Investing in Excellence

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Empowering Students and Families to Make Informed College Decisions

As one of the nation's best public universities, Binghamton provides you with an excellent education and a price that says value. Binghamton can assist with understanding financing options and the billing process as you look for ways to finance your education:

Estimated Undergraduate Cost of Attendance for 2024-25

Direct costs

Includes tuition and fees, housing and food. These costs are included in a student's bill each semester.

Indirect costs

Includes books, supplies, travel, personal and miscellaneous expenses. These costs are not included in a student's bill each semester.

   Fall 2024 Spring 2025
Tuition and Fees $5,181.50 $5,181.50
Housing and Food + $9,404.50 + $9,404.50
Direct (Billed) Costs = $14,586 = $14,586
Indirect Costs (Books, supplies, etc.) + $1,000 + $1,000
Estimated Cost of Attendance (per semester) =  $15,586 =  $15,586
Estimated Cost of Attendance (per academic year) $31,172

**Figures reflect median housing rate and meal plan C.  As of December 2023, subject to change.
 

SUNY Tuition Match Program

Please note, Binghamton University is not participating in the SUNY program matching the in-state tuition of the flagship public universities in 8 states.

Calculating Your Costs (example):

  Semester Costs Yearly Costs
Tuition $3,535 $7,070
Fees + $1,646.50 + $3,293
Housing and Food (living on campus) + $9,404.50 + $18,809
Total Bill = $14,586 = $29,172
Grants/Scholarships (Pell Grant, TAP Grant, etc) - $3,535 - $7,070
Federal Direct Subsidized Loan -  $1,750 - $3,500
Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan - $1,000 - $2,000
Total Estimated Bill after Aid = $8,301 = $16,602

Calculate your 2024-25 estimated costs using our Net Price Calculator (NPC). 

Use our Cost Comparison Worksheet to calculate your cost and compare offers from other schools.

Types of Aid

Types of Grants and Scholarships
(repayment not required)		 Amount Eligibility Additional Award Criteria
University Scholarships Variable All admitted students are considered. Criteria for scholarships include many factors such as academic merit, donor preference, major, program participation and very often financial need, as determined by the FAFSA.
Federal Pell Grant $767–$7,395 (full time)
(as of December 2023)		 Undergraduate students with financial need, as determined by the FAFSA. Award based on number of credits enrolled and Student Aid Index (SAI)
Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG) $500 a year Pell-eligible students are considered based on availability of funding. Students that filed a FAFSA by the recommended filing date.

New York State TAP

& SUNY Tuition Credit

 Varies, up to the cost of tuition. Eligible FAFSA filers will receive an estimated award in the financial aid offer. Full time, undergraduate students who are New York state residents. For families with New York state net taxable income below $80,000. Separate application required.

Excelsior Scholarship 

& Excelsior Tuition Credit

 Varies, up to the cost of tuition. Eligible FAFSA filers will receive an estimated award in the financial aid offer. Full time, undergraduate students who are New York state residents. For families with an adjusted gross income of $125,000 or below.  Separate application required. Amount reduced by other grants/scholarships received.

Federal Student Loans

Loan Types 
(repayment required)		 Amount Eligibility Interest Rate/Origination Fees Repayment
Federal Direct Subsidized Loan Based on year in college Demonstrated financial need, as determined by the FAFSA 6.533% interest rate; no interest while in school.
Origination fee: 1.057%		 Begins six months after graduation or enrollment of less than 6 credits.
Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan Based on year in college Not need based, as determined by the FAFSA. 6.533% interest rate; interest accrues while in school.
Origination fee: 1.057%		 Begins six months after graduation or enrollment of less than 6 credits.
Annual Loan Amounts:
Freshman: $5,500
Sophomore: $6,500
Junior/Senior: $7,500
*Interest rates/fees as of July 2023.  Interest rates adjust each year on July 1.

This chart illustrates monthly loan payment examples based on amount borrowed and applicable interest.

