Stony brook vs Binghamton — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Binghamton is the more selective of the two (38.6% vs 49% acceptance). Stony brook ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#301-400 vs #501-600). Binghamton graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($81K vs $75K). Binghamton has lower sticker-price tuition ($30,447 vs $32,741 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 Stony brook for: a higher world ranking, higher retention, 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 49% acceptance); Stony brook has a higher median SAT (1419 vs 1415).
Binghamton graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($81K vs $75K); Binghamton has a higher 6-year graduation rate (81.6% vs 75.6%).
Binghamton has lower sticker-price tuition ($30,447 vs $32,741); Binghamton offers a larger average aid package ($19,288 vs $15,261).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Stony brook | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #301-400 | #501-600 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 49% | 38.6% |
| Yield rate | 14.7% | 15.9% |
| Median SAT | 1419 | 1415 |
| Avg. GPA | — | 3.90 |
| Number of applications | 55,880 | 53,007 |
| International students | 18% | 8% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $75K | $81K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $63K | $68K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $107K | $114K |
| Graduation rate | 75.6% | 81.6% |
| Retention rate | 89.7% | 89.5% |
| Median debt | $18,228 | $18,500 |
| Tuition · year | $32,741 | $30,447 |
| Avg. aid package | $15,261 | $19,288 |
| % of need met | 0.6% | 74% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $23,558 | $27,208 |
| Application fee | $0 | $50 |
| Enrollment | 26,689 | 18,815 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Stony brook or Binghamton?
It's harder to get into Binghamton. Stony brook accepts 49% of applicants, while Binghamton accepts 38.6%.
Do Stony brook or Binghamton graduates earn more?
Binghamton graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $81K vs $75K.
How much is tuition at Stony brook vs Binghamton?
Sticker-price tuition is $32,741 per year at Stony brook and $30,447 per year at Binghamton.
What SAT score do you need for Stony brook or Binghamton?
The median admitted SAT score is 1419 at Stony brook and 1415 at Binghamton; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Stony brook or Binghamton?
Stony brook ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #301-400 for Stony brook vs #501-600 for Binghamton.
Which university offers more financial aid — Stony brook or Binghamton?
The average aid package is $15,261 at Stony brook and $19,288 at Binghamton.
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