Illinois urbana-champaign vs Binghamton — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Binghamton is the more selective of the two (38.6% vs 42.4% acceptance). Illinois urbana-champaign ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#55 vs #501-600). Median earnings 10 years after enrollment are effectively tied ($81K vs $81K). Binghamton has lower sticker-price tuition ($30,447 vs $35,124 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 Illinois urbana-champaign for: a higher world ranking, higher graduate earnings, a higher graduation rate.
Choose Binghamton for: higher selectivity, lower tuition.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Binghamton is more selective (38.6% vs 42.4% acceptance); Illinois urbana-champaign has a higher median SAT (1440 vs 1415).
Illinois urbana-champaign graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($81K vs $81K); Illinois urbana-champaign has a higher 6-year graduation rate (85.1% vs 81.6%).
Binghamton has lower sticker-price tuition ($30,447 vs $35,124); Illinois urbana-champaign offers a larger average aid package ($23,217 vs $19,288).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Illinois urbana-champaign | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #55 | #501-600 |
| Rank · THE | #46 | — |
| Acceptance rate | 42.4% | 38.6% |
| Yield rate | 28.8% | 15.9% |
| Median SAT | 1440 | 1415 |
| Avg. GPA | — | 3.90 |
| Number of applications | 73,742 | 53,007 |
| International students | 25% | 8% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $81K | $81K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $71K | $68K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $117K | $114K |
| Graduation rate | 85.1% | 81.6% |
| Retention rate | 94.8% | 89.5% |
| Median debt | $19,500 | $18,500 |
| Tuition · year | $35,124 | $30,447 |
| Avg. aid package | $23,217 | $19,288 |
| % of need met | 0.8% | 74% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $22,395 | $27,208 |
| Application fee | $50 | $50 |
| Enrollment | 59,238 | 18,815 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Illinois urbana-champaign or Binghamton?
It's harder to get into Binghamton. Illinois urbana-champaign accepts 42.4% of applicants, while Binghamton accepts 38.6%.
Do Illinois urbana-champaign or Binghamton graduates earn more?
Earnings are practically equal — 10 years after enrollment, the median is $81K at Illinois urbana-champaign and $81K at Binghamton.
How much is tuition at Illinois urbana-champaign vs Binghamton?
Sticker-price tuition is $35,124 per year at Illinois urbana-champaign and $30,447 per year at Binghamton.
What SAT score do you need for Illinois urbana-champaign or Binghamton?
The median admitted SAT score is 1440 at Illinois urbana-champaign and 1415 at Binghamton; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Illinois urbana-champaign or Binghamton?
Illinois urbana-champaign ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #55 for Illinois urbana-champaign vs #501-600 for Binghamton.
Which university offers more financial aid — Illinois urbana-champaign or Binghamton?
The average aid package is $23,217 at Illinois urbana-champaign and $19,288 at Binghamton.
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