Head-to-Head Comparison
Stony Brook University vs Binghamton University
- Stony Brook Wins
- 19
- Tied
- 15
- Binghamton Wins
- 18
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Stony Brook University 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 Stony Brook University's $18,784. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, Stony Brook 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
Stony Brook
- Lower cost: Average net price of $18,784, roughly $2,836 a year less
- Less debt: Median debt of $18,228, the lower of the two
Binghamton
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $80,596 ten years after enrollment, 8% more than Stony Brook University
- Higher grad rate: 83% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- More selective: Admits 39% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Stony Brook graduates concentrate in Health Professions (16% of degrees); Binghamton in Biology & Biomedical (21%). 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 Stony Brook University. Median earnings of $80,596 ten years after enrollment vs $74,502.
Pick Stony Brook University over Binghamton University. Net price $18,784 vs $21,620.
Pick Binghamton University over Stony Brook University. 83% completion rate vs 77%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Stony Brook University and Binghamton University 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 Stony Brook University takes 49%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,419 to 1,415.
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, Stony Brook University comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $18,784, about $2,836 a year below Binghamton University's $21,620. Graduates of Stony Brook University also borrow less: median debt of $18,228, against $18,500.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $11,344 before any change in aid. Choosing Stony Brook 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 $74,502 at Stony Brook University. That is a 8% advantage. Set against borrowing, Binghamton University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.23x to 0.24x.
So what: An earnings gap of 8% 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.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick Stony Brook University 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. Stony Brook University saves about $2,836 a year, yet Binghamton University graduates earn $6,094 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. Stony Brook University concentrates enrollment in Health Professions, Psychology, while Binghamton University leans toward Business & Marketing, Social Sciences. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Business and consulting-track students: Stony Brook University has less business program depth, and Binghamton University offers the stronger options.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $21,620 runs well above Stony Brook University's $18,784.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Binghamton holds onto its admits more tightly: 15% of admitted students enroll, versus 13% at Stony Brook — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. Binghamton offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; Stony Brook 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
Stony Brook University
Stony Brook, NY · Public
With an enrollment of over 18,000 students, Stony Brook University caters to individuals looking for a solid education in fields like Health Professions, Biology, Psychology, Business, and Computer Science. The 49% acceptance rate indicates a competitive, yet accessible environment for students who are motivated to succeed. Those drawn to Stony Brook are likely seeking a diverse academic community that encourages exploration and growth in their chosen disciplines.
After graduation, students can expect a promising financial outlook, with a median earning of $74,502 ten years into their careers. This figure suggests that the education they receive translates effectively into well-paying jobs, particularly for those in health, tech, and business sectors. Affordability is a key factor here, as nearly 39% of students receive Pell Grants, which helps mitigate the financial burden and makes a quality education more attainable.
Looking at the cost, students can anticipate a net price of $18,784 after aid, which is manageable compared to many other institutions. The median debt of $18,228 is also relatively low, allowing graduates to start their careers without an overwhelming financial strain. Stony Brook seems to attract driven individuals who are ready to engage with their studies and build a future in dynamic fields.
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.
Rankings They Appear On
Binghamton University is featured on the Best MBA Programs for Supply Chain Management ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Stony Brook's top program is Nursing (BSN) (16% of enrollment), while Binghamton leads with Biology (21%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Stony Brook) and Financial Analyst, Management Consultant, Accountant (for Binghamton).
The two schools feed different job markets. Stony Brook University is strongest in Health Professions, while Binghamton University concentrates in Social Sciences. 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 Stony Brook University or Binghamton University?
Binghamton University is harder to get into, admitting 39% of applicants compared with 49% at Stony Brook University.
Which is more affordable, Stony Brook University or Binghamton University?
Stony Brook University is more affordable, with an average net price of $18,784 after aid versus $21,620 at Binghamton University.
Do Stony Brook University or Binghamton University graduates earn more?
Binghamton University graduates earn more: median earnings of $80,596 ten years after enrollment, versus $74,502 at Stony Brook University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Stony Brook University or Binghamton University?
Binghamton University has the higher graduation rate, 83% versus 77%.
Should you choose Stony Brook University or Binghamton University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Stony Brook University 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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