Head-to-Head Comparison
Binghamton University vs University of Central Florida
- Binghamton Wins
- 17
- Tied
- 7
- Central Florida Wins
- 24
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, University of Central Florida offers a significantly safer investment tier. While Binghamton University achieves a higher graduation rate (83% vs 77%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $21,620 compared to University of Central Florida's $10,411 for in-state paths. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, University of Central Florida'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, 38% more than University of Central Florida
- Higher grad rate: 83% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 5.1%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
Central Florida
- Lower cost: Average net price of $10,411, roughly $11,209 a year less
- Less debt: Median debt of $18,190, the lower of the two
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Binghamton graduates concentrate in Biology & Biomedical (21% of degrees); Central Florida in Business & Marketing (14%). 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 University of Central Florida. Median earnings of $80,596 ten years after enrollment vs $58,308.
Pick University of Central Florida over Binghamton University. Net price $10,411 vs $21,620.
Pick Binghamton University over University of Central Florida. 5.1% mobility rate vs 2.6%.
Pick Binghamton University over University of Central Florida. 83% completion rate vs 77%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Binghamton University and University of Central Florida 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 University of Central Florida takes 40%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,415 to 1,269.
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, University of Central Florida comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $10,411, about $11,209 a year below Binghamton University's $21,620. Graduates of University of Central Florida also borrow less: median debt of $18,190, against $18,500.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $44,836 before any change in aid. Choosing University of Central Florida 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 $58,308 at University of Central Florida. That is a 38% advantage. Set against borrowing, Binghamton University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.23x to 0.31x.
So what: An earnings gap of 38% 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 77%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 6% 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 University of Central Florida, it is 2.6%. Binghamton University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 9.4% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 7.2%.
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 University of Central Florida to keep costs and debt down; pick Binghamton University 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. University of Central Florida saves about $11,209 a year, yet Binghamton University graduates earn $22,288 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, Social Sciences, while University of Central Florida leans toward Health Professions, Psychology. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $21,620 runs well above University of Central Florida's $10,411.
- Students who want a smaller campus: University of Central Florida's enrollment of 59,146 far exceeds Binghamton University's 14,655.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Central Florida holds onto its admits more tightly: 30% of admitted students enroll, versus 15% at Binghamton — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. Test scores matter less at Central Florida, where only about 32% 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.
University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL · Public
With over 59,000 students enrolled, the University of Central Florida is one of the largest public universities in the nation. This scale translates into a rich diversity of academic programs and campus life, making it a vibrant community for students seeking both education and social engagement.
Data from Opportunity Insights shows that UCF graduates see a median earnings increase to $58,308 ten years after enrolling. This reflects a solid return on investment, especially when considering the university’s net price of $10,411 and median debt of $18,190. While specific mobility metrics are not available, the university serves a significant number of Pell Grant recipients, indicating a commitment to supporting low-income students.
Students who thrive at UCF often pursue degrees in popular fields like Business, Health Professions, and Engineering. The moderate acceptance rate of 40% suggests that the university seeks students who show potential for success. With a graduation rate of 77%, many students are able to complete their degrees and enter the workforce prepared and skilled.
Rankings They Appear On
University of Central Florida is featured on the Best Education Colleges in Florida ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Binghamton's top program is Biology (21% of enrollment), while Central Florida leads with Business Administration (14%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Financial Analyst, Management Consultant, Accountant (for Binghamton) and Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant (for Central Florida).
The two schools feed different job markets. Binghamton University is strongest in Biology & Biomedical, Social Sciences, while University of Central Florida concentrates in Health Professions, 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.
Binghamton
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Binghamton University or University of Central Florida?
Binghamton University is harder to get into, admitting 39% of applicants compared with 40% at University of Central Florida.
Which is more affordable, Binghamton University or University of Central Florida?
University of Central Florida is more affordable, with an average net price of $10,411 after aid versus $21,620 at Binghamton University.
Do Binghamton University or University of Central Florida graduates earn more?
Binghamton University graduates earn more: median earnings of $80,596 ten years after enrollment, versus $58,308 at University of Central Florida.
Which has a better graduation rate, Binghamton University or University of Central Florida?
Binghamton University has the higher graduation rate, 83% versus 77%.
Binghamton University vs University of Central Florida: which is better for social mobility?
Binghamton University is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 5.1% versus 2.6%.
Should you choose Binghamton University or University of Central Florida?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose University of Central Florida if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Binghamton University 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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