Public
Accredited · Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Vestal, New York
37.7% Acceptance Rate
Binghamton University — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
37.7%Acceptance Rate
4Avg GPA
1415Avg SAT
32Avg ACT
$29,657Annual Cost
$80,596Grad Salary
27.5%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
37.7%
Avg GPA
4
Avg SAT
1415
Avg ACT
32
Selectivity
Selective
Institution Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
SAT Middle 50%
1320–1490
ACT Middle 50%
29–34
Avg Net Price
$21,364
Need-Based Aid
27.5% receive Pell
Binghamton University Binghamton University, founded in 1946, is a premier public research institution and one of the four university centers in the State University of New York (SUNY) system. Consistently ranked among the top public universities in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, Binghamton is particularly renowned for its Thomas J. Watson College of Engineering and Applied Science and its Harpur College of Arts and Sciences. The 930-acre campus features modern research facilities, including the Innovative Technologies Complex, and is known for its nature preserve with a forest and wetland area. Binghamton's unique residential college system creates smaller learning communities within the larger university.
With an enrollment of over 18,000 students, Binghamton maintains a 19:1 student-faculty ratio, offering both the resources of a research university and the attention of a smaller college. The university's strong emphasis on undergraduate research opportunities has earned it recognition as a 'Public Ivy.' Binghamton's athletic teams, the Bearcats, compete in NCAA Division I as members of the America East Conference. The campus continues to expand, with recent additions including the Health Sciences Campus in nearby Johnson City. Binghamton's combination of academic rigor, affordability, and vibrant campus life makes it one of the most sought-after SUNY institutions.
Binghamton University Acceptance Rate
Binghamton University admits roughly 37.7% of its applicant pool, keeping it competitive without being out of reach for a solid student.
What Binghamton University Admissions Looks For
- Holistic Read: Recommendations and community involvement carry real weight here.
- Test Scores Help: Where submitted, scores near or above the middle 50% strengthen an application.
Selectivity at a Glance
Selective
Selectivity scale: Selective — 37.7% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Slightly below-average GPA? A strong test score or clear leadership track record can still keep you competitive.
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
4.00 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.80 – 3.99
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 3.55
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (Nov 2025).
Binghamton University Application Deadlines & Admission Dates 2026
The application deadline for Binghamton University is January 15 for Regular Admission (Fall 2026 cycle) applicants, with additional plans listed below. Admission decisions are typically released by April 1.
Key Admission Dates
⏳ 170 days left — Regular Admission (Fall 2026 cycle)
Regular Admission (Fall 2026 cycle)
January 15
Decision by: April 1
Early Action
November 1
Decision by: January 15
Deadlines are verified from official institutional sources but may change each cycle. Always confirm final dates on the official website.
Binghamton University GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at Binghamton University is 4. That makes admissions here extremely selective on GPA — near the top of your class is the expectation, not the exception. Most admitted students carry mostly A's across the board.
AP or IB courses aligned with your intended major (calculus and physics for engineering, for instance) meaningfully strengthen an application here.
Most schools report GPA on a weighted or unweighted 4.0 scale differently — for an unweighted profile like this, students with AP/IB coursework typically carry a weighted GPA of 4.20–4.40.Binghamton University GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Extreme selectivity; requires elite academic standing.
Recommended Strategy: High Course Rigor (AP/IB/Honors) to validate the grade.
Where your GPA falls in this range shapes what the rest of your application needs to do:
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
4.00 – 4.00
Academic Target
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.80 – 3.99
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
3.60 – 3.79
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 3.59
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Evaluation Metrics That Matter Here
- First-year applicants must present a minimum curriculum layout containing 4 years of English, 3 of math, 2 of science, and 2 of social studies.
- International applicant options require a minimum TOEFL score of 85, a Duolingo band of 110-120, or an IELTS score between 6.5 and 7.0.
- The admissions committee may issue a mandatory Course Progress Report during active file review, requiring immediate registrar execution.
- Rigor Over Raw Number: A slightly lower GPA (say 3.8) paired with multiple AP or IB courses often outweighs a flat 4.0 from a standard curriculum.
