Head-to-Head Comparison
Binghamton University vs Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
- Binghamton Wins
- 25
- Tied
- 13
- Pennsylvania State Wins
- 10
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Binghamton University offers a significantly safer investment tier. While Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus achieves a higher graduation rate (86% vs 83%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $32,875 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.
48 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, 27% more than Pennsylvania State University
- Lower cost: Average net price of $21,620, roughly $11,255 a year less
- Less debt: Median debt of $18,500, the lower of the two
- More selective: Admits 39% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
Pennsylvania State
- Higher grad rate: 86% 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); Pennsylvania State in Business & Marketing (20%). 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 Pennsylvania State University. Median earnings of $80,596 ten years after enrollment vs $63,435.
Pick Binghamton University over Pennsylvania State University. Net price $21,620 vs $32,875.
Pick Pennsylvania State University over Binghamton University. 86% completion rate vs 83%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Binghamton University and Pennsylvania State 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
Binghamton University is the harder admit. It takes 39% of applicants, while Pennsylvania State University takes 61%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,415 to 1,337.
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, Binghamton University comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $21,620, about $11,255 a year below Pennsylvania State University's $32,875. Graduates of Binghamton University also borrow less: median debt of $18,500, against $25,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $45,020 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 $63,435 at Pennsylvania State University. That is a 27% advantage. Set against borrowing, Binghamton University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.23x to 0.39x.
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
Pennsylvania State University graduates a larger share of its students, 86% versus 83%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 3% 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.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick Binghamton University to keep costs and debt down.
Data certainty: High. Both schools report 5 of 6 core signals used here; where one school is missing a figure, that row is left out of the comparison rather than estimated.
Counterintuitive Insights
Their academic identities diverge. Binghamton University concentrates enrollment in Biology & Biomedical, Social Sciences, while Pennsylvania State 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: Pennsylvania State University has the stronger engineering programs.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $32,875 runs well above Binghamton University's $21,620.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $25,000, against $18,500 at Binghamton University.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Pennsylvania State University's enrollment of 42,284 far exceeds Binghamton University's 14,655.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Pennsylvania State holds onto its admits more tightly: 16% 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; Pennsylvania State does not, so there is no early-commitment lever to pull there. Test scores matter less at Pennsylvania State, where only about 34% 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) 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
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.
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
University Park, PA · Public
With an enrollment of nearly 42,300 students, Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus is a great fit for those looking for a vibrant campus life paired with solid academics. The acceptance rate stands at 61%, which means students can find a welcoming environment to explore their interests. Popular fields of study include Business and Marketing, Engineering, Computer Science and IT, Communications, and Social Sciences. This diversity in programs allows students to tailor their education to their career goals.
After graduation, students can expect strong earning potential, with a median income of $63,435 a decade post-degree. This figure suggests that the education received here has real value in the job market, helping graduates secure positions that often lead to upward mobility. While 14% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating support for those from lower-income backgrounds, the overall affordability of the university is something to consider when planning for the future.
When it comes to the financial aspects, the net price stands at $32,875 after aid, with a median debt load of $25,000 for graduates. This balance between cost and potential earnings suggests that many students can manage their financial commitments effectively. Those who thrive here tend to be motivated and adaptable, ready to engage with both the academic and social opportunities available on campus.
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 Pennsylvania State leads with Business Administration (20%).
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 Pennsylvania State).
The two schools feed different job markets. Binghamton University is strongest in Biology & Biomedical, Social Sciences, Psychology, while Pennsylvania State University concentrates in Engineering, Computer Science & IT, Communications. 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 Pennsylvania State University?
Binghamton University is harder to get into, admitting 39% of applicants compared with 61% at Pennsylvania State University.
Which is more affordable, Binghamton University or Pennsylvania State University?
Binghamton University is more affordable, with an average net price of $21,620 after aid versus $32,875 at Pennsylvania State University.
Do Binghamton University or Pennsylvania State University graduates earn more?
Binghamton University graduates earn more: median earnings of $80,596 ten years after enrollment, versus $63,435 at Pennsylvania State University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Binghamton University or Pennsylvania State University?
Pennsylvania State University has the higher graduation rate, 86% versus 83%.
Should you choose Binghamton University or Pennsylvania State University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Binghamton University if affordability and lower debt come first. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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