Organizer Information
Binghamton University, part of the State University of New York (SUNY), is a public research university in New York. Its School of the Arts brings together Art & Design, Art History, Cinema, Music and Theatre, with opportunities to combine arts study with disciplines across the university.
Key Information
- Official Institution Name: Binghamton University
- Opportunity Type: University Programs & Admissions
- Study Levels: Undergraduate / Graduate / Doctoral
- Degrees Offered: BA, BFA, BMus, MA, MFA, MM, PhD
- Academic Fields: Art & Design, Art History, Cinema, Film/Video Production and Studies, Music, Theatre, Creative Writing
- Relevant Programs: BA Art & Design, BFA Art & Design, BA Art History, MA Art History, PhD Art History, BA Cinema, MFA Cinema, BA/BMus Music, MM Music, BA/BFA Theatre, MA Theatre, and related Creative Writing programs
- Language of Instruction: English
- International Applicants: Yes
- Application Period: 2027–28 admission cycle; deadlines vary by program and degree
- Application Deadline: Program-specific; undergraduate arts deadlines range from 1 November 2026 to 25 January 2027; graduate deadlines vary by program
- Start of Studies: Fall 2027
- Application Fee: $50 undergraduate / $75 graduate
- Tuition: From $29,840/year for non-resident undergraduate tuition; $27,130 for 24 graduate credits at the standard non-resident graduate rate
- Funding: Scholarships, assistantships, tuition scholarships and fellowships are available, with eligibility varying by level and program.
Field of Study & Eligible Disciplines
- Binghamton's School of the Arts accepts students across visual and performing arts disciplines. Undergraduate Art & Design options include Graphic Design and Studio Art at BA level, and Drawing, Graphic Design, Intermedia, Painting, Photography, Printmaking and Sculpture at BFA level. Cinema offers a BA and MFA, while Art History offers BA, MA and PhD degrees. Theatre offers BA, BFA Musical Theatre and MA options, and Music offers BA, BMus and MM degrees.
- For BFA Art & Design, applicants must demonstrate their creative practice through a portfolio. BA applicants in the arts do not submit a portfolio as part of the university application.
General Eligibility
- Undergraduate applicants must meet Binghamton's first-year or transfer admission requirements. First-year applicants submit a high-school transcript, while SAT/ACT scores are optional for academic review.
- Graduate applicants generally must hold a bachelor's degree or equivalent from an accredited institution and meet the university's graduate GPA expectations. Graduate programs may impose additional academic, creative or disciplinary requirements.
- For example, the MFA in Cinema requires a minimum 3.0 GPA and creative work samples; the MA in Art History requires a 3.0 GPA and a writing sample of no more than 30 pages or 8,500 words.
- International students applying for F-1 or J-1 study must also provide financial documentation for immigration purposes.
Language Requirements
- International undergraduate applicants who are not native English speakers must demonstrate English proficiency. Binghamton accepts TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, PTE, Cambridge English and other listed examinations. Current undergraduate score ranges include IELTS 6.5–7.0, TOEFL iBT 80–95 for tests taken before 21 January 2026 or 4.0–5.0 on the new scale, and Duolingo 110–120.
- For graduate applicants, the university minimums include TOEFL iBT 80, IELTS 6.5 with no band below 5.0, PTE 53, or Duolingo 105. Some graduate programs may require higher scores.
Application Fee
| Applicant Category | Application Fee | Waiver |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | $50 USD | International students are not eligible for Binghamton application-fee waivers |
| Graduate | $75 USD | Waivers may be available to eligible applicants |
Tuition
| Study Level / Applicant Type | Tuition | Billing Structure | Other Mandatory Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate, non-resident/international | $29,840 | 2026–27 annual estimate | $3,497 estimated annual fees |
| Graduate, non-resident/international | $27,130 | 24 credits / fall + spring | $2,640 estimated annual fees |
| International graduate students | — | — | Average $2,260/year international health insurance and service fees; $145 one-time new-student fee |
- The published graduate figures are the standard rates and some programs have different tuition structures. Costs are subject to change.
- International students are also required to maintain qualifying health insurance unless an exemption is authorized. The published annual international insurance rate for 15 August 2026–14 August 2027 is $2,403.01.
Funding & Financial Support
- Binghamton offers scholarships and other financial support. International undergraduate students are not eligible for U.S. federal or New York State financial aid, although a limited number of scholarships are available through the admission process.
- Graduate students may be considered for scholarships, fellowships, graduate assistantships and teaching assistantships. Assistantships can include stipends and tuition scholarships and are awarded competitively.
- The MFA in Cinema specifically states that admitted students are automatically considered for tuition remission and graduate or teaching assistantships; applicants seeking funding are encouraged to apply by 15 January.
University Services & Academic Support
- Arts students have access to university career services and discipline-specific facilities. Cinema students can use digital editing, animation, sound, film-processing and production facilities and borrow production equipment for eligible coursework.
- Art & Design students have access to the Visual Media Center, including digital printing, laser cutting, photography facilities and an alternative/historic printing darkroom.
- The School of the Arts also provides opportunities connected with the Binghamton University Art Museum, visiting artists and speakers, exhibitions, performances and student arts organizations.
Application Requirements
All graduate applicants submit an online application, application fee, academic history, unofficial transcripts and a résumé/CV. Program-specific requirements apply. For selected arts programs:
- BFA Art & Design: Portfolio of 10–15 examples; statement, résumé and teacher reference are optional.
- MFA Cinema: Personal statement, two recommendation letters and creative work samples.
- MA/PhD Art History: Personal statement, three recommendation letters and a writing sample of no more than 30 pages or 8,500 words.
- MA Theatre: Personal statement, three recommendation letters, one critical writing sample and an additional writing or work sample appropriate to the intended concentration.
- MM Music: Personal statement, résumé/CV, two recommendation letters and concentration-specific portfolio/audition materials.
International graduate applicants must additionally provide passport information, financial documentation and English-proficiency evidence for immigration purposes.
How to Apply?
Deadline & Timeline
- Undergraduate BA Early Action: 1 November 2026
- Undergraduate BA Regular Admission: 15 January 2027
- BFA Art & Design Priority — University Application: 1 December 2026
- BFA Art & Design Priority — Portfolio: 10 December 2026
- BFA Art & Design Regular — University Application: 15 January 2027
- BFA Art & Design Regular — Portfolio: 25 January 2027
- Art History MA/PhD — Spring: 15 November 2026
- Art History MA/PhD — Fall funding consideration: 15 February 2027
- Cinema MFA — Fall funding consideration: 15 January 2027
- Cinema MFA — Fall admission: Rolling
- Music MM — Fall funding: 1 February 2027
- Music MM — Music Composition: 15 February 2027
- Music MM — Fall regular: 1 April 2027
- Theatre MA — Fall funding consideration: 15 February 2027
- Theatre MA — Fall admission: Rolling
- Start of Fall 2027 classes: 24 August 2027
Location
Binghamton University — Binghamton, New York, USA
Additional Details
Binghamton's graduate application deadlines differ substantially by program and semester. Applicants should use the program-specific requirements rather than applying a university-wide graduate deadline.
For undergraduate arts applicants, admission to a BFA or BMus program involves both admission to Harpur College and acceptance by the individual arts program. BA arts programs generally do not require portfolio or audition materials as part of the university application.
International applicants who require an F-1 or J-1 visa must demonstrate sufficient financial support before the university issues the relevant immigration document.