Mechanical Engineering at Binghamton University

Binghamton's mechanical engineering program delivers solid outcomes at a price that's hard to beat—graduates carry just $19,500 in debt while earning $66,371 in their first year, a debt-to-earnings ratio that puts most private competitors to shame. The catch? Those initial earnings lag behind what you'd expect from a selective SUNY school. At the 40th percentile statewide, Binghamton grads are earning less than the typical New York mechanical engineer, and significantly less than peers at Cornell ($85,440), RIT ($76,263), or even SUNY Maritime ($77,895).

The 19% earnings growth to $78,799 by year four shows graduates aren't stuck at entry-level positions, but they're starting from behind. This program ranks in just the 23rd percentile nationally—meaning three-quarters of mechanical engineering programs produce higher first-year earnings. For a university with a 1415 average SAT and 38% admission rate, these returns feel modest.

Still, the financial risk here is minimal. With debt roughly $5,000 below both state and national medians, your child won't spend years digging out from student loans. If they're looking for an affordable path to a stable engineering career and aren't chasing top-tier tech or aerospace firms right out of college, this works. But if maximizing early earnings matters—especially given Binghamton's competitive admissions—programs like RIT or SUNY Maritime might justify a closer look, even at slightly higher cost.