Head-to-Head Comparison
Binghamton University vs Providence College
- Binghamton Wins
- 30
- Tied
- 10
- Providence Wins
- 10
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Binghamton University offers a significantly safer investment tier. While Providence College achieves a higher graduation rate (87% vs 83%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $48,523 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.
50 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 $26,903 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
- More selective: Admits 39% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
Providence
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $87,054 ten years after enrollment, 8% more than Binghamton University
- Higher grad rate: 87% 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); Providence in Business & Marketing (42%). 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 Providence College over Binghamton University. Median earnings of $87,054 ten years after enrollment vs $80,596.
Pick Binghamton University over Providence College. Net price $21,620 vs $48,523.
Pick Binghamton University over Providence College. 5.1% mobility rate vs 0.9%.
Pick Providence College over Binghamton University. 87% completion rate vs 83%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Binghamton University and Providence College 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 Providence College takes 51%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,415 to 1,346.
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 $26,903 a year below Providence College's $48,523. Graduates of Binghamton University also borrow less: median debt of $18,500, against $27,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $107,612 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, Providence College graduates report median earnings of $87,054, compared with $80,596 at Binghamton University. That is a 8% advantage. Set against borrowing, Binghamton University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.23x to 0.31x.
So what: An earnings gap of 8% 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
Providence College graduates a larger share of its students, 87% versus 83%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 4% 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 Providence College, it is 0.9%. Binghamton University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 9.4% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 2%.
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 Providence College 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 $26,903 a year, yet Providence College graduates earn $6,458 more ten years after enrollment. The cost advantage and the earnings premium sit at different schools, so your time horizon decides which counts more.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Students who want a smaller campus: Binghamton University's enrollment of 14,655 far exceeds Providence College's 4,229.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $48,523 runs well above Binghamton University's $21,620.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $27,000, against $18,500 at Binghamton University.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Providence holds onto its admits more tightly: 19% 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.
Providence College
Providence, RI · Private nonprofit
With an enrollment of about 4,200 students, Providence College is a great fit for those looking for a close-knit community while still enjoying the resources of a larger institution. The college’s emphasis on programs like Business & Marketing, Social Sciences, and Biology & Biomedical sets a clear academic direction for students. The 51% acceptance rate indicates that while it's selective, there are plenty of opportunities for students who are passionate about their fields.
Looking ahead, the average earnings for graduates after ten years is around $87,054. That’s a solid number that reflects the value of a degree from this institution. Graduates are likely to see upward mobility in their careers, which is a significant consideration when choosing a school. The fact that 87% of students graduate suggests a supportive environment that helps students stay on track and achieve their goals.
Financially, the net price after aid stands at $48,523, and the median debt for graduates is $27,000. This debt load is manageable compared to the earning potential, making it a reasonable investment in education. Students who thrive here tend to be those who are engaged in their studies and take advantage of the community support available. Overall, Providence College presents a compelling option for students focused on both academic and career success.
Rankings They Appear On
Providence College is featured on the Highest-Paying Colleges for Education ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Binghamton's top program is Biology (21% of enrollment), while Providence leads with Business Administration (42%).
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 Providence).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Binghamton University or Providence College?
Binghamton University is harder to get into, admitting 39% of applicants compared with 51% at Providence College.
Which is more affordable, Binghamton University or Providence College?
Binghamton University is more affordable, with an average net price of $21,620 after aid versus $48,523 at Providence College.
Do Binghamton University or Providence College graduates earn more?
Providence College graduates earn more: median earnings of $87,054 ten years after enrollment, versus $80,596 at Binghamton University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Binghamton University or Providence College?
Providence College has the higher graduation rate, 87% versus 83%.
Binghamton University vs Providence College: which is better for social mobility?
Binghamton University is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 5.1% versus 0.9%.
Should you choose Binghamton University or Providence College?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Binghamton University if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Providence College 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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