Head-to-Head Comparison
Binghamton University vs Southern New Hampshire University
- Binghamton Wins
- 21
- Tied
- 15
- Southern New Wins
- 12
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Binghamton University offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $21,620 vs Southern New Hampshire University's $36,708, 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.
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, 60% more than Southern New Hampshire University
- Lower cost: Average net price of $21,620, roughly $15,088 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
- 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
Southern New
No clear advantage detected in core metrics.
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Binghamton graduates concentrate in Biology & Biomedical (21% of degrees); Southern New in Business & Marketing (35%). 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 Southern New Hampshire University. Median earnings of $80,596 ten years after enrollment vs $50,318.
Pick Binghamton University over Southern New Hampshire University. Net price $21,620 vs $36,708.
Pick Binghamton University over Southern New Hampshire University. 5.1% mobility rate vs 1.4%.
Pick Binghamton University over Southern New Hampshire University. 83% completion rate vs 44%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Binghamton University and Southern New Hampshire University are close on paper, but Binghamton University wins the head-to-head, leading on 6 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 Southern New Hampshire University takes 100%.
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 $15,088 a year below Southern New Hampshire University's $36,708. Graduates of Binghamton University also borrow less: median debt of $18,500, against $21,082.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $60,352 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 $50,318 at Southern New Hampshire University. That is a 60% advantage. Set against borrowing, Binghamton University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.23x to 0.42x.
So what: An earnings gap of 60% 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
Binghamton University graduates a larger share of its students, 83% versus 44%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 39% 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 Southern New Hampshire 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 5.6%.
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.
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
Their academic identities diverge. Binghamton University concentrates enrollment in Biology & Biomedical, Social Sciences, while Southern New Hampshire University leans toward Computer Science & IT, Psychology. 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 Southern New Hampshire University is stronger here.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $36,708 runs well above Binghamton University's $21,620.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Southern New Hampshire University's enrollment of 163,164 far exceeds Binghamton University's 14,655.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Binghamton offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; Southern New 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
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.
Southern New Hampshire University
Manchester, NH · Private nonprofit
With an enrollment of over 163,000 students, Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is a place where a diverse range of learners can thrive, particularly those pursuing degrees in Business & Marketing, Psychology, Computer Science & IT, Humanities, and Health Professions. The school's 100% acceptance rate opens the door for many, creating an inclusive atmosphere. This setup is ideal for students looking for flexibility in their education, whether they’re fresh out of high school or returning to school after some time away.
After graduation, students at SNHU can expect to earn around $50,318 within a decade, which is a decent starting point for many. This aligns well with the school's focus on practical, career-oriented programs. While the graduation rate sits at 44%, those who complete their degrees are often better positioned for upward mobility in the job market, especially in fields like business and technology. The affordability factor plays a role here, too, as nearly half of the students receive Pell Grants, which can make a significant difference in financing education.
When it comes to the cost of attending SNHU, the net price is approximately $36,708 after financial aid, which can seem daunting at first glance. However, the median debt upon graduation is $21,082, a figure that many find manageable in the context of their potential earnings. Students who tend to thrive here are often those looking for a supportive environment and a clear path to career opportunities, making it a solid choice for individuals ready to invest in their future.
Rankings They Appear On
Southern New Hampshire University is featured on the Largest Colleges in America ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Binghamton's top program is Biology (21% of enrollment), while Southern New leads with Business Administration (35%).
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 Southern New).
The two schools feed different job markets. Binghamton University is strongest in Biology & Biomedical, Social Sciences, while Southern New Hampshire University concentrates in Computer Science & IT, Humanities. 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 Southern New Hampshire University?
Binghamton University is harder to get into, admitting 39% of applicants compared with 100% at Southern New Hampshire University.
Which is more affordable, Binghamton University or Southern New Hampshire University?
Binghamton University is more affordable, with an average net price of $21,620 after aid versus $36,708 at Southern New Hampshire University.
Do Binghamton University or Southern New Hampshire University graduates earn more?
Binghamton University graduates earn more: median earnings of $80,596 ten years after enrollment, versus $50,318 at Southern New Hampshire University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Binghamton University or Southern New Hampshire University?
Binghamton University has the higher graduation rate, 83% versus 44%.
Binghamton University vs Southern New Hampshire 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 Southern New Hampshire 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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