Binghamton University
Binghamton University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Binghamton University at a Glance
The State University of New York at Binghamton, commonly referred to as Binghamton University (BU) or SUNY Binghamton, is a public research university in Greater Binghamton, New York, United States. The university's main campus spans 930 acres (380 ha) in the suburb of Vestal. As of fall 2025, the university enrolled 18,652 students in its six constituent schools, which offer a comprehensive range of over 130 academic programs of study.
1946
80 years old
$330M
$330 million (2026)
18,652
14,559 undergrad · 4,093 grad
930 acres
Identity
Is Binghamton University Worth It?
Binghamton University delivers solid financial returns for its graduates. At $21,620/year, it's priced 6% above average, while graduates go on to earn $80,596 — 50% above the national average.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.1 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
The 83% graduation rate means roughly 17% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
Bottom line: Binghamton University delivers strong financial returns that justify the investment for most students.
How Binghamton University compares to peer public colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #4 of 5 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo | 100 | $16,665 | $90,768 |
| #2 | University of California-Santa Barbara | 98 | $16,109 | $74,915 |
| #3 | William & Mary | 87 | $19,096 | $73,490 |
| #4 | Binghamton University | 77 | $21,620 | $80,596 |
| #5 | Clemson University | 70 | $22,253 | $71,513 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of Binghamton University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%).
Best Programs at Binghamton University
The highest-earning program at Binghamton University is Computer Science at $73,000/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Film/Video and Photographic Arts at $15,500/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Computer Science graduate from Binghamton University earns $73,000, while a Film/Video and Photographic Arts graduate earns $15,500. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Computer Science graduates carry $20,500 in median debt vs. $21,000 for Film/Video and Photographic Arts.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $21,620/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | $73,000 | $73,000 | $20,500 |
| Management Information Systems and Services | $68,900 | $68,900 | $18,500 |
| Computer Engineering | $68,600 | $68,600 | $20,125 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $67,300 | $67,300 | $14,000 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering | $63,700 | $63,700 | $19,000 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | $59,800 | $59,800 | $19,000 |
| Industrial Engineering | $58,100 | $58,100 | $20,000 |
| Accounting and Related Services | $57,400 | $57,400 | $18,495 |
| Mechanical Engineering | $57,200 | $57,200 | $23,000 |
| Mathematics | $46,700 | $46,700 | $20,174 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $45,400 | $45,400 | $15,000 |
| Marketing | $45,400 | $45,400 | $17,398 |
| Economics | $43,000 | $43,000 | $19,500 |
| Geography and Cartography | $37,200 | $37,200 | $19,500 |
| Psychology, General | $36,600 | $36,600 | $20,500 |
| Political Science and Government | $34,100 | $34,100 | $20,500 |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other | $33,100 | $33,100 | $20,000 |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research | $31,500 | $31,500 | $17,060 |
| Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics | $29,700 | $29,700 | $19,575 |
| Sociology | $28,700 | $28,700 | $25,000 |
| Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services | $28,400 | $28,400 | $19,500 |
| Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology | $28,400 | $28,400 | $19,500 |
| Neurobiology and Neurosciences | $28,200 | $28,200 | $21,500 |
| English Language and Literature, General | $28,000 | $28,000 | $19,500 |
| History | $28,000 | $28,000 | $22,188 |
| Fine and Studio Arts | $27,200 | $27,200 | $19,000 |
| Anthropology | $24,400 | $24,400 | $21,479 |
| Biology, General | $24,000 | $24,000 | $19,000 |
| Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences | $20,300 | $20,300 | $21,000 |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft | $20,300 | $20,300 | N/A |
| Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies | $17,200 | $17,200 | $19,500 |
| Film/Video and Photographic Arts | $15,500 | $15,500 | $21,000 |
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Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- public
- Location
- Vestal, NY
- Student Body
- 14,655 students
- Admission Rate
- 39%
- Graduation Rate
- 83%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $21,620
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $80,596
- Median Student Debt
- $18,500