<p>So I am very torn about my college decision. I've narrowed my choices down from 5 to 2 (eliminating U. at Buffalo, McGill, and U. of Rochester) so now I'm down to Binghamton or UAlbany. I am going into history but I am also interested in political science, international relations and public policy. Albany has offered me a spot in their honors college and a $4500 a year scholarship. At Binghamton, I like their communities of dorms, the dorms themselves, the campus and their history program. But at Albany, I like their honors college, the city of Albany compared to the city of Binghamton, their political science/international relations/public policy programs and obviously, I like the money. I have visited each campus multiple times and I've even sat in on classes and I can see myself at either place. If money was no object, I would probably chose Binghamton. But factoring in what my parents will contribute, going to Binghamton will put me about $20,000 more in debt than going to Albany. I want to get a PhD so that means a lot. Does anyone have any input?</p>
<p>I have two kids that attended Albany and they both made excellent connections there. If money is an issue, take the Albany offer, you will get extra attention in honors. There are lots of internship opportunities in the city, much more so than in Binghamton.</p>
<p>I got a spot in the honors college at UAlbany for this fall as well, and i’m definitely going there! I actually visited Bing before and hated it haha. Many people will tell you that Bing is better than Albany and that may be true as a whole, but Albany’s honors program is at a completely different level than the rest of the school. Good luck with your decision!</p>
<p>Hi! My name is Rob and I’m a Binghamton University Student Ambassador.</p>
<p>Please keep in mind that a lot of scholarship/financial aid offers happen in the summer. I received large amounts of scholarships that have paid for nearly all of my college education from Binghamton. The first scholarship came in July. The second came in August. The final came in September when I was already at the university. Just something to think about.</p>
<p>I also recommend that you check out the starting salaries for graduates at Binghamton vs. Albany and consider the difference there. It’s pretty significant: [Binghamton</a> University - Top Starting Salaries](<a href=“http://www2.binghamton.edu/admissions/top-starting-salaries.html]Binghamton”>http://www2.binghamton.edu/admissions/top-starting-salaries.html)</p>
<p>And lastly, I highly recommend that you look into what specific PhD program you are interested in and determine whether Albany and Binghamton have that program. Going to a school with a graduate program you’re interested in could open up the opportunity for you to shave a year off your education by doing a 3-2 program or otherwise condensing your education into fewer years.</p>
<p>In the end, the decision is yours to make. If you have any specific questions, please let me know!</p>
<p>Sincerely,
Rob Clark</p>
<p>My son was accepted into Binghamton’s School of Management as a PWC scholar, as well as the Albany honors program. He will likely be going to Albany for a variety of reasons, including the fact that we are from the Binghamton area and it is too close to home. While there may be a slight difference between the schools, I suspect that neither employers nor graduate schools view the two schools much differently. Both are good choices.</p>