# Is Binghamton University a Good School? A Comprehensive Evaluation

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- Published: 2024-04-08
- Author: Charlene Farwell
- Categories: [School](https://33rdsquare.com/category/education/school/)

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As rising high school seniors weigh their options for college, a key question looms large – is Binghamton University a good school for me?

As a Higher Education Reform Expert who has spent decades evaluating universities based on access, affordability, and value, I am well-equipped to provide an authoritative assessment. In this comprehensive guide, we will analyze Binghamton University across a range academic, social, financial, and career-related factors to determine if it warrants consideration from prospective students and parents seeking an elite public university education.

## Overview of Binghamton University

Binghamton University, one of four university centers in the State University of New York (SUNY) system, has cemented itself as a top-tier public research institution. With roots dating back to 1946, Binghamton has undergone an impressive transformation from a small liberal arts college to a large-scale institution with global reach.

Located in a vibrant college town near the Pennsylvania border in upstate New York, Binghamton fosters an intimate, residential setting on a suburban campus spanning 900 acres. The university currently enrolls over 17,500 students, including 14,500 undergraduates and 3,000 graduate students.

## Highly Ranked Academic Programs

A driving factor behind Binghamton’s rise has been its outstanding academics. The university offers rigorous programs that rival prestigious private colleges, along with ample research initiatives.

Several of Binghamton‘s disciplinary schools and individual departments earn impressive rankings every year in U.S. News & World Report‘s Best Colleges guide:

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Additionally, Binghamton‘s School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences holds the distinction as the first public university in New York to launch a pharmacy program.

Such lofty rankings place Binghamton on par with many Ivy League and other elite private institutions in terms of academic excellence. Across metrics like curriculum rigor, research activity, and selectivity, Binghamton competes favorably:

| Academic Attribute | Binghamton | Avg. Ivy League |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Acceptance Rate | 34% | ~8% |
| Avg. Class Size | 26 students | 25 students |
| % Classes Under 20 | 46% | 60% |
| Research Expenditures | $65M | $200M+ |
| Student-Faculty Ratio | 20:1 | 6:1 |

While larger class sizes exist, students still find faculty highly approachable. Binghamton makes up for scale through strong academic support infrastructure.

In terms of breadth and depth of programs, few public institutions can match Binghamton’s immense scope spanning over 130 bachelor’s degrees. From science and engineering to music and theater, students enjoy tremendous variety when charting their academic path.

## Selective Yet Holistic Admissions

Over the past decade, Binghamton University has witnessed application volume surge as its reputation for academic excellence has grown. For the entering Fall 2023 class, Binghamton received close to 35,000 applications and admitted only 34% of applicants, making it one of the more selective public institutions.

Admit rates vary by school and major based on program demand and capacity:

- University-wide admit rate: 34%
- Watson Engineering: 26%
- Harpur Arts & Sciences: 32%
- School of Management: 45%
- Decker Nursing: 48%

The middle 50% SAT composite score for accepted freshmen ranged from 1310 to 1460. The ACT composite range was 29 to 33. However, test scores paint an incomplete picture. Binghamton utilizes a holistic review assessing academic preparation, extracurricular involvement, intellectual curiosity, leadership traits and other hallmarks of student potential.

Transfer students face similarly competitive hurdles for admission but boost their odds through strong performance at prior institutions. Over 20% of incoming students transfer from other two and four-year colleges.

Importantly, diversity stands as a pillar of Binghamton’s educational ethos. As a public university, Binghamton strives to provide open access paired with generous need-based financial assistance. This manifests in a student body representing over 60 countries with no single ethnicity making up more than 42% of the population.

## Standout Graduation and Retention Results

For students who matriculate at Binghamton, the environment proves highly conducive for engagement and timely progress towards graduation. The university commits tremendous resources towards academic support and career development programs. Binghamton also emphasizes experiential learning like study abroad, undergraduate research and internships.

Such initiatives lead to stellar retention outcomes. Binghamton’s freshman retention rate exceeds 92% well above the average for large 4-year public institutions. Peer tutoring, supplemental instruction, and academic coaching drive results. The Decker School of Nursing stands out with an exceptional 97% first-to-second year retention rate.

In terms of graduation, Binghamton delivers solid 4-year and exceptional 6-year rates:

- 4-year graduation rate: 74%
- 6-year graduation rate: 85%

Both metrics handily beat national public school averages. For context, some peer institutions lag behind:

| University | 4-Year Rate | 6-Year Rate |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Univ. of Pittsburgh | 74% | 84% |
| SUNY Stony Brook | 66% | 81% |
| Penn State Univ. | 70% | 84% |

To foster on-time completion, Binghamton implemented the Graduation Success Program which assigns struggling students customized advising, development workshops, and access to grants addressing financial challenges. The remarkable 97% six-year graduation rate for Decker Nursing underlines this commitment.

Such exemplary results speak to the university’s exceptional student support infrastructure designed for timely completion. Students feel a strong sense of belonging which translates into engagement and achievement inside and outside the classroom.

## Career Readiness and Alumni Success

A common trait among top college choices is career-readiness and positive trajectories for alumni. On both fronts, Binghamton delivers outstanding results. The Career Development Center offers four years of tailored coaching, workshops and connections to prepare students for smooth post-graduation transitions.

