Stony Brook University vs Binghamton University: which has better ROI?
Binghamton University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $86,480 in 2.7 years versus 2.9 years at Stony Brook University, on median earnings of $80,596 vs $74,502 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Stony Brook University | Binghamton University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $18,784 | $21,620 |
| Total net cost | $75,136 | $86,480 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $74,502 | $80,596 |
| Median debt | $18,228 | $18,500 |
| Payback | 2.9 yrs | 2.7 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $447,704 | $558,240 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Stony Brook University or Binghamton University?
Stony Brook University, at $18,784 a year after aid versus $21,620 — a gap of $2,836 a year, or $11,344 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Stony Brook University or Binghamton University graduates earn more?
Binghamton University graduates report a median $80,596 ten years after entry, $6,094 more than the $74,502 at Stony Brook University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, Stony Brook University or Binghamton University?
Stony Brook University: its completers carry a median $18,228 in federal loans versus $18,500 at Binghamton University, a difference of $272. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
82% of students finish at Binghamton University, against 76% at Stony Brook University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.