Binghamton University Acceptance Rate 2026: 37%, GPA, SAT, ACT & Admissions Strategy
Direct answer: Binghamton University’s official institutional admissions table lists a 37% Fall 2025 first-year acceptance rate, with 61,188 applications and 22,832 students accepted. For 2026 applicants, Binghamton should be treated as a selective SUNY reach/target, not a simple safety.
The acceptance rate is only the first answer. Your real chance depends on GPA, high school average, course rigor, test-optional choice, chosen school/major, Early Action timing, recommendation, essay and whether your file is complete in the status checker.
This guide is scan-first: acceptance rate, GPA range, SAT/ACT ranges, deadlines, application materials, School of the Arts notes, international requirements, status-checker steps, video help, FAQs and official links.
Fall 2025 first-year acceptance rate from Binghamton institutional data.
Binghamton’s Fall 2025 institutional admissions table lists a 96 high school average.
Average combined SAT listed for Fall 2025 among reported institutional data.
Binghamton is test optional; applicants decide whether scores are included.
Quick navigation for Binghamton applicants
Binghamton University acceptance rate 2026: clear answer first
| Search question | Direct answer | What it means for applicants |
|---|---|---|
| Binghamton acceptance rate 2026 | 37% is the latest official Fall 2025 first-year acceptance-rate reference. | Binghamton is selective; do not apply with a weak or incomplete file. |
| Applications received | 61,188 first-year applications in Fall 2025 institutional data. | High demand means strong students can still be denied or waitlisted. |
| Number accepted | 22,832 accepted in Fall 2025 institutional data. | Your chances depend on profile strength, not just the overall rate. |
| Is it easier than elite privates? | Yes, compared with single-digit admit-rate schools. | Still not a safety for School of Management, Watson, nursing or competitive paths. |
| Best applicant strategy | Apply Early Action if ready, submit a strong transcript, and make a smart testing choice. | Use the status checker until every required item is complete. |
Binghamton University deadlines and decision dates
| Plan | Application deadline | Materials deadline | Decision timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Action | November 1 | December 1 | Binghamton provides Early Action decisions by January 15. |
| Regular Admission | January 15 | January 15 | Binghamton provides Regular Admission decisions by April 1. |
| Late applications | After the deadline | Space-available basis | Riskier because review depends on remaining space. |
| EOP applicants | Use SUNY Application | May need extra academic/financial materials | EOP applicants are not eligible for Early Action. |
Binghamton GPA, SAT and ACT: what is competitive?
GPA answer
Mid-50% GPA: 93–98 / 3.7–3.9. Binghamton’s admissions page lists this range for undergraduates, while its Fall 2025 table lists a 96 high school average.
SAT answer
Average combined SAT: 1417. CDS middle 50% SAT composite for Fall 2024 score submitters was 1360–1480.
ACT answer
ACT middle 50%: 31–34 among Fall 2024 enrolled ACT submitters in the Common Data Set.
Test optional answer
Binghamton does not require SAT/ACT. Submit scores only if they make the application stronger.
| Academic factor | Official/useful data | Applicant action |
|---|---|---|
| High school average | 96 in Fall 2025 institutional admissions data. | Strong grades are the foundation. A weak senior schedule can hurt. |
| GPA range | 93–98 / 3.7–3.9 mid-50% GPA listed by Undergraduate Admissions. | Applicants below the range need stronger context, rigor and writing. |
| SAT composite | 1360–1480 middle 50% in CDS for enrolled score submitters. | Submit SAT if it supports your file; do not self-report a superscore. |
| ACT composite | 31–34 middle 50% in CDS for enrolled ACT submitters. | Submit ACT if it strengthens the academic review. |
| Superscoring | Binghamton combines highest section scores from multiple administrations of the same test type. | Do not combine SAT and ACT, and do not self-report a superscore manually. |
| Official scores after enrollment | If you self-report and enroll, official matching scores are due by May 15. | Do not self-report inaccurate scores; offers can be rescinded for mismatch. |
What Binghamton reviews besides the acceptance rate
Binghamton’s test-optional FAQ says the high school transcript remains the most important piece, and that the committee reviews essay, extracurriculars and recommendation along with scores if submitted.
| Review factor | Why it matters | How to make it stronger |
|---|---|---|
| Transcript | Shows grades, trends, rigor and academic readiness. | Take serious senior-year courses and avoid grade drops. |
| Course rigor | CDS marks rigor as very important. | Use AP, IB, honors, dual enrollment or advanced courses when available. |
| Essay | Helps explain fit, maturity, motivation and context. | Write a specific story, not a generic “good school” paragraph. |
| Recommendation | Binghamton reviews one teacher/counselor recommendation. | Pick someone who knows your work habits, growth and class contribution. |
| Activities | Shows leadership, commitment, talent, research, service or work. | Focus on depth and impact, not a long list without meaning. |
| Major fit | Some schools and majors are more competitive. | Connect your activities and coursework to the major you choose. |
Binghamton application materials students need
| Material | Official detail | Common mistake |
|---|---|---|
| Application platform | Common Application, SUNY Application or Coalition Application. | Submitting multiple applications instead of one clean application. |
| Application fee | $50 nonrefundable fee; official fee waiver forms accepted for eligible students. | Assuming any outside waiver automatically works. |
| Email/status checker | Binghamton emails Reference Number and User ID after receiving application. | Using a school email that blocks messages or forgetting to check spam. |
| Transcript | Required for first-year applicants. | Waiting too long to request it from the school counselor. |
| Recommendation | One teacher/counselor recommendation is reviewed. | Choosing a recommender who cannot speak specifically. |
| Optional Glimpse video | 60–90 second video option; not required. | Uploading a generic video that does not add anything meaningful. |
Binghamton schools and majors: where selectivity can change
Harpur College
Large arts and sciences pathway. Strong writing, course rigor and academic direction matter.