- Trajectory Matters: A lower start in 9th or 10th grade, followed by a clear upward trend senior year, reads as academic resilience rather than a weakness.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at Binghamton University
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on Binghamton University's verified institutional data
--%
Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
✅ Verified Data: Institutional records for 2026.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Binghamton University Test Requirements
Standardized scores still matter here: aim for the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class below, and if Binghamton University is test-optional, a high score submitted voluntarily still helps with merit scholarships.
Can I Get Into Binghamton University Without SAT or ACT?
Binghamton University considers scores when submitted, without requiring them. Prepare well and submit your best attempt — most applicants test 2–3 times.
Binghamton University Average SAT Score: 1415
The average SAT score of admitted students at Binghamton University is 1415 on the 1600-point scale.
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1415 — Very Competitive
A 1415 average puts Binghamton University well above the national mean SAT score.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1490 SAT or 34 ACT) to stand out. Below average? Binghamton University allows Score Choice for the SAT, so a retake only helps — a low sitting never has to be sent.
If your score is below 1320, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at Binghamton University. Retaking multiple times is completely normal — most competitive applicants sit for it two or three times. There's no official limit on attempts.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 710 | 660 | 760 |
| SAT Reading | 695 | 660 | 730 |
| SAT Composite | 1415 | 1320 | 1490 |
Below 1320, you're behind most admitted students; at 1490 or above, you're ahead of 75% of them. (25th/75th percentile = the score below which that share of admitted students fall.)
View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1400
Can I get into Binghamton University with a 1500 SAT?
A 1500 SAT puts you ahead of most of Binghamton University's admitted class — but admissions still weighs GPA, course rigor, and essays alongside it. A strong score opens the door; the rest of your profile decides what happens next.
Binghamton University ACT Requirements
The average ACT score at Binghamton University is 32.
ACT Competitiveness
ACT 32 — Very Competitive
An average of 32 is well above the national ACT mean.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 30 | 27 | 33 |
| ACT English | 32 | 29 | 35 |
| ACT Composite | 32 | 29 | 34 |
Can I get into Binghamton University with a 34 ACT?
A 34 ACT puts you ahead of 75% of Binghamton University's admitted students — a strong position, though the ACT is only one benchmark among several admissions weighs.
Unlike the SAT, the ACT scores four separate sections — English, Math, Reading, and Science — each on a 1–36 scale. A noticeably weak section (Science, especially, at STEM-focused schools) stands out to reviewers, so it's worth checking your section breakdown for outliers before applying.
Your ACT score clears the first filter, but GPA, course rigor, extracurricular depth, recommendations, and essays are what carry an application the rest of the way at Binghamton University.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for Binghamton University
Selective Strategy: Competitive Positioning
Competitive positioning at Binghamton University means clearing the academic bar comfortably, then using the rest of your application to show genuine fit.
Aim for the Elite Upper Quartile GPA Targets to Clear the Academic Filter
Binghamton University utilizes a highly competitive academic indexing system where high school GPA is the primary sorting mechanism. The mid-50% high school GPA band for admitted first-year cohorts sits at a demanding 3.7 to 3.9 on an unweighted scale, translating to an average grade profile of 93-98. To pass initial automated screening, your transcript should reflect mostly 'A' marks across all core subjects. The committee expects applicants to exhaust local school options by taking multiple advanced placement (AP) or IB modules.
Utilize the Section Superscore Policy to Maximize Standardized Placement
If you choose to include standardized tests in your review path, you must target Binghamton?s high historical averages, which sit at a 1420 SAT or a 31 ACT composite. The 75th percentile targets reach a demanding 1480 SAT and 34 ACT score profile. Binghamton applies a "Highest Section" superscoring policy for the SAT, allowing the admissions engine to extract and combine your best individual sub-scores across different testing dates to build your top composite score.
Declare Test Review Preferences Clearly on the Primary Application Platform
Binghamton allows you to apply via the Common Application, the SUNY Application, or the Coalition Application. Crucially, you must explicitly declare on your chosen application form whether or not you want standardized SAT/ACT test scores included in your overall review. If you opt into score inclusion, you must coordinate direct electronic transmission from the testing service, as unofficial self-reported text or parent documents will not satisfy the processing desk.
