SUNY Binghamton v. SUNY Albany

State Forums
1

I am entering the final stages of making my college decision and have narrowed it down to 2 schools. For Bing I got into Harpur with no financial aid at the moment. For Albany I got into the Honors college and am receiving $4300 in merit per year. Money is a moderate factor for me and as a note I plan on entering either school undecided. From what I’ve heard Binghamton is a much better school but with the honors program and the money, would Albany be the better choice?

Thank you

2

I would say Binghamton has the better reputation, for sure, but I don’t think any doors are going to be closed for you by going to Albany instead.

3

Depends on what you want. The honors program at albany is a plus. I believe you get special housing out of it. I think there is also priority registration which is helpful. I think for you the better choice would be albany seeing as you are still undecided. If you decide to major in buisness or computer science it would be easier for you to do that at albany than at binghamton where you will be pretty much limited to the courses at Harpur (and I guess CCPA).

Binghamton does have a better reputation academically and the student body tends to be a little more serious. But if you are in the honors program, you’ll be able to connect with more serious students as well if that’s your thing. Both schools also have a running club if you’re into that although binghamton has a nice nature preserve on campus that you can run in. IMO Albany has better surroundings. There is more to do in the area and there are a lot of good internships due to the location. But in the end it’s really your choice whether or not binghamton is worth the extra money. Have you had a chance to visit both schools? Good luck!

4

Thanks! I’ve visited both schools and while I found Binghamton far nicer I didn’t get a chance to check out the surrounding area as much as I did the campus.

5

There is just more in to do in the albany area. Like there is more shopping and stuff. It’s just a bigger city in general. But if you feel you’ll be happier at bing, go for it.