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Hamilton College vs Binghamton University

Hamilton College is a private college in Clinton, NY, and Binghamton University is a public university in Vestal, NY. Hamilton College is the more selective of the two, admitting about 14% of applicants against 39% at Binghamton University. Binghamton University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $21,620 a year against $28,985 at Hamilton College. About 91% of students graduate at Hamilton College, compared with 83% at Binghamton University. Ten years after enrolling, Binghamton University alumni earn a median of about $80,596, against $78,411 for Hamilton College.

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Hamilton College

Clinton, NY · Private

Binghamton University

Vestal, NY · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Clinton, NY
Vestal, NY
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
2,030
14,655
Acceptance rate
14%
39%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.53–4
3.5–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1450–1550
1340–1500
ACT (middle 50%)
33–35
30–32
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$28,985
$21,620
Full cost / yr
$84,230
$30,345
In-state tuition
$68,960
$10,567
Out-of-state tuition
$68,960
$30,447
Application fee
$65
$50
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$8,028
$12,171
$30k - $48k
$9,489
$15,281
$48k - $75k
$10,863
$20,347
$75k - $110k
$20,614
$23,533
Over $110k
$46,907
$28,475
Outcomes
Graduation rate
91%
83%
Freshman retention
95%
89%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$60,082
$61,621
Median earnings (10 yr)
$78,411
$80,596
Median debt at graduation
$17,000
$18,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
18%
28%
First-generation students
13%
25%
International students
8%
4%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 15
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Nov 1
Regular decision
Jan 4
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 Hamilton College or Binghamton University harder to get into?
Hamilton College is harder to get into. It admits about 14% 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, Hamilton College or Binghamton University?
Binghamton University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $21,620 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $28,985 at Hamilton College. 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 Hamilton College and Binghamton University?
Before aid, Binghamton University costs about $30,345 a year and Hamilton College about $84,230. 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, Hamilton College or Binghamton University?
Hamilton College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $8,028 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, Hamilton College or Binghamton University?
Binghamton University is the larger of the two, with about 14,655 undergraduates against 2,030 at Hamilton College.
Does Hamilton College or Binghamton University have a better graduation rate?
Hamilton College has the higher graduation rate, at about 91% against 83% at Binghamton University.
Do graduates of Hamilton College or Binghamton University earn more?
Binghamton University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $80,596 ten years after enrolling, against about $78,411 for Hamilton College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Hamilton College and Binghamton University require SAT or ACT scores?
Hamilton College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Binghamton University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Hamilton College and Binghamton University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1450–1550 at Hamilton College 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