Head-to-Head Comparison
Binghamton University vs University of Massachusetts-Amherst
- Binghamton Wins
- 18
- Tied
- 15
- Massachusetts-Amherst Wins
- 15
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Binghamton University offers a significantly safer investment tier. While University of Massachusetts-Amherst achieves a higher graduation rate (83% vs 83%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $22,383 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.
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, 13% more than University of Massachusetts-Amherst
- Lower cost: Average net price of $21,620, roughly $763 a year less
- 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
Massachusetts-Amherst
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); Massachusetts-Amherst in Business & Marketing (17%). 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 Massachusetts-Amherst. Median earnings of $80,596 ten years after enrollment vs $71,631.
Pick Binghamton University over University of Massachusetts-Amherst. Net price $21,620 vs $22,383.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Binghamton University and University of Massachusetts-Amherst 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 Massachusetts-Amherst takes 60%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,415 to 1,423.
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 $763 a year below University of Massachusetts-Amherst's $22,383. Graduates of Binghamton University also borrow less: median debt of $18,500, against $22,763.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $3,052 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 $71,631 at University of Massachusetts-Amherst. That is a 13% advantage. Set against borrowing, Binghamton University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.23x to 0.32x.
So what: An earnings gap of 13% 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.
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.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
No strong negative signals — Binghamton competes well across the dimensions measured.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $22,763, against $18,500 at Binghamton University.
- Students who want a smaller campus: University of Massachusetts-Amherst's enrollment of 23,671 far exceeds Binghamton University's 14,655.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Massachusetts-Amherst holds onto its admits more tightly: 17% of admitted students enroll, versus 15% at Binghamton — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. Binghamton offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; Massachusetts-Amherst does not, so there is no early-commitment lever to pull there. Test scores matter less at Massachusetts-Amherst, where only about 28% 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 Massachusetts-Amherst
Amherst, MA · Public
With an enrollment of 23,671 students, the University of Massachusetts-Amherst is a great fit for those looking for a diverse and vibrant campus life. It stands out for its strong programs in Business & Marketing, Social Sciences, Biology & Biomedical, Psychology, and Engineering. Students here are often engaged in a wide range of studies, reflecting both academic rigor and practical application. The acceptance rate of 60% means that while it’s accessible, there’s still a competitive edge that can stimulate personal growth.
Graduates from UMass-Amherst can expect solid outcomes, with a median earning of $71,631 ten years after graduation. This figure speaks volumes about the potential return on investment. It’s encouraging to know that students can find rewarding careers, especially considering the affordability of education here. The net price after aid is $22,383, which positions the school as a reasonable choice for many families.
When it comes to finances, the median debt stands at $22,763, which is manageable given the earning potential. UMass-Amherst tends to attract students who are motivated and ready to embrace the opportunities that come with a public university experience. With 20% of students receiving Pell Grants, there’s a commitment to supporting diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. Overall, this school nurtures those who are eager to thrive both academically and professionally after graduation.
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 (21% of enrollment), while Massachusetts-Amherst leads with Business Administration (17%).
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 Massachusetts-Amherst).
The two schools feed different job markets. Binghamton University is strongest in Psychology, while University of Massachusetts-Amherst concentrates in Computer Science & IT. 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 University of Massachusetts-Amherst?
Binghamton University is harder to get into, admitting 39% of applicants compared with 60% at University of Massachusetts-Amherst.
Which is more affordable, Binghamton University or University of Massachusetts-Amherst?
Binghamton University is more affordable, with an average net price of $21,620 after aid versus $22,383 at University of Massachusetts-Amherst.
Do Binghamton University or University of Massachusetts-Amherst graduates earn more?
Binghamton University graduates earn more: median earnings of $80,596 ten years after enrollment, versus $71,631 at University of Massachusetts-Amherst.
Which has a better graduation rate, Binghamton University or University of Massachusetts-Amherst?
University of Massachusetts-Amherst has the higher graduation rate, 83% versus 83%.
Should you choose Binghamton University or University of Massachusetts-Amherst?
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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