Head-to-Head Comparison
Binghamton University vs University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
- Binghamton Wins
- 19
- Tied
- 12
- Minnesota-Twin Cities Wins
- 17
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $16,778 vs Binghamton University's $21,620, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. Students who choose University of Minnesota-Twin Cities benefit from a cost structure that keeps debt manageable while maintaining competitive graduate earnings of $69,020 at ten years.
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, 17% more than University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
- 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
Minnesota-Twin Cities
- Lower cost: Average net price of $16,778, roughly $4,842 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 85% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Binghamton graduates concentrate in Biology & Biomedical (21% of degrees); Minnesota-Twin Cities in Biology & Biomedical (12%). 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 Minnesota-Twin Cities. Median earnings of $80,596 ten years after enrollment vs $69,020.
Pick University of Minnesota-Twin Cities over Binghamton University. Net price $16,778 vs $21,620.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Binghamton University and University of Minnesota-Twin Cities are close on paper, but Binghamton University wins the head-to-head, leading on 3 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 Minnesota-Twin Cities takes 80%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,415 to 1,362.
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 Minnesota-Twin Cities comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $16,778, about $4,842 a year below Binghamton University's $21,620. Graduates of Binghamton University also borrow less: median debt of $18,500, against $19,500.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $19,368 before any change in aid. Choosing University of Minnesota-Twin Cities 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 $69,020 at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. That is a 17% advantage. Set against borrowing, Binghamton University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.23x to 0.28x.
So what: An earnings gap of 17% 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 University of Minnesota-Twin Cities to keep costs and debt down; pick Binghamton University 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. University of Minnesota-Twin Cities saves about $4,842 a year, yet Binghamton University graduates earn $11,576 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 Social Sciences, while University of Minnesota-Twin Cities leans toward Computer Science & IT. 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 Minnesota-Twin Cities's $16,778.
- Students who want a smaller campus: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities's enrollment of 31,855 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; Minnesota-Twin Cities 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.
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
Minneapolis, MN · Public
With an enrollment of over 31,000 students, the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities stands out as a vibrant public university where a diverse array of students can thrive. If you're interested in business, biology, computer science, engineering, or psychology, you're likely to find a strong community here. The 80% acceptance rate shows that the university is accessible to many, making it an attractive option for students from various backgrounds seeking to gain a solid education in these fields.
After graduation, students can expect a median earning of around $69,020 within ten years, which is a promising number that speaks to the value of a degree from this university. While the data on mobility rates isn't available, the strong graduation rate of 85% suggests that most students are completing their programs and moving into the workforce with a competitive edge. This financial outlook is further enhanced by the affordability of the education, allowing graduates to step into their careers without overwhelming debt.
Speaking of costs, the net price after financial aid stands at approximately $16,778, which is quite manageable compared to many other institutions. With a median debt of $19,500, students here tend to leave with a reasonable financial burden. The university attracts those who are motivated and ready to invest in their futures, and it seems well-suited for individuals who are driven and eager to engage in a collaborative learning environment.
Rankings They Appear On
Binghamton University is featured on the Best Biology Colleges in New York ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Both schools share Biology as their top enrolled program field, comprising 21% of Binghamton's student body and 12% of Minnesota-Twin Cities's.
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 Minnesota-Twin Cities).
The two schools feed different job markets. Binghamton University is strongest in Social Sciences, Psychology, while University of Minnesota-Twin Cities concentrates in Computer Science & IT, Engineering. 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 Minnesota-Twin Cities?
Binghamton University is harder to get into, admitting 39% of applicants compared with 80% at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.
Which is more affordable, Binghamton University or University of Minnesota-Twin Cities?
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities is more affordable, with an average net price of $16,778 after aid versus $21,620 at Binghamton University.
Do Binghamton University or University of Minnesota-Twin Cities graduates earn more?
Binghamton University graduates earn more: median earnings of $80,596 ten years after enrollment, versus $69,020 at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.
Which has a better graduation rate, Binghamton University or University of Minnesota-Twin Cities?
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities has the higher graduation rate, 85% versus 83%.
Should you choose Binghamton University or University of Minnesota-Twin Cities?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose University of Minnesota-Twin Cities 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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