Ten-Year Loan (120 Equal Payments) Example
Amount Borrowed $5,000 $10,000 $15,000 $20,000 $25,000
Student-subsidized loan 5.05%  $53 $106 $159 $213 $266
Student-unsubsidized loan 5.05%  $53 $106 $159 $213 $266

What If My Aid Isn't Enough?

Payment Plan

The payment plan allows a student/family to pay, interest free, with up to four equal installments. There is a $40 enrollment fee per semester.

Example:  

Semester Balance Due Down Payment  2nd Installment  3rd Installment   4th Installment 
$8,003.50 $2,040.87 (25% + $40 enrollment fee) $2,000.87 $2,000.87 $2,000.87

Federal Parent PLUS Loan

Loan Types 
(repayment required)		 Amount Eligibility Interest Rate/Origination Fees Repayment
Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan Borrower can apply for an amount based on the following calculation:  Cost of attendance minus grants, scholarships, and student loans Parents/stepparents of eligible students. Separate application required. 9.083% fixed rate; interest accrues while in school. Origination fee: 4.228% Repayment options:
  • While student is attending
  • Six months after student graduates
*Interest rates/fees as of July 2023.  Interest rates adjust each year on July 1.

This chart illustrates monthly loan payment examples based on amount borrowed and applicable interest.

Ten-Year Loan (120 Equal Payments) Example
Amount Borrowed $5,000 $10,000 $15,000 $20,000 $25,000
Parent PLUS loan 8.05% $61 $122 $182 $243 $304

Private Student Loans

Loan Types 
(repayment required)		 Amount Eligibility Interest Rate Repayment
Private Student Loans Borrower can apply for an amount based on the following calculation:  Cost of attendance minus grants, scholarships, and student loans Students with co-signer. Separate application required  Interest rate and fees variable, determined by lender and credit worthiness Repayment options determined by lender

Employment

Part-Time Employment
(income earned)		 Amount Eligibility Type of Work
Federal Work Study (FWS) Up to $3,000 a year Financial need, and funding availability On-campus administrative and technical jobs, 8-10 hours per week; federally mandated hourly pay rate.  Students are paid directly (via a bi-weekly paycheck) by the University.  FWS award is not applied as a credit on a student's semester bill.  Note:  being awarded federal work study means you can apply for federal work study specific jobs, but does not guarantee a job.  
General Student Employment Variable All enrolled students, regardless of financial need On- and off-campus administrative, technical and food service jobs. Hours and pay rates vary.

 Frequently Asked Questions:

  • How do I know if I received a scholarship?

    All students are considered for scholarships during the admissions process.  If selected, Binghamton University will send a scholarship award letter via e-mail. There is no separate application for scholarships for newly admitted students.

    Criteria include many factors such as donor preference, major, program participation and very often financial need, as determined by the FAFSA.

    Most scholarships at Binghamton are awarded in the spring for the following aid year and do not require an additional application. If awarded a scholarship, you'll be notified in your financial aid award offer and/or letter during the admission and financial aid process.

    Scholarships awarded during either the admissions process or the financial aid process will be included in a financial aid package.

    A student's financial need is one of the eligibility requirements for most scholarships at Binghamton.  Need is determined by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). 

  • If I didn't receive a scholarship, can I appeal?

    There is no appeal process since all students are considered for scholarships.

    Criteria include many factors such as donor preference, major, program participation and very often financial need, as determined by the FAFSA.

    • Most scholarships at Binghamton are awarded in the spring for the following aid year and do not require an additional application. If awarded a scholarship, you'll be notified in your financial aid award offer and/or letter during the admission and financial aid process.
    • Scholarships awarded during either the admissions process or the financial aid process will be included in a financial aid package.
    • A student's financial need is one of the eligibility requirements for most scholarships at Binghamton.  Need is determined by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) no later than January 1. 
  • Where can I find scholarships that may require an application?

    We encourage students to explore outside sources for scholarships.  Visit a list of trusted scholarship resources here.

  • How can I determine how much my net cost will be?
  • What are my options to help pay my costs?

