Head-to-Head Comparison
Binghamton University vs Columbia University in the City of New York
- Binghamton Wins
- 15
- Tied
- 11
- Columbia City Wins
- 24
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Columbia University in the City of New York offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $21,590 vs Binghamton University's $21,620, Columbia University in the City of New York delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. Students who choose Columbia University in the City of New York benefit from a cost structure that keeps debt manageable while maintaining competitive graduate earnings of $102,491 at ten years.
50 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Binghamton
- 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
Columbia City
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $102,491 ten years after enrollment, 27% more than Binghamton University
- Lower cost: Average net price of $21,590, roughly $30 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 96% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- More selective: Admits 4% 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); Columbia City in Social Sciences (27%). 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 Columbia University over Binghamton University. Median earnings of $102,491 ten years after enrollment vs $80,596.
Pick Columbia University over Binghamton University. Net price $21,590 vs $21,620.
Pick Binghamton University over Columbia University. 5.1% mobility rate vs 3.1%.
Pick Columbia University over Binghamton University. 96% completion rate vs 83%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Binghamton University and Columbia University are close on paper, but Columbia 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
Columbia University is the harder admit. It takes 4% of applicants, while Binghamton University takes 39%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,415 to 1,553.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Columbia 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, Columbia University comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $21,590, about $30 a year below Binghamton University's $21,620. 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 $120 before any change in aid. Choosing Columbia University leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Columbia University graduates report median earnings of $102,491, compared with $80,596 at Binghamton University. That is a 27% advantage. Set against borrowing, Columbia University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.21x to 0.23x.
So what: An earnings gap of 27% 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
Columbia University graduates a larger share of its students, 96% versus 83%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 13% 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 Columbia University, it is 3.1%. Binghamton University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 9.4% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 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 Columbia University to keep costs and debt down; pick Binghamton University if upward mobility and access matter most.
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
Columbia University is harder to get into, with a 4% 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, while Columbia University leans toward Computer Science & IT, Engineering. 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 Columbia University is stronger here.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Binghamton University's enrollment of 14,655 far exceeds Columbia University's 8,973.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $21,500, against $18,500 at Binghamton University.
- Business and consulting-track students: Columbia University has less business program depth, and Binghamton University offers the stronger options.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Columbia City holds onto its admits more tightly: 64% 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
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.
Columbia University in the City of New York
New York, NY · Private nonprofit
Columbia University in the City of New York is an excellent fit for ambitious students who are ready to dive deep into their studies. With an acceptance rate of just 4%, it attracts driven individuals who excel academically. Students here often focus on top programs such as Social Sciences, Computer Science & IT, Engineering, Biology & Biomedical, and English & Literature. The tight-knit community and diverse course offerings create an environment where students can thrive.
Life after graduation looks promising for Columbia alumni, with a ten-year earnings average of $102,491. This figure indicates the long-term financial benefits of attending this university. Graduates are well-prepared to enter the workforce and often find themselves in positions that allow for upward mobility. The high graduation rate of 96% suggests that most students successfully complete their degrees, which is a strong indicator of the support and resources available.
When it comes to the practical aspects of attending Columbia, the net price after aid is approximately $21,590, which is quite manageable given the high earning potential. With a median debt of $21,500, most graduates come out with a reasonable financial burden. The combination of these factors, along with the strong academic environment, tends to attract students who are not only academically talented but also motivated to make the most of their educational experience.
Rankings They Appear On
Binghamton University and Columbia University in the City of New York appear together in 2 rankings. On the Best Biology Colleges in New York, Binghamton University ranks #2 — Binghamton University outranks Columbia University in the City of New York by 4 positions.
Top Degree Programs
Binghamton's top program is Biology (21% of enrollment), while Columbia City leads with Sociology (27%).
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 Columbia City).
The two schools feed different job markets. Binghamton University is strongest in Business & Marketing, Psychology, while Columbia University concentrates in Computer Science & IT, 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 Columbia University?
Columbia University is harder to get into, admitting 4% of applicants compared with 39% at Binghamton University.
Which is more affordable, Binghamton University or Columbia University?
Columbia University is more affordable, with an average net price of $21,590 after aid versus $21,620 at Binghamton University.
Do Binghamton University or Columbia University graduates earn more?
Columbia University graduates earn more: median earnings of $102,491 ten years after enrollment, versus $80,596 at Binghamton University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Binghamton University or Columbia University?
Columbia University has the higher graduation rate, 96% versus 83%.
Binghamton University vs Columbia 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 3.1%.
Should you choose Binghamton University or Columbia University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Columbia University if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Binghamton University if upward mobility and access to low-income students matter most. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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