Do I need to apply separately for Binghamton scholarships?

Most scholarships do not require a separate application. However, the President’s and Provost’s Scholarships are competitive and may involve further review.

Does Binghamton superscore the ACT or SAT?

Yes, Binghamton superscores both the SAT and ACT. This means they’ll consider your highest section scores across multiple test dates.

What makes the competitive scholarships 'competitive'?

They’re based on a combination of GPA, test scores, leadership, and how your application compares to other admitted students. Not everyone who qualifies academically receives one.

Is the Binghamton Honors Program worth it?

While it doesn’t come with guaranteed scholarships or separate housing, it provides academic perks like small seminars, early registration, and research opportunities that can support long-term goals.

🎓 Binghamton University Scholarships

Q: Are there scholarships available after enrollment?

Yes. Once enrolled, students can apply for foundation-funded awards, departmental scholarships, and paid research or mentoring roles not listed at admission.

← Back to College Scholarship Guides

As one of the top public universities in New York, Binghamton offers strong academics and a competitive price for in-state students. But what about scholarships—especially for families who don’t qualify for much need-based aid?

This page breaks down how Binghamton handles merit aid: what gets awarded automatically, what’s competitive, and where the hidden money might be found (including departmental and foundation support). We’ve simplified everything below in plain English—no admissions lingo, no fine print.

If you’re a New York resident, make sure to also check out our full guide to New York state financial aid programs.

💰 Cost of Attendance at Binghamton University (2024–2025)

Binghamton offers one of the best values in the SUNY system, especially for New York residents. But for out-of-state families, costs increase significantly—and scholarship availability becomes more important.

Category	In-State	Out-of-State
Tuition & Fees	$10,684	$28,934
Housing & Meals	$18,228	$18,228
Total Cost	$28,912	$47,162

The federal average net price for Binghamton is $20,203 per year. Your actual cost may be lower depending on your family’s income and scholarships.

Binghamton does not offer any out-of-state tuition waivers, border-state discounts, or regional reciprocity programs. Out-of-state students pay the full published rate unless they receive scholarships or qualify for in-state residency after meeting specific criteria.

✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships

Binghamton doesn’t publish guaranteed merit scholarships, but some students are offered automatic aid based on their application. The highest awards (up to $10,000 per year) typically go to students with a GPA above 3.9 and advanced coursework. These are limited and highly competitive.

Scholarship	Award Amount	Eligibility	Separate App?	Renewable?	Who Actually Wins?
Binghamton Merit Award	Up to $10,000/year	Academic strength based on GPA and coursework	No	Yes	Students with a 3.9+ GPA and advanced classes (AP/IB); selective

Binghamton superscores both the SAT and ACT. Submitting test scores is optional, but strong results (1400+ SAT or 30+ ACT) may help boost your chances for top scholarships—especially if paired with a high GPA and advanced coursework.

🎓 FAQ: Automatic Scholarships at Binghamton

Does Binghamton award scholarships automatically?

Yes, but only a small number of top applicants are offered automatic scholarships through the admissions process. There are no published GPA guarantees.

What GPA is usually needed?

Awards tend to go to students with a GPA above 3.9 and a strong record of advanced coursework (AP, IB, dual enrollment).

Do test scores matter?

Binghamton is test-optional. High test scores may help but are not required for scholarship consideration.

🏆 Competitive Scholarships

These scholarships are not guaranteed and are awarded through a competitive review process. Leadership, service, and academic performance all factor in—but selection is limited. Many of the top awards are tied to Honors College or EOP admission.

Scholarship	Award Amount	Eligibility	Separate App?	Renewable?	Who Actually Wins?
President’s Scholarship	Up to $15,000/year	Top academic applicants with a strong record of leadership or service	No	Yes	Selective group of Honors-level students, often with 3.9+ GPA and demonstrated impact
Provost’s Scholarship	Up to $8,000/year	High academic performance and extracurricular involvement	No	Yes	Students with 3.8+ GPA and a well-rounded resume; competitive

Both the President’s and Provost’s Scholarships list a maximum award (“up to”) — but very few students actually receive the full amount. For example, the President’s Scholarship may offer $15,000 to a top Honors applicant, but most recipients receive less, typically between $5,000–$10,000. Final amounts depend on your GPA, coursework, leadership, and how you compare to other admitted students that year.

🎓 FAQ: Competitive Scholarships at Binghamton

What makes a student competitive?

Students who earn competitive scholarships typically have a GPA of 3.8 or higher, leadership roles, community service, and a well-rounded resume.

Are these tied to the Honors College?

Some awards—like the President’s Scholarship—are often given to students admitted into Binghamton’s Honors College, but not always.

Is it worth applying if the scholarships aren’t guaranteed?

Yes. You don’t need a separate application, and even a partial scholarship can make a real difference. Just know these are selective and not widely distributed.

How can I improve my chances of winning one of these scholarships?

