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Cornell University vs Binghamton University

Cornell University is a private university in Ithaca, NY, and Binghamton University is a public university in Vestal, NY. Cornell University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 9% of applicants against 39% at Binghamton University. Binghamton University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $21,620 a year against $28,690 at Cornell University. About 95% of students graduate at Cornell University, compared with 83% at Binghamton University. Ten years after enrolling, Cornell University alumni earn a median of about $104,043, against $80,596 for Binghamton University.

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Cornell University

Ithaca, NY · Private

Binghamton University

Vestal, NY · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Ithaca, NY
Vestal, NY
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
15,995
14,655
Acceptance rate
9%
39%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.54–4
3.5–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1500–1570
1340–1500
ACT (middle 50%)
33–35
30–32
Test policy
Required
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$28,690
$21,620
Full cost / yr
$88,140
$30,345
In-state tuition
$69,314
$10,567
Out-of-state tuition
$69,314
$30,447
Application fee
$80
$50
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$1,776
$12,171
$30k - $48k
$4,070
$15,281
$48k - $75k
$6,796
$20,347
$75k - $110k
$14,311
$23,533
Over $110k
$49,992
$28,475
Outcomes
Graduation rate
95%
83%
Freshman retention
98%
89%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$87,830
$61,621
Median earnings (10 yr)
$104,043
$80,596
Median debt at graduation
$14,000
$18,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
18%
28%
First-generation students
15%
25%
International students
10%
4%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Nov 1
Regular decision
Jan 2
Jan 15

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Cornell University or Binghamton University harder to get into?
Cornell University is harder to get into. It admits about 9% of applicants, compared with 39% at Binghamton University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Cornell University or Binghamton University?
Binghamton University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $21,620 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $28,690 at Cornell University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Cornell University and Binghamton University?
Before aid, Binghamton University costs about $30,345 a year and Cornell University about $88,140. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Cornell University or Binghamton University?
Cornell University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $1,776 there, against about $12,171 at Binghamton University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Cornell University or Binghamton University?
Cornell University is the larger of the two, with about 15,995 undergraduates against 14,655 at Binghamton University.
Does Cornell University or Binghamton University have a better graduation rate?
Cornell University has the higher graduation rate, at about 95% against 83% at Binghamton University.
Do graduates of Cornell University or Binghamton University earn more?
Cornell University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $104,043 ten years after enrolling, against about $80,596 for Binghamton University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Cornell University and Binghamton University require SAT or ACT scores?
Cornell University requires SAT or ACT scores. Binghamton University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Cornell University and Binghamton University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1500–1570 at Cornell University and 1340–1500 at Binghamton University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school