Analysis
Binghamton's accounting program significantly outperforms most competitors while keeping debt remarkably low. Starting earnings of $74,151 place graduates in the 95th percentile nationally and 80th percentile within New York—essentially matching private universities like Syracuse ($75,294) and Fordham ($76,473) that cost far more. With just $19,500 in median debt compared to the state median of nearly $25,000, Binghamton graduates face a debt burden of only three months' salary, one of the most favorable ratios you'll find for any program.
The earnings trajectory looks solid, with 14% growth to $84,365 by year four, though the moderate sample size means individual outcomes may vary. What makes this particularly compelling is the value equation: Binghamton delivers elite-tier accounting outcomes at SUNY prices. The school's 1415 average SAT and 38% admission rate confirm this isn't a back-door program—you're getting quality education alongside strong career placement.
For families weighing expensive private accounting programs, this data suggests Binghamton offers comparable career outcomes without the corresponding debt load. The combination of top-quintile national earnings and below-average debt makes this one of the stronger investments in New York accounting education.
Where Binghamton University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all accounting bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Binghamton University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Binghamton University | $74,151 | $84,365 | +14% |
| Fordham University | $76,473 | $96,453 | +26% |
| Yeshiva University | $69,252 | $87,338 | +26% |
| Syracuse University | $75,294 | $85,784 | +14% |
| Molloy University | $70,344 | $84,281 | +20% |
Compare to Similar Programs in New York
Accounting bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (76 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Binghamton UniversityVestal | $10,363 | $74,151 | $84,365 | $19,500 | 0.26 |
 Fordham UniversityBronx | $61,992 | $76,473 | $96,453 | $23,970 | 0.31 |
 Syracuse UniversitySyracuse | $63,061 | $75,294 | $85,784 | $27,000 | 0.36 |
 Marist UniversityPoughkeepsie | $46,140 | $71,436 | $79,786 | $23,250 | 0.33 |
 Molloy UniversityRockville Centre | $37,840 | $70,344 | $84,281 | $27,000 | 0.38 |
 Yeshiva UniversityNew York | $49,900 | $69,252 | $87,338 | $22,500 | 0.32 |
| National Median | — | $53,694 | — | $25,000 | 0.47 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with accounting graduates
Financial Managers
Treasurers and Controllers
Investment Fund Managers
Financial and Investment Analysts
Financial Risk Specialists
Financial Examiners
Budget Analysts
Business Teachers, Postsecondary
Accountants and Auditors
Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents
Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks
Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Binghamton University, approximately 27% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 79 graduates with reported earnings and 173 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.