Students at Binghamton University achieve exceptional earnings that consistently exceed expectations, ranking among the top 10% of public universities nationwide for long-term financial outcomes.
Graduates from all backgrounds, including low-income students, see remarkable earnings advantages that demonstrate the university's ability to deliver transformative economic mobility.
Binghamton University delivers some of the strongest financial outcomes among public universities nationwide, combining academic rigor with exceptional long-term value. The university ranks in the top 10% nationally for earnings, with graduates earning a median of $80,596 ten years after enrollment—well above typical public university outcomes. What makes Binghamton particularly compelling is how consistently it delivers earnings beyond expectations, with graduates earning nearly $4,000 more than similar students at comparable institutions.
As a selective public research university in New York, Binghamton attracts academically prepared students while maintaining reasonable accessibility. About 27% of students receive Pell Grants and nearly 25% are first-generation college students, though the university is more selective than typical public institutions. The combination of strong academic preparation and institutional support translates into an 84% six-year graduation rate and consistently strong career outcomes across majors.
Binghamton's strength lies in its ability to channel students into high-earning career paths while maintaining the affordability advantages of public higher education. For families seeking a university that combines academic quality, reasonable costs, and exceptional long-term financial returns, Binghamton represents one of the strongest options in the Northeast.
Binghamton University's program portfolio emphasizes fields that lead directly to strong career outcomes, with particular strength in economics, computer science, and the social sciences. Applied Economics stands out as the highest aggregate-return program, combining substantial enrollment of 349 graduates with solid early-career earnings around $46,708. This program represents Binghamton's ability to channel large numbers of students into economically valuable fields that provide both immediate employment opportunities and long-term earning potential.
Computer Science delivers the highest individual earnings at approximately $75,921 for 90 graduates, reflecting both the field's strong job market and Binghamton's reputation in technology education. Psychology remains the largest single program with 316 graduates, demonstrating the university's comprehensive liberal arts offerings, while Biology represents a foundational science pathway that supports students pursuing advanced degrees or entering growing healthcare and research sectors.
The program mix reflects Binghamton's positioning as a comprehensive research university that balances professional preparation with academic breadth. Strong enrollment across economics, psychology, computer science, and the sciences creates a diverse alumni network while ensuring that most students enter fields with solid earning potential. This combination of program quality and career focus helps explain why Binghamton graduates consistently outperform earnings expectations regardless of their chosen field of study.
Binghamton University graduates achieve exceptional long-term earnings that place the institution among the top performers nationally. Ten years after enrollment, graduates earn a median of $80,596, ranking in the 93rd percentile among all public universities. Even more impressive is how much graduates earn beyond expectations—nearly $4,000 more than similar students at comparable institutions, reflecting Binghamton's ability to add meaningful value to student outcomes. The university's loan repayment performance is equally strong, with borrowers paying down balances faster than peers at most other institutions.
The strongest financial outcomes come from Binghamton's economics and computer science programs, which combine high enrollment with exceptional earnings potential. Applied Economics, the university's highest aggregate-return major, graduates 349 students annually who earn around $46,708 early in their careers. Computer Science delivers even higher individual returns, with 90 graduates earning approximately $75,921 within years of graduation. Psychology remains the largest program by enrollment with 316 graduates, while Biology represents a more moderate-earning pathway that still contributes meaningfully to overall institutional outcomes.
Binghamton's program mix emphasizes fields that lead directly into well-paying careers, particularly in business, economics, technology, and the sciences. The university's location in New York provides strong access to major metropolitan job markets, while its academic reputation opens doors to competitive positions that drive the consistently strong earnings outcomes graduates achieve throughout their careers.
Binghamton University offers solid affordability for a high-performing public research university, though costs vary significantly by family income level. Low-income students pay about $12,916 annually after aid, which is reasonable for the quality of education and outcomes provided. Middle-income families face higher costs at around $21,832 per year, while upper-income families pay approximately $28,008—reflecting the university's position as a premium public option that delivers exceptional value despite higher sticker prices.
Debt levels remain manageable relative to the strong earnings graduates achieve. Typical federal student loan debt is about $18,500, well within reasonable bounds given that graduates earn a median of $80,596 ten years out. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $24,009, which represents a moderate level of family investment that aligns with Binghamton's positioning as a high-value public university. The combination of strong earnings and reasonable debt loads creates a sustainable financial picture for most graduates.
What makes Binghamton's affordability particularly compelling is the return on investment families receive. While net prices may be higher than some public alternatives, the consistently strong earnings outcomes and rapid loan repayment rates demonstrate that graduates can comfortably manage their educational investments. The university's zero percent default rate reflects both the quality of student outcomes and the financial sustainability of the education Binghamton provides.
Binghamton University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