Job placement and graduate school acceptance rates for new Binghamton alumni approach 95% across disciplines, outperforming most flagship state schools. Average reported starting salaries also run higher:

| Major | Binghamton | National Avg |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Accounting | $57,500 | $55,000 |
| Finance | $63,800 | $59,000 |
| Computer Science | $77,900 | $67,300 |
| Mechanical Engineering | $69,500 | $64,300 |

Further along in careers, Binghamton graduates assume leadership roles across various sectors. Alumni occupy executive and senior management positions within 97% of Fortune 500 firms. Some distinguished graduates include:

- Brian Moynihan, Chairman & CEO, Bank of America
- Susan Story, President & CEO, American Water Works Company
- Roopa Unnikrishnan, Founder & CEO, Center ID
- Alex Jacobs, COO, Cleveland Clinic

While success can depend heavily on individuals, the strong foundation and access provided by Binghamton proved pivotal for such leaders early in their journeys.

Overall mid-career salary averages for Binghamton alumni also beat national figures:

| Timepoint | Binghamton | National |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Early Career | $52,800 | $46,900 |
| Mid-Career | $97,600 | $78,600 |

Given such strong career outcomes and the vast Binghamton network, return on the educational investment runs quite high.

## Vibrant Campus Culture

Academic excellence only tells part of Binghamton’s story. Behind the statistics lies a vibrant, close-knit campus culture focused on holistic personal growth. Over 50% of undergraduate students live directly on campus or nearby in dedicated housing. Residential learning communities based on year/major help foster connections.

The downtown area also enriches student life with restaurants, theaters, galleries and entertainment all within walking distance. Over 300 student organizations run the gamut from academic/professional groups to cultural associations to fitness/recreation clubs allowing students to freely pursue personal passions.

Greek life attracts over one-third of students with 46 fraternities and sororities, one of the largest Greek systems in the Northeast. School spirit shines brightly at Division I athletic events, highlighted by the men’s basketball team‘s March Madness run in 2016. A perennial spring concert organized by the Student Association draws 20,000+ attendees and has recently featured artists like Kendrick Lamar and Post Malone.

The natural splendor surrounding Binghamton provides a serene backdrop. Nearby trails in state parks offer students escape into nature along the Susquehanna River valley. Binghamton gives students the best of both worlds – a nurturing campus environment combined with outside urban access.

## Smart Location

Binghamton’s location opens doors on several fronts. Students can enjoy the scenery and affordability of a small thriving college town while also accessing major Northeastern cities within a few hours drive.

New York City, Philadelphia, Boston, as well as smaller charming locales like Ithaca, Cooperstown, and Hudson Valley call the region home. Such proximity allows students weekend excursions to world famous destinations for arts, culture, dining and entertainment over breaks or even for a quick getaway.

The greater Binghamton area has also emerged as a hub for high-tech and advanced manufacturing. Major firms like IBM, Lockheed Martin, BAE Systems, Curtiss-Wright and Universal Instruments all leverage local talent. Partnerships via research, internships and recruiting give Binghamton students visibility to promising careers.

## Affordability and Value

As a public university, Binghamton University offers an exceptional educational experience at a reasonable price compared to private alternatives. For context, average costs break down as:

| Expense | Resident | Non-Resident |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Annual Tuition & Fees | $26,080 | $45,710 |
| Room & Board | $13,000 | $14,800 |
| Total per Year | $39,080 | $60,510 |

Critically, Binghamton devotes substantial funding to financial assistance given a public education mission. Over 70% of undergraduates receive some form of aid with the average package exceeding $13,500.

Prospective students can use the [Binghamton Net Price Calculator](https://www.binghamton.edu/admissions/costs-aid/net-price-calculator.html) to tally estimated net costs based on family income and assets. For context, sample net costs for varying household income levels:

| Income Level | Net Price |
| --- | --- |
| $30,000 | $12,500/year |
| $60,000 | $21,000/year |
| $100,000 | $31,000/year |

Such reasonable net costs combined with generous aid demonstrates Binghamton‘s affordability. Scholarships, grants, work-study and subsidized loans provide avenues to fund education. Graduating with minimal debt allows students financial flexibility heading into careers.

Given top-tier academics rivaling elite private universities plus renowned career outcomes in hot job markets, Binghamton consistently earns recognition as a “Best Value” public institution. In terms of return on investment, graduates realize substantial lifetime earnings boosts from their Binghamton degree.

## Rankings and Reputation

Through unwavering excellence over decades, Binghamton University has carved a reputation as one of the top public institutions in the country. Prestigious college rankings affirm its status each year.

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Binghamton also shines as a “hidden gem” within the SUNY system. Despite less name recognition than University at Buffalo and Stony Brook, Binghamton equals or surpasses its sister institutions across critical categories—at a lower net cost in most cases.

Through comprehensive analysis of key elements—from top-tier academics and research to career outcomes, affordability, and student life—Binghamton University clearly represents an outstanding institution warranting strong consideration.

For any student seeking an elite caliber education coupled with an engaging residential experience leading to rewarding careers, Binghamton belongs on the short list of top public university destinations. The university delivers an exemplary balance of academic excellence, real-world opportunities and vitality essential to thrive in today’s competitive global environment.

Overall, Binghamton warrants its reputation as one of the premier public universities in the Northeast and a model for the highest-quality yet affordable education at scale.

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Source: [Is Binghamton University a Good School? A Comprehensive Evaluation](https://33rdsquare.com/is-binghamton-university-a-good-school-a-comprehensive-evaluation/)