School of Management
Often one of the more competitive paths. Show quantitative readiness, leadership, business curiosity and impact.
Watson College
Engineering/computing applicants should show math, science, coding, robotics, research or technical problem-solving.
Decker College
Nursing and health-related applicants should show science strength, service, responsibility and patient/community interest.
School of the Arts
BFA Art & Design requires portfolio; BFA Musical Theatre and BMus Music Performance require portfolio/audition steps.
EOP
EOP applicants should use the SUNY Application and may need extra academic/financial materials; EOP is not eligible for Early Action.
Binghamton University admissions video guide
Watch the video, then use the checklist below to turn general admissions information into real application improvements.
Binghamton application checklist before you submit
International, transfer and financial-aid notes
Non-native English speakers must submit an English proficiency test even if they choose SAT/ACT test optional for academic review.
Binghamton’s Fall 2025 transfer acceptance rate was 44%, and the mean transfer GPA listed was 3.5 in the institutional table.
Binghamton says sent items may take 7–10 business days to process, so do not panic immediately after sending documents.
Admitted students who filed FAFSA and sent it to Binghamton receive financial-aid award notification by email.
Common mistakes that hurt Binghamton applicants
- Calling Binghamton a safety: A 37% rate makes it selective, especially for competitive schools.
- Ignoring the GPA range: 93–98 / 3.7–3.9 is a strong academic benchmark.
- Submitting weak scores: Test optional means you should submit only if scores help.
- Trying to change test choice later: Binghamton says the test-optional choice cannot be changed after submission.
- Missing Early Action materials: EA application is Nov. 1, but materials are due Dec. 1.
- Using a blocked school email: Important status emails may not arrive.
- Choosing a weak recommender: Binghamton reviews one recommendation, so make it count.
- Forgetting arts requirements: Some BFA/BMus programs require portfolio or audition steps.
- Not checking status: Only completed applications are reviewed.
- Writing generic essays: Show why your selected school/major fits your record and goals.
Official Binghamton University links and sources
The key official details are summarized above. Use these links to confirm current rules before submitting.
Application platforms, fee, transcript, test optional, recommendation, arts deadlines and status steps.
GPA range, undergraduate numbers, TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo ranges and major exploration.
Test-optional details, SAT/ACT codes, superscore handling and official-score rules.
What test optional means, score-choice rules, international notes and final-decision policy.
Official admissions trends, applications, acceptance rate, SAT and high school average.
Check missing items, activate account, see decision communication and update email if needed.
FAQs about Binghamton University acceptance rate 2026
What is Binghamton University acceptance rate for 2026?
Binghamton’s latest official institutional table lists a 37% Fall 2025 first-year acceptance rate, with 61,188 applications and 22,832 admits. Use 37% as the practical 2026 planning benchmark.
Is Binghamton University hard to get into?
Yes. Binghamton is selective. A 37% rate means most applicants are not admitted, and competitive schools or majors can require stronger academic profiles.
What GPA do you need for Binghamton?
Binghamton lists a 93–98 / 3.7–3.9 mid-50% GPA range and a 96 high school average in recent institutional data. There is no guaranteed cutoff.
Is Binghamton test optional?
Yes. Binghamton is test optional, so SAT/ACT scores are not required. Students choose on the application whether scores should be reviewed.
What SAT score is good for Binghamton?
A strong SAT score is one near or above the 1360–1480 middle 50% range reported in the Common Data Set for enrolled score submitters.
What ACT score is good for Binghamton?
A strong ACT score is one near or above the 31–34 middle 50% ACT composite range reported for enrolled ACT submitters.
What are Binghamton Early Action and Regular deadlines?
Early Action application deadline is November 1, with materials due December 1 and decisions by January 15. Regular Admission deadline is January 15, with decisions by April 1.
Does Binghamton require recommendation letters?
Binghamton reviews one teacher or counselor recommendation for first-year applicants. Choose someone who can describe your academic readiness and personal qualities.
Does Binghamton require interviews?
No. Interviews are not required. Applicants may meet with a counselor and may optionally submit a 60–90 second Glimpse video.
How can I improve my Binghamton application?
Apply early, submit a strong transcript, choose test optional carefully, use one strong recommendation, write a specific essay, prepare special arts materials if needed and check the status checker regularly.