Welcome to BU
A premier public university
Our history
BU opened its doors as a Triple Cities College in 1946 to serve the needs of local veterans returning from
service in World War II. Originally located in Endicott, five miles west of the present campus, the
fledgling school was a branch of Syracuse University.
Four years later, when the college was incorporated into the State University of New York, it was
renamed Harpur College in honor of Robert Harpur, a Colonial teacher, patriot and pioneer, who
devoted his later years to settling the area around Binghamton.
Until 1953, Harpur College was one of only two public liberal arts colleges in the state. In 1961, the
campus was moved across the Susquehanna River to Vestal. Growing enrollment and a reputation for
excellence soon led to the selection of Harpur College as one of four doctorate-granting University
Centers in the state system.
In 1965, the campus was formally designated the State University of New York at Binghamton. BU was
adopted as our informal name in 1992.
Learn more about what makes the BU experience so exceptional.
At a Glance
A world-class institution, Binghamton University offers students a broad, interdisciplinary education
with an international perspective and one of the most vibrant research programs in the nation. BU is
one of America's premier public universities. We attract outstanding students and award-winning
professors who are partners in active discovery — we don't collect knowledge, we create it.
Our Schools
Harpur College of Arts and Sciences: With our three divisions – fine arts and humanities, science and
mathematics, and social sciences – we are the largest of BU's six schools.
The College of Community and Public Affairs: Prepares our graduates to work with individuals, groups,
families, communities and organizations for the public good.
The Decker School of Nursing: Prides itself on both the quality and the quantity of its clinical practice
experiences that are seen as the foundation for graduates' success in professional practice.
The Graduate School of Education: Our graduate programs offer professionals an enriching environment
in which to hone their skills to become certified to teach, become administrators or to take their existing
education careers to the next level.
The School of Management: Ranked among the elite business programs in the nation. Its unique
integrated curriculum prepares our outstanding students - both undergraduate and graduate - for the
business challenges of today, and to be future leaders.
The Thomas J. Watson School of Engineering and Applied Science: The Watson School prepares students
to embrace new challenges and create the future.
Gorgeous Campus and Community
The campus is spread across 930 acres on a wooded hillside above the Susquehanna River in the
Binghamton suburb of Vestal.
The University consistently receives top recognition in The Princeton Review's annual "green rating" of
colleges.
The on-campus Nature Preserve boasts 190 acres of protected forest and wetlands with
hiking/biking/running trails and a six-acre pond.
Downtown Binghamton offers a world-class opera company, a symphony orchestra, movie theaters,
clubs, incredible restaurants, bars and professional hockey and baseball teams.
Innovative Living-Learning Facilities
 Modeled after Oxford University, our students live in six modern residential communities, each
with its own distinct personality and neighborhood feel.
 The sprawling, four-building science complex -- soon to be five as construction progresses on a
new science building which features a multi-climate greenhouse, one of largest teaching and
research facilities of its kind and is divided into tropical, temperate, alpine and desert zones.
 The Innovative Technologies Complex (ITC) is home to the Bioengineering Building, which
features state-of-the-art, modular laboratories and clinical research space and a start-up suite
for new companies. The complex also encompasses the Engineering and Science Building, which
is home to the Watson School dean's office, as well as the departments of mechanical
engineering and electrical/computer engineering, state-of-the-art laboratory space, suites for
business start-ups and offices.
 The spacious Anderson Center for the Performing Arts showcases a "transforming," 1,200-seat
theater with a retractable rear wall for lawn seating and is celebrating its 25th anniversary
season.
 The University Art Museum's permanent collection includes over 3,000 modern and ancient
pieces, including a nationally recognized Asian Art Gallery.
 Progressive Architecture featured our two stunning academic buildings, home to the schools of
management, nursing and education and the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.
Active, Athletic Community
The Binghamton Bearcats field 21 NCAA Division I varsity teams.
Students choose from dozens of competitive and just-for-fun club and intramural sports teams, from
soccer to coed dodgeball.
FitSpace is our state-of-the-art fitness center with in-house personal trainers and 45 group classes each
week.
Our awesome Outdoor Pursuits program organizes day and weekend kayaking, climbing, hiking, and
camping trips to the region's many state grounds.
Annual Cost
2014/2015NYS ResidentOut-of-State Resident
Tuition$6170$17810
Fees$23009$2309
Room & Board$14064$14064
Total Cost$22543$34183
Contact Us
Visit us at www.binghamton.edu for more information Or call us at 607-777-2171