Stony Brook University
About Stony Brook University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Stony Brook University is a public research university on Long Island, New York, part of the SUNY system. It is one of the top public research universities in the Northeast, with strong programs in medicine, engineering, marine sciences, and computer science.
Founded
1957
Location
Stony Brook, New York
Students
26,527
Institution
Public
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
49%
Selective
Graduation Rate
75.6%
Near national average
In-State Tuition
$10,931
Out-of-state: $32,741
Avg Net Price
$18,784
After financial aid
SAT Average
1419
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$74,502
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Very Selective
49 out of 100 applicants get in
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
$50
Early
Nov 1
Regular
Jan 15
Stony Brook University accepts 49% of applicants, with admitted students averaging around 1419 on the SAT. If you're near or above that range, you have a strong chance.
SAT Scores
1419/ 1600
ACT Scores
31/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Above Average
75.6% complete their degree within six years
Retention
89.8%
4-Year Grad
64%
6-Year Grad
78%
Teaching Quality
19:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
61.7%
$/Student
$22.6K
Class Size
Large
While 64% finish in 4 years, 89.8% of freshmen do return for sophomore year. Many students here may take a bit longer, but they stick with it.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$10,931
In-State
$32,741
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$18,196
Books & Supplies
$900
Total Cost of Attendance
$30,539
After Financial Aid
$18,784
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$12,943
Receive Grants
39.4%
Take Loans
35.3%
The full cost of attendance is about $30,539/yr for in-state students, including $18,196 for room and board. After aid, most pay around $18,784. Out-of-state tuition jumps to $32,741.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Stony Brook University fund their education.
While in School
39.4%
Get Grants
Free money
35.3%
Take Loans
Must repay
$36,504
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$18,228
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$193/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Only 35.3% of students take out federal loans, and those who do graduate with a median of $18,228. Many students here manage to minimize borrowing.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Stony Brook University.
Gender
51.2%
Female
49%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
18,101
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
8,426
Graduates
36.1%
First-Gen
21 yrs
Avg Age
5.5%
Age 25+
The campus has a balanced gender split (51% women, 49% men). 36.1% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience. 9.5% international students add diversity to the campus.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
Suburb: Large
Campus Quick Facts
18,101
Students
public
Institution
Medium
Campus Size
R1 Research
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
No
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
No
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
What Students Say
Pros
- +Long Island location between NYC and the Hamptons
- +Strong STEM research at SUNY tuition
- +Diverse student body reflecting NYC metro
- +Medical center on campus provides health sciences access
Cons
- -Commuter school feel on weekends
- -Long Island cost of living is high
- -Campus architecture is utilitarian, not charming
- -Social life can feel quiet compared to other SUNYs
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Stony Brook University fields 10 varsity teams with 572 student athletes, about 3% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division I-FCS
Conference
Colonial
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
10
Biggest: Track & Cross Country
Student Athletes
572
3% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
60% / 40%
341
Men
231
Women
6
Men's Teams
8
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Stony Brook Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$74,502
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Psychology, General
$32K
616 grads
1yr Earnings
Biology, General
$25K
522 grads
1yr Earnings
Business Administration, Management and Operations
$43K
493 grads
1yr Earnings
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
$35K
401 grads
1yr Earnings
Applied Mathematics
$45K
341 grads
1yr Earnings
Economics
$44K
295 grads
1yr Earnings
Earnings grow steadily here: $59K at six years, $53K at eight, and $75K by ten. Well above average at every stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Stony Brook University
What is the acceptance rate at Stony Brook University?▾
How much does Stony Brook University cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Stony Brook University?▾
How much do Stony Brook University graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.