    The following options are available to help pay your college expenses:

  • What is Federal Work Study, and am I eligible?

    Please refer to the chart above for more details.

    Federal Work Study jobs will be posted on the HireBING site beginning in August.  Students who obtain a Federal Work Study position are paid directly. The award is not applied as a credit on a student's semester bill.  

  • Can I still have a job on-campus even if I do not have a Federal Work Study award?

    Yes, both Federal Work Study and non-Federal Work Study jobs will be posted on the HireBING site.

  • What is the difference between a Subsidized and Unsubsidized Student Loan?

    Federal Direct Subsidized Loans

    • Subsidized Loans are need-based loans. The student must be seeking a degree and enrolled in six (6) or more credits each semester to be eligible.
    • Please refer to the chart above for more details.

    Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans

    • Unsubsidized loans are non-need-based loans, and are available regardless of financial need. The student must be seeking a degree and enrolled in six (6) or more credits to be eligible.
    • Please refer to the chart above for more details.
  • Can I print a copy of my financial aid offer? 

    Yes! Simply follow the instructions below to access a PDF of your Financial Aid Plan:

    1.  Login to the Portal at http://my.binghamton.edu.
    2.  Click on the BU BRAIN Self Service icon at the top of the page.
    3.  Click on "Financial Aid" tab.
    4.  Click "Award Offer"
    5.  Click "View your SUNY Financial Aid Plan" 

  • What can I do if I or my family have extenuating circumstances (changes in income, marital status, etc.)?

    Please review our Special Circumstances Appeal webpage here.  We encourage you to contact our office to discuss your circumstances to determine your eligibility.

    Circumstances may include:

    • Changes in income
    • Changes in parent marital status
    • Death of a parent
    • Excess medical expenses
    • Changes in a student's dependency
  • What funding options are available to undocumented, DACA, or international students?

    Students who are undocumented, DACA, or international are not eligible to complete the FAFSA. Therefore, these students are not
    eligible for federal loans, Pell Grant, SEOG Grant, Federal Work Study, or Parent PLUS loans. 

    Undocumented or DACA students may be eligible for NYS aid under the NYS Dream Act, including the TAP Grant/SUNY Tuition Credit, or
    NYS Excelsior Scholarship. For more information, visit the HESC Dream Act website.  Students must be NYS residents and meet eligibility criteria.

    The following options may also be available:
    1. External scholarships
    2. Private student loans

  • NYS Residents: What is the NYS Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)?

    Please refer to the chart above for more details.  You must complete a separate application to be considered for NYS TAP

  • NYS Residents: What is the Excelsior Scholarship?

    The Excelsior Scholarship is a tuition-specific award, meaning it only pays tuition charges.  It is also a last-dollar award; the scholarship amount will be reduced by other grants/scholarship assistance received.  

    You must complete a separate application to be considered for the Excelsior Scholarship.  Applications will be available in the Spring for the Fall semester via the HESC website here.

  • NYS Residents: How is my Excelsior Scholarship calculated?

    If you receive awards such as a Pell grant, SEOG, TAP grant, and/or other scholarships, etc., your Excelsior Scholarship will be reduced by those amounts or you may not be eligible for the Excelsior Scholarship.

    Example 1:
    Pell grant = $3,000
    + TAP grant and SUNY Tuition Credit = $2,500
    Total grants/scholarships = $5,500

    Tuition = $7,070 
    - 5,500 grants/scholarships
    = $1,570 Excelsior Scholarship

    Example 2:
    Pell grant = $6,000
    + TAP grant and SUNY Tuition Credit = $6,000
    Totals grants/scholarships = $12,000

    Tuition = $7,070
    - $12,000 grants/scholarships
    Not eligible for the Excelsior Scholarship, since tuition is already covered by these other funds.

  • NYS Residents: How do I know if I will receive the Excelsior Scholarship

    After you have completed the Excelsior Scholarship application, be sure to check the e-mail you submitted on the NYS TAP application.  HESC will send you the Excelsior Scholarship contract.  Follow the HESC instructions to ensure your eligibility.