Houston vs Binghamton — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Binghamton is the more selective of the two (38.6% vs 73.9% acceptance). Houston ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#201-300 vs #501-600). Binghamton graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($81K vs $62K). Houston has lower sticker-price tuition ($22,547 vs $30,447 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 Houston for: a higher world ranking, lower tuition, lower graduate debt.
Choose Binghamton for: higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings, a higher graduation rate.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Binghamton is more selective (38.6% vs 73.9% acceptance); Binghamton has a higher median SAT (1415 vs 1250).
Binghamton graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($81K vs $62K); Binghamton has a higher 6-year graduation rate (81.6% vs 64.6%).
Houston has lower sticker-price tuition ($22,547 vs $30,447); Binghamton offers a larger average aid package ($19,288 vs $16,450).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Houston | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #201-300 | #501-600 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 73.9% | 38.6% |
| Yield rate | 26.5% | 15.9% |
| Median SAT | 1250 | 1415 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.50 | 3.90 |
| Number of applications | 31,716 | 53,007 |
| International students | 16% | 8% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $62K | $81K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $61K | $68K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $93K | $114K |
| Graduation rate | 64.6% | 81.6% |
| Retention rate | 87% | 89.5% |
| Median debt | $18,194 | $18,500 |
| Tuition · year | $22,547 | $30,447 |
| Avg. aid package | $16,450 | $19,288 |
| % of need met | 55.1% | 74% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $21,819 | $27,208 |
| Application fee | $75 | $50 |
| Enrollment | 47,980 | 18,815 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Houston or Binghamton?
It's harder to get into Binghamton. Houston accepts 73.9% of applicants, while Binghamton accepts 38.6%.
Do Houston or Binghamton graduates earn more?
Binghamton graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $81K vs $62K.
How much is tuition at Houston vs Binghamton?
Sticker-price tuition is $22,547 per year at Houston and $30,447 per year at Binghamton.
What SAT score do you need for Houston or Binghamton?
The median admitted SAT score is 1250 at Houston and 1415 at Binghamton; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Houston or Binghamton?
Houston ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #201-300 for Houston vs #501-600 for Binghamton.
Which university offers more financial aid — Houston or Binghamton?
The average aid package is $16,450 at Houston and $19,288 at Binghamton.
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