I had the privilege of touring the SUNY Binghamton University campus this month, and it was eye-opening. Located in a vibrant college town, Binghamton University is a larger "mid-sized" school with about 14,000 undergraduates, and is intentionally on a growth track. There is construction everywhere!
Campus and Academics at Binghamton University
Binghamton University sits on 930 beautiful acres, featuring a 200-acre nature preserve. The focus is more on undergraduates, providing ample opportunities for undergraduate research and mentorship. The average class size is 24 students, and they boast an impressive 73% four-year graduation rate.
Downtown Binghamton is located just 5 minutes from campus, where startup incubators flourish. It also provides the center of nightlife for Binghamton students.
Binghamton University Schools and Programs
The vibe at Binghamton University is collaboration rather than competition. There are six colleges within the University, with the largest being Arts and Sciences. The schools include:
Binghamton School of Management - Deep focus on finance and accounting, with strong connections for internships and employment in NYC
School of Nursing and Health Sciences - The fastest growing segment, featuring direct entry and a new facility, adding graduate programs in PT, OT, and Speech Therapy
School of Community and Public Affairs
School of Pharmacy
Watson School of Engineering - Offers 5 majors, but students don't choose until after exploring differences during first year
STEM Research Opportunities at Binghamton
A standout first-year immersion project for STEM students offers a three-semester real-life research experience for science and engineering students in specialized "streams" including Biogeochemistry, Community & Global Public Health, and Neuroscience. With only 30 slots per stream, students are accepted first-come, first-served after ranking their top 3 interests.
Binghamton University Campus Life and Housing
Binghamton University is a residential campus featuring five themed residential communities that students select during enrollment. Most residence halls are suite-style for all years, making this larger school feel smaller and more manageable while offering community from the start.
The campus shuttle and bus system are student-operated, with "blue buses" providing transportation to shopping sites, off-campus living, and clinical sites. The School of Community and Public Affairs is located downtown, while Nursing and Pharmacy schools are situated off the main campus.
Career Services and Support
Binghamton University sponsors field trips to major cities like Boston and DC for job interviews, demonstrating their commitment to student career success.
Binghamton University Financial Aid and Costs
On the downside, most Binghamton University financial aid comes in loan form, and the cost of attendance is relatively high for in-state residents compared to peer institutions. The university admits there is significant gapping in financial aid packages.
Why Choose Binghamton University?
With Division I athletics, beautiful facilities, and a wide range of opportunities including many 4+1 master's programs and interdisciplinary double majors, Binghamton University is an exciting SUNY flagship to explore for prospective students seeking a comprehensive university experience.