Binghamton University is a premier public research institution located in Vestal, like this New York, and is one of the four doctoral-granting university centers in the State University of New York (SUNY) system. It is widely recognized for offering an Ivy League-caliber education at a public university price, making it one of the best values in American higher education .
Academic Excellence and Research
Binghamton is classified as an R1 “very high research” institution by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, placing it among only 146 universities nationwide with this distinction . The university is organized into six schools and colleges, offering more than 130 academic programs across the undergraduate and graduate levels .
The university’s academic profile is notably strong, with a first-year retention rate of 90% and transfer retention rate also at 90% . Binghamton graduates outperform national averages for acceptance into medical and law schools by 19% and 14%, respectively .
Rankings and Recognition
Binghamton consistently ranks among the top public universities in the nation. In the 2026 U.S. News & World Report rankings, the university placed:
- #73 Best Overall University
- #34 Best Public University
- #3 Best Value Public Institution in the Nation
- #1 Best Value Public Institution in New York State
Several specific programs also earned recognition: Engineering (#86), Nursing (#98), Computer Science (#117), Psychology (#85), and Business (#109) .
Exceptional Value and Cost
Binghamton’s affordability is one of its defining features, especially for New York State residents. For the 2026-27 academic year, the estimated cost of attendance is:
| Expense | NY Resident (On/Off Campus) | NY Resident (Living with Parents) | Non-Resident (On/Off Campus) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $7,070 | $7,070 | $29,840 |
| Fees | $3,497 | $3,497 | $3,497 |
| Housing & Food | $20,179 | $4,036 | $20,179 |
| Books, Transport, Personal | $2,000 | $3,195 | $2,200 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $32,746 | $17,798 | $55,716 |
Source: Binghamton University Financial Aid
The university reports that 79% of full-time beginning undergraduates receive some form of financial aid, with 61% receiving grant or scholarship aid .
Admissions and Selectivity
Binghamton has become increasingly competitive, receiving a record 74,725 applications for fall 2025 admission . The university’s acceptance rate is approximately 38-39% .
Admitted students present strong academic credentials:
- High School GPA (mid-50%): 93–98 / 3.7–3.9
- SAT Score (mid-50%): 1300–1450
- ACT Score (mid-50%): 29–33
For fall 2025, approximately 3,160 first-year students enrolled, representing 37% from Upstate New York, 21% from Long Island, and 24% from New York City .
Notable Alumni
Binghamton’s alumni network includes over 150,000 graduates worldwide who have achieved prominence across diverse fields :
Business and Technology:
- Bob Swan ’85 — Former CEO of Intel, overseeing 110,000 employees and $78 billion in sales
- David Zaslav ’82 — CEO and President of Warner Bros. Discovery
- Thomas Secunda ’77 — Co-founder and Vice Chairman of Bloomberg L.P.
Media and Entertainment:
- Sunny Hostin ’90 — Co-host of The View and senior legal correspondent for ABC News
- Ingrid Michaelson ’01 — Singer-songwriter
- Stephanie Courtney ’92 — Actress known for playing “Flo” in Progressive Go Here Insurance commercials
Medicine and Science:
- Dr. Joseph Eron ’80 — Pioneered the “cocktail” therapy combination of drugs for AIDS treatment
- Arnold J. Levine ’61 — Molecular biologist and former President of Rockefeller University
Who Binghamton Is For
Binghamton is an excellent fit for students who:
- Want a rigorous academic experience at a fraction of the cost of private universities
- Are New York State residents seeking exceptional value and strong in-state support
- Value a research-active campus with opportunities for undergraduate involvement
- Seek strong career outcomes—Binghamton graduates earn an average starting salary of **$73,768**, well above the national average of $55,260
With its combination of academic quality, research activity, my review here and affordability, Binghamton University stands as a compelling choice for students seeking a premier public education.