Head-to-Head Comparison
Binghamton University vs Syracuse University
- Binghamton Wins
- 31
- Tied
- 12
- Syracuse Wins
- 9
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Binghamton University offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $21,620 vs Syracuse University's $38,793, 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.
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, 2% more than Syracuse University
- Lower cost: Average net price of $21,620, roughly $17,173 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
Syracuse
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); Syracuse in Social Sciences (13%). 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 Syracuse University. Median earnings of $80,596 ten years after enrollment vs $79,164.
Pick Binghamton University over Syracuse University. Net price $21,620 vs $38,793.
Pick Binghamton University over Syracuse University. 5.1% mobility rate vs 2.9%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Binghamton University and Syracuse 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 Syracuse University takes 46%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,415 to 1,375.
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 $17,173 a year below Syracuse University's $38,793. Graduates of Binghamton University also borrow less: median debt of $18,500, against $26,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $68,692 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 $79,164 at Syracuse University. That is a 2% advantage. Set against borrowing, Binghamton University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.23x to 0.33x.
So what: An earnings gap of 2% 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 Syracuse University, it is 2.9%. Binghamton University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 9.4% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 5.7%.
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, while Syracuse 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.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $38,793 runs well above Binghamton University's $21,620.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $26,000, against $18,500 at Binghamton University.
- Business and consulting-track students: Syracuse University has less business program depth, and Binghamton University offers the stronger options.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Binghamton offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; Syracuse 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.
Syracuse University
Syracuse, NY · Private nonprofit
With nearly 15,500 students, Syracuse University creates a vibrant community for those interested in fields like Communications, Business & Marketing, and Visual & Performing Arts. The acceptance rate of 46% means it's fairly selective, but there's a good chance for dedicated applicants to find their place here. The strong graduation rate of 82% speaks to the supportive environment designed to help students succeed, both academically and personally.
Looking at life after graduation, alumni earn an impressive average of $79,164 within ten years of completing their degrees. This level of earning potential highlights the value of the programs here, especially for those who dive into in-demand fields. While 17% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating some affordability challenges, the outcomes suggest that many graduates move up the economic ladder, benefiting from the skills and networks developed during their time at Syracuse.
When considering the financial aspect, the net price after aid sits at $38,793, which is manageable compared to the potential earnings. The median debt of $26,000 is reasonable for many students, especially when weighed against their post-graduation salaries. Those who thrive here tend to be driven, engaged in campus life, and ready to take advantage of the resources available, setting them up for future success in their careers.
Rankings They Appear On
Binghamton University and Syracuse University appear together in 10 rankings. On the Best Biology Colleges in New York, Binghamton University ranks #2 — Binghamton University outranks Syracuse University by 37 positions.
Top Degree Programs
Binghamton's top program is Biology (21% of enrollment), while Syracuse leads with Sociology (13%).
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 Syracuse).
The two schools feed different job markets. Binghamton University is strongest in Biology & Biomedical, Psychology, while Syracuse University concentrates in Communications, Visual & Performing Arts. 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 Syracuse University?
Binghamton University is harder to get into, admitting 39% of applicants compared with 46% at Syracuse University.
Which is more affordable, Binghamton University or Syracuse University?
Binghamton University is more affordable, with an average net price of $21,620 after aid versus $38,793 at Syracuse University.
Do Binghamton University or Syracuse University graduates earn more?
Binghamton University graduates earn more: median earnings of $80,596 ten years after enrollment, versus $79,164 at Syracuse University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Binghamton University or Syracuse University?
Binghamton University has the higher graduation rate, 83% versus 82%.
Binghamton University vs Syracuse 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 2.9%.
Should you choose Binghamton University or Syracuse 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.
More Comparisons
View all →Weigh Your Options
Best Colleges in America
How do Binghamton and Syracuse stack up against regional and national alternatives when evaluated on pure socioeconomic mobility, graduate earnings, and long-term return on investment? Explore the full, verified dataset on our comprehensive rankings directory.
