Binghamton University

Binghamton, NY · founded 1946 · 18,000 students · public research university · America East

Known for: Known as a Public Ivy for its academic rigor and value, with strong programs in humanities, sciences, and business.

Rankings

U.S. News national: #73
QS World: #801
Times Higher Education: #401
ARWU Shanghai: #601
Forbes: #105

Top programmes

Business
Engineering
Psychology
English
Biology
Economics

Notable alumni

Tony Kornheiser — Sports journalist and television personality
James Cameron — Film director, producer, and screenwriter
Paul Reiser — Actor and comedian
Ritchie Torres — U.S. Congressman
Angela Lee — Journalist and news anchor
David Muir — ABC News anchor
Scott Diamond — Former MLB pitcher

Traditions

Spring Fling
University Fest
Midnight Breakfast
Bearcat Bonanza

If Binghamton University were…

As a food: A perfectly crafted, no-frills New York bagel with scallion cream cheese — Like Binghamton, it's a Northeastern staple that's satisfyingly substantive, reliably good without being ostentatious, and provides steady, no-nonsense fuel for a long day of work.
As an athlete: Tim Duncan — The 'Big Fundamental'—consistently excellent, quietly dominant in his conference (SUNY), not flashy, built a legacy on reliable, team-oriented performance and fundamentals, much like Binghamton's academic reputation.
As a person alive today: Anderson Cooper — A sharp, composed, and highly competent professional from a well-known family (the SUNY system) who delivers reliable quality without unnecessary drama, maintaining a respected position through steady intelligence.
As a historical figure: John Adams — A brilliant, sometimes prickly, deeply principled New Englander who valued law, debate, and education, and whose legacy is one of foundational, unglamorous work that established enduring systems.
As a movie or TV show: The West Wing — It depicts a group of smart, idealistic, and intensely hard-working people in a fast-paced, talky environment, believing in process and debate to solve problems—capturing Binghamton's engaged, pre-professional, Sorkin-es
As a US president: John Quincy Adams — A hyper-competent, multilingual workhorse who served in Congress after his presidency, embodying a lifetime of dedicated, intellectual public service—the epitome of Binghamton's pre-professional, civically-engaged ethos.
As a city: Portland, Maine — A smaller, livable, four-seasons city that's historic, a bit sleepy, but with a strong sense of community, good food, and a population of smart, practical people who value quality of life over frenetic pace.
As an element: Silicon — The fundamental semiconductor, the reliable, versatile backbone of modern computing and technology. Like silicon, Binghamton is the essential, high-performing component of the SUNY system, enabling progress through stead
As a car: 2017 Honda Accord EX — Binghamton delivers SUNY's best value proposition in this sensible, high-achieving sedan: academically solid, pre-professionally focused, and priced for upward mobility. It's the smart choice that gets you to medical sch

Campus life

Binghamton offers a vibrant campus life with a focus on academics and student engagement. The university has a strong sense of community and offers numerous clubs and events.