Head-to-Head Comparison
Binghamton University vs Johns Hopkins University
- Binghamton Wins
- 10
- Tied
- 15
- Johns Hopkins Wins
- 29
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Johns Hopkins University offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $18,809 vs Binghamton University's $21,620, Johns Hopkins University delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, Johns Hopkins 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
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 5.1%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
Johns Hopkins
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $87,555 ten years after enrollment, 9% more than Binghamton University
- Lower cost: Average net price of $18,809, roughly $2,811 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 94% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $10,250, the lower of the two
- More selective: Admits 6% 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); Johns Hopkins in Biology & Biomedical (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 Johns Hopkins University over Binghamton University. Median earnings of $87,555 ten years after enrollment vs $80,596.
Pick Johns Hopkins University over Binghamton University. Net price $18,809 vs $21,620.
Pick Binghamton University over Johns Hopkins University. 5.1% mobility rate vs 2.2%.
Pick Johns Hopkins University over Binghamton University. 94% completion rate vs 83%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Binghamton University and Johns Hopkins University are close on paper, but Johns Hopkins 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
Johns Hopkins University is the harder admit. It takes 6% 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, Johns Hopkins 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, Johns Hopkins University comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $18,809, about $2,811 a year below Binghamton University's $21,620. Graduates of Johns Hopkins University also borrow less: median debt of $10,250, against $18,500.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $11,244 before any change in aid. Choosing Johns Hopkins University leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Johns Hopkins University graduates report median earnings of $87,555, compared with $80,596 at Binghamton University. That is a 9% advantage. Set against borrowing, Johns Hopkins University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.12x to 0.23x.
So what: An earnings gap of 9% 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
Johns Hopkins University graduates a larger share of its students, 94% versus 83%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 12% 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 Johns Hopkins 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 3.7%.
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 Johns Hopkins 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
Johns Hopkins University is harder to get into, with a 6% 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 Business & Marketing, Social Sciences, while Johns Hopkins University leans toward Engineering, Computer Science & IT. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $21,620 runs well above Johns Hopkins University's $18,809.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $18,500, against $10,250 at Johns Hopkins University.
- Engineering-focused students: Johns Hopkins University has the stronger engineering programs.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Binghamton University's enrollment of 14,655 far exceeds Johns Hopkins University's 5,693.
- Business and consulting-track students: Johns Hopkins University has less business program depth, and Binghamton University offers the stronger options.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Johns Hopkins holds onto its admits more tightly: 45% of admitted students enroll, versus 15% at Binghamton — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. Test scores matter less at Binghamton, where only about 53% 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
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.
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, MD · Private nonprofit
With an acceptance rate of just 6%, Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore is tailored for driven students who are ready to engage deeply in their education. The standout programs here include Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Engineering, Computer Science and IT, Social Sciences, and Health Professions, making it a solid choice for those interested in health, technology, and scientific research. The school's tight-knit community of about 5,700 students fosters collaboration and a culture of inquiry, appealing to individuals who thrive in an intellectually stimulating environment.
After graduation, alumni see impressive earning potential, with a median income of $87,555 ten years post-degree. This figure reflects the value of a degree from Johns Hopkins in the job market, particularly in fields like engineering and health professions. While 19% of students receive Pell Grants, this indicates that the university is accessible to a range of economic backgrounds, allowing for a diverse student body to grow and succeed.
Looking at the financials, the net price after aid comes to about $18,809, which is quite manageable given the high graduation rate of 94%. With a median debt of $10,250, graduates leave with a reasonable financial burden, setting them up for success. Students who make the most of their time here are often those who are proactive, curious, and willing to seek out opportunities in research and internships, setting themselves up for fruitful careers ahead.
Rankings They Appear On
Johns Hopkins University is featured on the Best Online Colleges ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Both schools share Biology as their top enrolled program field, comprising 21% of Binghamton's student body and 23% of Johns Hopkins's.
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 Johns Hopkins).
The two schools feed different job markets. Binghamton University is strongest in Business & Marketing, Psychology, while Johns Hopkins 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 Johns Hopkins University?
Johns Hopkins University is harder to get into, admitting 6% of applicants compared with 39% at Binghamton University.
Which is more affordable, Binghamton University or Johns Hopkins University?
Johns Hopkins University is more affordable, with an average net price of $18,809 after aid versus $21,620 at Binghamton University.
Do Binghamton University or Johns Hopkins University graduates earn more?
Johns Hopkins University graduates earn more: median earnings of $87,555 ten years after enrollment, versus $80,596 at Binghamton University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Binghamton University or Johns Hopkins University?
Johns Hopkins University has the higher graduation rate, 94% versus 83%.
Binghamton University vs Johns Hopkins 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 Johns Hopkins University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Johns Hopkins 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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