Binghamton University

Binghamton is selective but not out of reach, admitting about 37.3% of applicants in the most recent cycle from a pool of roughly 61,000. As the most selective of SUNY's four university centers, it sets a high academic bar — enrolled first-years average a 3.88 GPA and middle-50% SAT scores of 1320–1480 — and rigor of coursework and academic GPA are both weighed as very important factors.

Enrolled first-year students at Binghamton report an average high school GPA of about 3.88 on a 4.0 scale. Academic GPA and the rigor of your course load are both weighed as very important factors, so the strongest applicants pair near-straight-A grades with an advanced schedule of honors, AP, or IB courses. Among the first-years who reported a class rank, 51% were in the top tenth of their graduating class.

Yes, a 1450 is a strong, competitive score for Binghamton — it sits above the 1410 median and inside the middle-50% range of 1320–1480 for enrolled first-years (31–34 on the ACT). Binghamton is test-optional, so scores aren't required, but a 1450 would strengthen an application if you choose to submit it.

No — Binghamton is test-optional, so you can apply without SAT or ACT scores and they won't count against you. If you do submit, the middle 50% of enrolled first-years scored 1320–1480 on the SAT and 31 to 34 on the ACT. With scores optional, your GPA and the rigor of your transcript carry even more weight, since both are rated very important.

Out-of-state applicants actually fare considerably better in Binghamton's admit numbers: the Fall 2025 CDS shows an out-of-state admit rate of about 73.7% (6,586 admitted from 8,932 applicants), compared to 29.1% for New York residents (14,324 admitted from 49,217 applicants). The large gap reflects the smaller, self-selected pool of non-residents who apply to a SUNY school, not a preference for out-of-state students. Academically, the same competitive profile — roughly a 3.88 GPA and middle-50% SAT scores of 1320–1480 — applies regardless of where you live.

Annual tuition and required fees run about $10,567 for New York residents and $32,467 for out-of-state students. About 43% of first-years receive need-based grant aid, with an average need-based package near $19,658 and roughly 79% of demonstrated need met on average.

The biological and life sciences are the largest field at about 21% of bachelor's degrees, followed by business and marketing, the social sciences, and engineering and computing at roughly 13% each. Psychology (10%) and the health professions are also popular, reflecting Binghamton's strength across both the sciences and the liberal arts.

Yes — Binghamton rates the application essay as an important factor in its holistic review, ranking above standardized test scores, which are only considered. Because admission turns heavily on academics and the school is test-optional, a specific, well-revised essay is one of the clearest ways for a strong applicant to stand out beyond the numbers.

Esslo gives free line-by-line feedback on your draft. Try it now