Binghamton vs Rochester — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Binghamton is the more selective of the two (38.6% vs 40.1% acceptance). Rochester ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#501-600 vs #151-200). Median earnings 10 years after enrollment are effectively tied ($81K vs $79K). Binghamton has lower sticker-price tuition ($30,447 vs $67,080 per year).
Both universities have complete, comparable data in canonical — the choice should come down to fit (campus culture, major, aid package) alongside the differences visible in the numbers below.
Choose Binghamton for: higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings, lower tuition.
Choose Rochester for: a higher world ranking, a higher graduation rate, higher retention.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Binghamton is more selective (38.6% vs 40.1% acceptance); Rochester has a higher median SAT (1488 vs 1415).
Binghamton graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($81K vs $79K); Rochester has a higher 6-year graduation rate (85.4% vs 81.6%).
Binghamton has lower sticker-price tuition ($30,447 vs $67,080); Rochester offers a larger average aid package ($60,879 vs $19,288).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Binghamton | Rochester |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #501-600 | #151-200 |
| Rank · THE | — | #127 |
| Acceptance rate | 38.6% | 40.1% |
| Yield rate | 15.9% | 15.4% |
| Median SAT | 1415 | 1488 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.90 | 3.70 |
| Number of applications | 53,007 | 21,384 |
| International students | 8% | 37% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $81K | $79K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $68K | $74K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $114K | $117K |
| Graduation rate | 81.6% | 85.4% |
| Retention rate | 89.5% | 90.7% |
| Median debt | $18,500 | $21,000 |
| Tuition · year | $30,447 | $67,080 |
| Avg. aid package | $19,288 | $60,879 |
| % of need met | 74% | 96.1% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $27,208 | $32,304 |
| Application fee | $50 | $50 |
| Enrollment | 18,815 | 11,946 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Binghamton or Rochester?
It's harder to get into Binghamton. Binghamton accepts 38.6% of applicants, while Rochester accepts 40.1%.
Do Binghamton or Rochester graduates earn more?
Earnings are practically equal — 10 years after enrollment, the median is $81K at Binghamton and $79K at Rochester.
How much is tuition at Binghamton vs Rochester?
Sticker-price tuition is $30,447 per year at Binghamton and $67,080 per year at Rochester.
What SAT score do you need for Binghamton or Rochester?
The median admitted SAT score is 1415 at Binghamton and 1488 at Rochester; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Binghamton or Rochester?
Rochester ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #501-600 for Binghamton vs #151-200 for Rochester.
Which university offers more financial aid — Binghamton or Rochester?
The average aid package is $19,288 at Binghamton and $60,879 at Rochester.
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