Head-to-Head Comparison
Binghamton University vs Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
- Binghamton Wins
- 25
- Tied
- 8
- Rose-Hulman Technology Wins
- 11
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Binghamton University offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $21,620 vs Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology's $42,513, Binghamton University delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, Binghamton University's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
44 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 $20,893 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 83% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- 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
Rose-Hulman Technology
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $101,253 ten years after enrollment, 26% more than Binghamton University
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Binghamton graduates concentrate in Biology & Biomedical (20% of degrees); Rose-Hulman Technology in Engineering (72%). 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 Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology over Binghamton University. Median earnings of $101,253 ten years after enrollment vs $80,596.
Pick Binghamton University over Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. Net price $21,620 vs $42,513.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Binghamton University and Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology 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 Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology takes 77%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,415 to 1,427.
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 $20,893 a year below Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology's $42,513. 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 $83,572 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, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology graduates report median earnings of $101,253, compared with $80,596 at Binghamton University. That is a 26% advantage. Set against borrowing, Binghamton University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.23x to 0.25x.
So what: An earnings gap of 26% 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.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick Binghamton University to keep costs and debt down; pick Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology for the higher earnings ceiling.
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
The cheaper school is not the lower-earning one here. Binghamton University saves about $20,893 a year, yet Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology graduates earn $20,657 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 Biology & Biomedical, Business & Marketing, Social Sciences, while Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology leans toward Engineering, Computer Science & IT, Mathematics & Statistics. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of Binghamton University's enrollment, and Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology is stronger here.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Binghamton University's enrollment of 14,655 far exceeds Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology's 2,309.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $42,513 runs well above Binghamton University's $21,620.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $25,000, against $18,500 at Binghamton University.
- Business and consulting-track students: Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology has less business program depth, and Binghamton University offers the stronger options.
Full Data Breakdown
Overview 5 metrics
Admissions 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.
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
Terre Haute, IN · Private nonprofit
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology graduates earn an impressive average of $101,253 within ten years of completing their degree. This strong earning potential highlights the value of a degree from this private nonprofit institution, with a focus on engineering and technical disciplines.
The Chetty/Opportunity Insights data is not available for Rose-Hulman, making it challenging to assess economic mobility comprehensively. However, the school's 80% graduation rate suggests that most students are successfully completing their programs. This retention rate is crucial for students considering their long-term career prospects and financial outcomes.
Students at Rose-Hulman face a net price of $42,513, with a median debt of $25,000 upon graduation. Despite the cost, the earnings potential can make this investment worthwhile. Those who thrive here typically have a strong interest in STEM fields, as the top programs are concentrated in engineering, computer science, mathematics, and the sciences.
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 (20% of enrollment), while Rose-Hulman Technology leads with Mechanical Engineering (72%).
Binghamton
Rose-Hulman Technology
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 Rose-Hulman Technology).
The two schools feed different job markets. Binghamton University is strongest in Biology & Biomedical, Business & Marketing, Social Sciences, Psychology, while Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology concentrates in Engineering, Computer Science & IT, Mathematics & Statistics, Physical Sciences. 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 Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology?
Binghamton University is harder to get into, admitting 39% of applicants compared with 77% at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology.
Which is more affordable, Binghamton University or Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology?
Binghamton University is more affordable, with an average net price of $21,620 after aid versus $42,513 at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology.
Do Binghamton University or Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology graduates earn more?
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology graduates earn more: median earnings of $101,253 ten years after enrollment, versus $80,596 at Binghamton University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Binghamton University or Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology?
Binghamton University has the higher graduation rate, 83% versus 80%.
Should you choose Binghamton University or Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Binghamton University if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology 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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