Iowa state vs Binghamton — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Binghamton is the more selective of the two (38.6% vs 88.7% acceptance). Binghamton graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($81K vs $63K). Iowa state has lower sticker-price tuition ($28,881 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 Iowa state for: lower tuition.
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 88.7% acceptance); Binghamton has a higher median SAT (1415 vs 1204).
Binghamton graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($81K vs $63K); Binghamton has a higher 6-year graduation rate (81.6% vs 75.3%).
Iowa state has lower sticker-price tuition ($28,881 vs $30,447); Binghamton offers a larger average aid package ($19,288 vs $15,665).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Iowa state | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #501-600 | #501-600 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 88.7% | 38.6% |
| Yield rate | 28.8% | 15.9% |
| Median SAT | 1204 | 1415 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.80 | 3.90 |
| Number of applications | 23,095 | 53,007 |
| International students | 8% | 8% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $63K | $81K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $56K | $68K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $90K | $114K |
| Graduation rate | 75.3% | 81.6% |
| Retention rate | 87.6% | 89.5% |
| Median debt | $22,869 | $18,500 |
| Tuition · year | $28,881 | $30,447 |
| Avg. aid package | $15,665 | $19,288 |
| % of need met | 78% | 74% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $29,475 | $27,208 |
| Application fee | $40 | $50 |
| Enrollment | 30,432 | 18,815 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Iowa state or Binghamton?
It's harder to get into Binghamton. Iowa state accepts 88.7% of applicants, while Binghamton accepts 38.6%.
Do Iowa state or Binghamton graduates earn more?
Binghamton graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $81K vs $63K.
How much is tuition at Iowa state vs Binghamton?
Sticker-price tuition is $28,881 per year at Iowa state and $30,447 per year at Binghamton.
What SAT score do you need for Iowa state or Binghamton?
The median admitted SAT score is 1204 at Iowa state and 1415 at Binghamton; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university offers more financial aid — Iowa state or Binghamton?
The average aid package is $15,665 at Iowa state and $19,288 at Binghamton.
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