Focus on maintaining a high GPA (3.8+), taking challenging classes (like AP or IB), and building a strong resume with leadership roles, community service, and meaningful extracurriculars. While no separate application is required, students who are admitted to the Honors College or have outstanding achievements tend to rise to the top.

💎 Hidden Gem Scholarships

Binghamton offers several need-based, identity-based, and support-focused programs that don’t always show up on the main admissions page. These awards often support students from historically underserved communities, military pathways, or specific career goals. Some require extra steps—others are built into campus support programs.

💡 Many of Binghamton’s smaller scholarships and stipends aren’t awarded until after your student has already started classes. Once enrolled, students can apply for foundation-funded awards, departmental scholarships, and paid research or mentoring roles that may not be visible during the admissions process. It’s worth checking each year.

Scholarship	Award Amount	Eligibility	Separate App?	Renewable?	Who Actually Wins?
EOP Grant	Varies (covers unmet need)	Economically and academically disadvantaged NY residents	Yes (via EOP application)	Yes	NY students who qualify for both need-based aid and academic support
Foundation & Alumni Awards	Typically $500–$3,000	Varies; some require essays, departmental ties, or special interests	Yes	Some	Current students or incoming freshmen who match specific criteria
ROTC Scholarships	Full tuition + stipend	Students committed to Army or Air Force ROTC via Syracuse partnership	Yes (via ROTC)	Yes (based on military commitment)	Students pursuing military officer track; must apply early and meet service requirements

Binghamton also offers a number of **student support stipends** tied to research, leadership, mentoring, and academic success programs. These aren’t technically scholarships, but they offer real money—often several hundred to a few thousand dollars per year—to students actively involved in campus life or academic initiatives.

🎓 FAQ: Are These Hidden Gems Worth It?

Is EOP the same as regular financial aid?

Not quite. EOP is a support program for low-income, first-gen students in New York. It includes both financial support and academic resources—like advising, tutoring, and a summer bridge program.

Where can I find these smaller scholarships?

Many are listed through Binghamton’s Foundation or specific departments. Once you’re admitted, you’ll get more access to apply—especially after your first year. They’re worth revisiting.

What’s a stipend and how do I get one?

Stipends are small cash awards (sometimes called “campus grants”) given to students in leadership roles, research programs, or academic support groups. They don’t need to be repaid and can be a helpful boost alongside scholarships.

Can I use an ROTC scholarship at Binghamton?

Yes. Binghamton partners with Syracuse University for both Army and Air Force ROTC programs. If selected, you can receive a full-tuition scholarship and monthly stipend while attending Binghamton—but you’ll need to commute for training and meet service obligations after graduation.

🏅 Binghamton University Scholars Program (Honors College)

Binghamton’s Scholars Program is the university’s most selective academic track. While it doesn’t come with its own scholarships or perks like special housing, it can still open doors — especially for students who love learning, want smaller classes, and plan to apply to grad school. Scholars have early access to research, priority registration, and mentorship opportunities that can pay off long after freshman year.

✅ What the Scholars Program Does Offer:

Priority course registration
Small, discussion-based Honors seminars
Early access to research opportunities
Dedicated academic advising and mentoring
A strong community of high-achieving peers
Support for grad school and fellowship applications

🚫 What It Doesn’t Include (Compared to Some Other Honors Colleges):

No exclusive Honors housing or residence halls
No guaranteed full-ride or full-tuition scholarships
No separate social programming or retreats
No formal integration with study abroad or internship funding

💡 The Scholars Program doesn’t offer separate housing or full-ride scholarships — but that doesn’t mean it’s not valuable. Students in the program get academic perks, personal advising, and a strong community of motivated peers. It’s a great fit for students who want more from their college experience.

Learn more about the program here: Binghamton University Scholars Program →

🎓 FAQ: Is the Scholars Program Worth It?

Is it hard to get into the Honors program?

Yes — it’s competitive. Binghamton typically invites students with high GPAs, rigorous coursework, and a demonstrated interest in academic research or leadership.

Do you need to apply separately?

Students are typically invited to apply to the Scholars Program after submitting their general application. You’ll receive instructions if you’re being considered.

Are there perks beyond academics?

The perks are mostly academic. Unlike some other schools, Binghamton doesn’t include perks like separate dorms or exclusive scholarships for Honors students.

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📘 Final Thoughts & Tools

Binghamton doesn’t hand out a lot of big automatic scholarships — but that doesn’t mean there aren’t ways to make it more affordable. Students who shine academically, take on leadership roles, and connect with mentors can tap into hidden funding once they’re on campus. If your family is comparing offers from multiple schools, be sure to look beyond the sticker price.

To help, we created this side-by-side comparison sheet for offers and costs:
📄 Download the College Offer Comparison Sheet (PDF)

And don’t forget: to qualify for many of the need-based and identity-based awards listed above, your student will still need to file the FAFSA (and occasionally the CSS Profile). Even middle-class families can unlock more aid than they think.