Head-to-Head Comparison
Binghamton University vs Lehigh University
- Binghamton Wins
- 20
- Tied
- 15
- Lehigh Wins
- 19
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Binghamton University offers a significantly safer investment tier. While Lehigh University achieves a higher graduation rate (89% vs 83%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $36,931 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 $15,311 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
Lehigh
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $105,584 ten years after enrollment, 31% more than Binghamton University
- Higher grad rate: 89% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- More selective: Admits 26% 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); Lehigh in Business & Marketing (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 Lehigh University over Binghamton University. Median earnings of $105,584 ten years after enrollment vs $80,596.
Pick Binghamton University over Lehigh University. Net price $21,620 vs $36,931.
Pick Binghamton University over Lehigh University. 5.1% mobility rate vs 1.9%.
Pick Lehigh University over Binghamton University. 89% completion rate vs 83%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Binghamton University and Lehigh 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
Lehigh University is the harder admit. It takes 26% of applicants, while Binghamton University takes 39%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,415 to 1,440.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Lehigh 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 $15,311 a year below Lehigh University's $36,931. Graduates of Binghamton University also borrow less: median debt of $18,500, against $21,960.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $61,244 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, Lehigh University graduates report median earnings of $105,584, compared with $80,596 at Binghamton University. That is a 31% advantage. Set against borrowing, Lehigh University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.21x to 0.23x.
So what: An earnings gap of 31% 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
Lehigh University graduates a larger share of its students, 89% versus 83%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 6% 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 Lehigh University, it is 1.9%. Binghamton University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 9.4% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 3.3%.
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 Lehigh 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 $15,311 a year, yet Lehigh University graduates earn $24,988 more ten years after enrollment. The cost advantage and the earnings premium sit at different schools, so your time horizon decides which counts more.
Lehigh University is harder to get into, with a 26% 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, Social Sciences, while Lehigh University leans toward Engineering, Computer Science & IT. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Engineering-focused students: Lehigh University has the stronger engineering programs.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Binghamton University's enrollment of 14,655 far exceeds Lehigh University's 5,898.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $36,931 runs well above Binghamton University's $21,620.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $21,960, against $18,500 at Binghamton University.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Lehigh holds onto its admits more tightly: 27% 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.
Lehigh University
Bethlehem, PA · Private nonprofit
Lehigh University in Bethlehem, PA, is a great fit for students who are looking for a balance of academic rigor and a vibrant campus life. With an acceptance rate of 26%, it attracts motivated individuals who are interested in fields like Business & Marketing, Engineering, and Computer Science. The strong emphasis on these programs means students can expect a well-rounded education that prepares them for today’s job market.
After graduation, Lehigh alumni see impressive earnings, with a median salary of $105,584 just ten years post-degree. This figure highlights the university's strong return on investment for graduates, especially in high-demand fields. While the affordability of higher education is a concern for many, the net price here is $36,931 after financial aid, making it a manageable option for those willing to invest in their future.
On the financial side, graduates typically carry a median debt of $21,960, which is relatively low compared to national averages. This manageable debt load means that many students can thrive here, particularly those who are proactive about their education and take advantage of the resources available. Lehigh is especially welcoming to students who are ready to engage deeply with both their studies and the community.
Rankings They Appear On
Binghamton University is featured on the Best Biology Colleges in New York ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Binghamton's top program is Biology (21% of enrollment), while Lehigh leads with Business Administration (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 Lehigh).
The two schools feed different job markets. Binghamton University is strongest in Social Sciences, Psychology, while Lehigh 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 Lehigh University?
Lehigh University is harder to get into, admitting 26% of applicants compared with 39% at Binghamton University.
Which is more affordable, Binghamton University or Lehigh University?
Binghamton University is more affordable, with an average net price of $21,620 after aid versus $36,931 at Lehigh University.
Do Binghamton University or Lehigh University graduates earn more?
Lehigh University graduates earn more: median earnings of $105,584 ten years after enrollment, versus $80,596 at Binghamton University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Binghamton University or Lehigh University?
Lehigh University has the higher graduation rate, 89% versus 83%.
Binghamton University vs Lehigh 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 1.9%.
Should you choose Binghamton University or Lehigh University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Binghamton University if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Lehigh 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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