<p>Binghamton has had a great reputation for decades. It was the top SUNY when I worked for the system 30 years ago. You might look at where its grads get in to graduate school, and that will probably make you feel better.</p>
<p>More and more smart young people are taking the lower-cost route for undergraduate school especially if they plan to go on to graduate school. It just doesn’t make sense to spend all your savings and perhaps take out loans for undergraduate school. I would also argue that going to a SUNY school will give you more flexibility to explore many different subjects because it will probably be more generous with your AP credits if you have them.</p>
<p>Another thing to keep in mind is that financial aid packages change from year to year. What you are given the first year–to reel you in so to speak–may not be given in the years following.</p>