Analysis
Binghamton's finance program quietly outperforms nearly every competitor in New York while costing a fraction of what families typically pay. With graduates earning $73,598 within a yearβwell above the state median of $51,244 and ranking in the 80th percentile among New York finance programsβthis SUNY school delivers returns that rival private universities charging far more. The $15,000 median debt is less than half what students typically borrow for finance degrees in New York ($25,000), creating an unusually favorable debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.20.
What makes this particularly compelling is the trajectory: earnings jump 28% to $94,174 by year four, suggesting graduates secure positions with real advancement potential rather than hitting early ceiling effects. While Fordham edges ahead with $83,789 first-year earnings, their students likely graduate with substantially higher debt loads. Binghamton graduates start just $10,000 behind but with dramatically less financial burdenβa tradeoff that tilts heavily in their favor when you consider long-term wealth building.
The moderate sample size means some caution is warranted, but this represents one of the strongest value propositions in New York finance education. For families balancing program quality against cost, Binghamton offers elite-level outcomes at public school prices.
Where Binghamton University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all finance and financial management services 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 | $73,598 | $94,174 | +28% |
| Fordham University | $83,789 | $112,777 | +35% |
| Syracuse University | $72,819 | $91,086 | +25% |
| Rochester Institute of Technology | $56,513 | $86,145 | +52% |
| Manhattan University | $55,972 | $82,252 | +47% |
Compare to Similar Programs in New York
Finance and Financial Management Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (47 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $10,363 | $73,598 | $94,174 | $15,000 | 0.20 | |
| $61,992 | $83,789 | $112,777 | $26,850 | 0.32 | |
| $63,061 | $72,819 | $91,086 | $27,000 | 0.37 | |
| $51,424 | $61,246 | $81,127 | $26,000 | 0.42 | |
| $57,016 | $56,513 | $86,145 | $23,250 | 0.41 | |
| $50,850 | $55,972 | $82,252 | $26,323 | 0.47 | |
| National Median | β | $53,590 | β | $23,332 | 0.44 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with finance and financial management services graduates
Financial Managers
Treasurers and Controllers
Investment Fund Managers
Chief Executives
Chief Sustainability Officers
General and Operations Managers
Personal Financial Advisors
Financial and Investment Analysts
Financial Risk Specialists
Budget Analysts
Business Teachers, Postsecondary
Insurance Underwriters
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 83 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.