Head-to-Head Comparison
Binghamton University vs University of Southern California
- Binghamton Wins
- 12
- Tied
- 13
- Southern California Wins
- 27
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Binghamton University offers a significantly safer investment tier. While University of Southern California achieves a higher graduation rate (92% vs 83%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $32,740 compared to Binghamton University's $21,620. Students who choose Binghamton University benefit from a cost structure that keeps debt manageable while maintaining competitive graduate earnings of $80,596 at ten years.
52 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Binghamton
- Lower cost: Average net price of $21,620, roughly $11,120 a year less
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 5.1%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
Southern California
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $92,498 ten years after enrollment, 15% more than Binghamton University
- Higher grad rate: 92% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $18,000, the lower of the two
- More selective: Admits 10% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Binghamton graduates concentrate in Biology & Biomedical (21% of degrees); Southern California in Business & Marketing (22%). 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 University of Southern California over Binghamton University. Median earnings of $92,498 ten years after enrollment vs $80,596.
Pick Binghamton University over University of Southern California. Net price $21,620 vs $32,740.
Pick Binghamton University over University of Southern California. 5.1% mobility rate vs 3.9%.
Pick University of Southern California over Binghamton University. 92% completion rate vs 83%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Binghamton University and University of Southern California are close on paper, but University of Southern California 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
University of Southern California is the harder admit. It takes 10% of applicants, while Binghamton University takes 39%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,415 to 1,495.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, University of Southern California 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 $11,120 a year below University of Southern California's $32,740. Graduates of University of Southern California also borrow less: median debt of $18,000, against $18,500.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $44,480 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, University of Southern California graduates report median earnings of $92,498, compared with $80,596 at Binghamton University. That is a 15% advantage. Set against borrowing, University of Southern California has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.19x to 0.23x.
So what: An earnings gap of 15% 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
University of Southern California graduates a larger share of its students, 92% versus 83%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 9% 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 Southern California, it is 3.9%. 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 Binghamton University to keep costs and debt down; pick University of Southern California 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. Binghamton University saves about $11,120 a year, yet University of Southern California graduates earn $11,902 more ten years after enrollment. The cost advantage and the earnings premium sit at different schools, so your time horizon decides which counts more.
University of Southern California is harder to get into, with a 10% admit rate, but Binghamton University posts the higher mobility rate, at 5.1%. Selectivity and income mobility measure different things; here, the easier admit does more for the low-income students it enrolls.
Their academic identities diverge. Binghamton University concentrates enrollment in Biology & Biomedical, while University of Southern California leans toward Visual & Performing Arts. 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 $32,740 runs well above Binghamton University's $21,620.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Southern California holds onto its admits more tightly: 40% 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; Southern California 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.
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA · Private nonprofit
The University of Southern California has an impressive graduation rate of 92%. This reflects the institution's strong commitment to student success and academic support. Students here are likely to find a community that encourages them to complete their degrees on time.
According to data from Opportunity Insights, while specific mobility metrics are not available, the high graduation rate suggests that many students are able to improve their economic prospects through education. Graduates from USC earn a median salary of $92,498 a decade after leaving, indicating a solid return on investment for their education.
The cost of attendance at USC is $32,740, with a median debt of $18,000 for those who borrow. This financial landscape makes it essential for prospective students to consider their funding options. Students who thrive at USC often have a clear focus on their career paths, particularly in fields like business, arts, and technology.
Rankings They Appear On
University of Southern California is featured on the Best Online Colleges in California ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Binghamton's top program is Biology (21% of enrollment), while Southern California leads with Business Administration (22%).
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 California).
The two schools feed different job markets. Binghamton University is strongest in Biology & Biomedical, Psychology, while University of Southern California concentrates in Visual & Performing Arts, Communications. 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 Southern California?
University of Southern California is harder to get into, admitting 10% of applicants compared with 39% at Binghamton University.
Which is more affordable, Binghamton University or University of Southern California?
Binghamton University is more affordable, with an average net price of $21,620 after aid versus $32,740 at University of Southern California.
Do Binghamton University or University of Southern California graduates earn more?
University of Southern California graduates earn more: median earnings of $92,498 ten years after enrollment, versus $80,596 at Binghamton University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Binghamton University or University of Southern California?
University of Southern California has the higher graduation rate, 92% versus 83%.
Binghamton University vs University of Southern California: which is better for social mobility?
Binghamton University is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 5.1% versus 3.9%.
Should you choose Binghamton University or University of Southern California?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Binghamton University if affordability and lower debt come first; choose University of Southern California 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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