Rochester vs Binghamton — 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 (#151-200 vs #501-600). Median earnings 10 years after enrollment are effectively tied ($79K vs $81K). 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 Rochester for: a higher world ranking, a higher graduation rate, higher retention.
Choose Binghamton for: higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings, lower tuition.
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 | Rochester | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #151-200 | #501-600 |
| Rank · THE | #127 | — |
| Acceptance rate | 40.1% | 38.6% |
| Yield rate | 15.4% | 15.9% |
| Median SAT | 1488 | 1415 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.70 | 3.90 |
| Number of applications | 21,384 | 53,007 |
| International students | 37% | 8% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $79K | $81K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $74K | $68K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $117K | $114K |
| Graduation rate | 85.4% | 81.6% |
| Retention rate | 90.7% | 89.5% |
| Median debt | $21,000 | $18,500 |
| Tuition · year | $67,080 | $30,447 |
| Avg. aid package | $60,879 | $19,288 |
| % of need met | 96.1% | 74% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $32,304 | $27,208 |
| Application fee | $50 | $50 |
| Enrollment | 11,946 | 18,815 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Rochester or Binghamton?
It's harder to get into Binghamton. Rochester accepts 40.1% of applicants, while Binghamton accepts 38.6%.
Do Rochester or Binghamton graduates earn more?
Earnings are practically equal — 10 years after enrollment, the median is $79K at Rochester and $81K at Binghamton.
How much is tuition at Rochester vs Binghamton?
Sticker-price tuition is $67,080 per year at Rochester and $30,447 per year at Binghamton.
What SAT score do you need for Rochester or Binghamton?
The median admitted SAT score is 1488 at Rochester and 1415 at Binghamton; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Rochester or Binghamton?
Rochester ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #151-200 for Rochester vs #501-600 for Binghamton.
Which university offers more financial aid — Rochester or Binghamton?
The average aid package is $60,879 at Rochester and $19,288 at Binghamton.
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