Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering at Binghamton University

Binghamton's electrical engineering program delivers solid outcomes at a highly affordable price point, though graduates start behind many peers in New York's competitive engineering landscape. First-year earnings of $73,095 trail both the state median ($77,952) and national average ($77,710), placing this program at the 40th percentile statewide—behind Syracuse, RPI, and several other SUNY competitors. The gap narrows somewhat by year four as earnings climb to $83,592, but that still leaves Binghamton graduates earning less than peers from Cornell, Syracuse, and even Rochester.

The saving grace here is cost. With median debt of just $25,654, Binghamton maintains the strong value proposition that defines SUNY schools. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.35 means graduates can manage their loans comfortably, even with lower starting salaries. For context, many private engineering programs in New York saddle students with $40,000-50,000 in debt while delivering similar or only marginally better earnings.

For families choosing between Binghamton and higher-ranked in-state options, the calculation depends on net cost. If you're paying near full price at a private university, Binghamton's lower debt load makes it competitive despite the earnings gap. But if your student qualifies for substantial aid elsewhere—or is comparing to other SUNY engineering programs—you'll want to examine whether those $4,000-10,000 annual salary differences compound over time.