Head-to-Head Comparison
Binghamton University vs Michigan State University
- Binghamton Wins
- 24
- Tied
- 11
- Michigan State Wins
- 17
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Michigan State University offers a significantly safer investment tier. While Binghamton University achieves a higher graduation rate (83% vs 81%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $21,620 compared to Michigan State University's $19,680 for in-state paths. Students who choose Michigan State University benefit from a cost structure that keeps debt manageable while maintaining competitive graduate earnings of $67,253 at ten years.
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, 20% more than Michigan State University
- 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
Michigan State
- Lower cost: Average net price of $19,680, roughly $1,940 a year less
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Binghamton graduates concentrate in Biology & Biomedical (21% of degrees); Michigan State in Business & Marketing (15%). 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 Michigan State University. Median earnings of $80,596 ten years after enrollment vs $67,253.
Pick Michigan State University over Binghamton University. Net price $19,680 vs $21,620.
Pick Binghamton University over Michigan State University. 5.1% mobility rate vs 1.4%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Binghamton University and Michigan State 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 Michigan State University takes 85%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,415 to 1,269.
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, Michigan State University comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $19,680, about $1,940 a year below Binghamton University's $21,620. Graduates of Binghamton University also borrow less: median debt of $18,500, against $23,250.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $7,760 before any change in aid. Choosing Michigan State 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 $67,253 at Michigan State University. That is a 20% advantage. Set against borrowing, Binghamton University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.23x to 0.35x.
So what: An earnings gap of 20% 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.
Moving people up
Binghamton University does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 5.1%; at Michigan State University, it is 1.4%. Binghamton University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 9.4% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 4.1%.
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 Michigan State University to keep costs and debt down; pick Binghamton 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. Michigan State University saves about $1,940 a year, yet Binghamton University graduates earn $13,343 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 Michigan State University leans toward Communications. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
No strong negative signals — Binghamton competes well across the dimensions measured.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $23,250, against $18,500 at Binghamton University.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Michigan State University's enrollment of 40,922 far exceeds Binghamton University's 14,655.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Michigan State holds onto its admits more tightly: 18% 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; Michigan State 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.
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI · Public
With an enrollment of over 40,000 students, Michigan State University is a vibrant choice for those looking to dive into fields like Business, Biology, Engineering, and Social Sciences. The acceptance rate of 85% means it's accessible, welcoming a diverse range of students who are eager to grow academically and socially. Here, you’ll find a mix of rigorous academic programs and a lively campus life that suits both serious scholars and those looking to make connections.
After graduation, students can expect a solid earning potential, with a median income of $67,253 just ten years post-degree. This indicates that graduates are moving into steady careers that often lead to upward mobility, although specific statistics on mobility are not available. The cost of education is manageable, especially considering the average net price of $19,680 after aid, which makes it an appealing option for many.
When it comes to affordability, the median debt sits at $23,250, which is relatively reasonable given the earning potential. Students who thrive here often take advantage of the large network and resources available, whether through campus organizations or internship opportunities. Overall, Michigan State University attracts those who are ready to engage in a dynamic environment and are focused on building a future that balances education with real-world applicability.
Rankings They Appear On
Michigan State University is featured on the Best Communications Colleges in Michigan ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Binghamton's top program is Biology (21% of enrollment), while Michigan State leads with Business Administration (15%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Financial Analyst, Management Consultant, Accountant (for Binghamton) and Financial Analyst, Management Consultant, Accountant (for Michigan State).
The two schools feed different job markets. Binghamton University is strongest in Social Sciences, Psychology, while Michigan State University concentrates in Communications, 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 Michigan State University?
Binghamton University is harder to get into, admitting 39% of applicants compared with 85% at Michigan State University.
Which is more affordable, Binghamton University or Michigan State University?
Michigan State University is more affordable, with an average net price of $19,680 after aid versus $21,620 at Binghamton University.
Do Binghamton University or Michigan State University graduates earn more?
Binghamton University graduates earn more: median earnings of $80,596 ten years after enrollment, versus $67,253 at Michigan State University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Binghamton University or Michigan State University?
Binghamton University has the higher graduation rate, 83% versus 81%.
Binghamton University vs Michigan State 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 1.4%.
Should you choose Binghamton University or Michigan State University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Michigan State University if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Binghamton 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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