageable given their earning potential. Those who thrive at Clemson tend to be proactive and engaged, taking advantage of both educational and extracurricular opportunities. With a graduation rate of 87%, it’s clear that many find their stride and succeed in completing their degrees, setting them up for a bright future.
Rankings They Appear On
Clemson University is featured on the Best Colleges in South Carolina ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Binghamton's top program is Biology (21% of enrollment), while Clemson leads with Business Administration (26%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Financial Analyst, Management Consultant, Accountant (for Binghamton) and Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant (for Clemson).
The two schools feed different job markets. Binghamton University is strongest in Psychology, while Clemson University concentrates in Engineering. 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 Clemson University?
Clemson University is harder to get into, admitting 38% of applicants compared with 39% at Binghamton University.
Which is more affordable, Binghamton University or Clemson University?
Binghamton University is more affordable, with an average net price of $21,620 after aid versus $22,253 at Clemson University.
Do Binghamton University or Clemson University graduates earn more?
Binghamton University graduates earn more: median earnings of $80,596 ten years after enrollment, versus $71,513 at Clemson University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Binghamton University or Clemson University?
Clemson University has the higher graduation rate, 87% versus 83%.
Binghamton University vs Clemson 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 1.2%.
Should you choose Binghamton University or Clemson University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Binghamton University if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Clemson University 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.
More Comparisons
View all →Weigh Your Options
Best Colleges in America
How do Binghamton and Clemson 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.