Track Post-Secondary Credit Thresholds for Transfer Routing Adjustments
For students entering via the transfer tracking pipeline, your post-secondary credit volume fundamentally changes your document checklist. If you have completed fewer than 24 college credits after high school graduation at the time of application, you must submit your final official high school transcript. If you have cleared the 24-credit mark, the high school transcript requirement is waived for initial evaluation, shifting focus to your mid-50% transfer GPA benchmark of 3.3 to 3.8.
Expert Insight: Failing to submit your final official high school transcript or GED certificate once enrolled as a transfer student is a critical operational failure-because Binghamton mandates this verification step to complete your enrollment file, missing records will trigger an immediate administrative hold that blocks you from registering for future courses.
Binghamton University Profile
Full Name
Binghamton University
City
Vestal
State
New York
ZIP Code
13850-6000
Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSACHE)
Is a Binghamton University Degree Worth It?
Whether Binghamton University is worth it depends less on its reputation and more on your program choice, financial aid package, and career goals — here's the data to weigh it against.
The average household income among admitted students is $71,400, with a graduate unemployment rate of 3.45%.
How much does a degree from Binghamton University Cost?
The sticker price is $29,657/year, but the average net price students actually pay — after Pell and federal grants — is closer to $21,364.
27.5% of students receive a Pell Grant and 40.9% take federal loans at Binghamton University — file your FAFSA early and list Binghamton University as a choice to be considered for both.
How much does a Binghamton University Graduate earn?
Median earnings 10 years after enrollment (roughly 4–6 years post-graduation) are $80,596 — about 99% above the U.S. median graduate income.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Binghamton University. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pepperdine University | Malibu, CA | 1367 | 29 |
| Westmont College | Santa Barbara, CA | 1367 | 32 |
| Colorado School of Mines | Golden, CO | 1403 | 31 |
| Trinity College | Hartford, CT | 1396 | 32 |
| American University | Washington, DC | 1392 | 31 |
| University of Florida | Gainesville, FL | 1397 | 31 |
| Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology | Terre Haute, IN | 1389 | 32 |
| St. John's College | Annapolis, MD | 1381 | 31 |
| University of Massachusetts-Amherst | Amherst, MA | 1393 | 31 |
| St Olaf College | Northfield, MN | 1373 | 30 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Binghamton University. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Clara University | Santa Clara, CA | 1417 | 32 |
| Connecticut College | New London, CT | 1412 | 32 |
| University of Miami | Coral Gables, FL | 1416 | 32 |
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | Champaign, IL | 1418 | 32 |
| Simpson College | Indianola, IA | 1410 | 32 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Binghamton University. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northeastern University Oakland | Oakland, CA | 1472 | 32 |
| Occidental College | Los Angeles, CA | 1461 | 33 |
| Scripps College | Claremont, CA | 1480 | 33 |
| Colorado College | Colorado Springs, CO | 1445 | 33 |
| Georgetown University | Washington, DC | 1494 | 33 |
Degree Programs at Binghamton University
Bachelor Degree Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About Binghamton University Admissions
Binghamton University graduates typically earn around $80,596 a year, on the higher end depending on industry.
At about $29,657 a year, Binghamton University is on the more affordable end.
About 27.5% receive a Pell Grant at Binghamton University — moderate odds, largely income-dependent, but an early FAFSA filing still helps.
At 37.7%, Binghamton University's acceptance rate is on the more attainable end compared to top-tier selective schools.
Admitted students at Binghamton University average a 4 GPA.
Binghamton University doesn't publish a hard GPA floor — but landing at or above 3.7 keeps you in the typical applicant range; below it, lean on essays and recommendations.
Below 3.6, Binghamton University becomes a harder reach — though a strong test score, meaningful activities, and AP/IB coursework can still make a real case.
A strong SAT score matters at Binghamton University — aim above 1415, ideally within the 1320–1490 range admitted students typically fall in.
The application deadline for Binghamton University is January 15 for Regular Admission (Fall 2026 cycle) applicants. Admission decisions are released by April 1.
The application fee is 50. Fee waivers may be available — check with admissions.
Yes — transfers are common. Have transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement ready to make your case.
Strong academics, a focused extracurricular profile, and standout essays move the needle most — along with a competitive SAT/ACT score where relevant.
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