About

About Stony Brook University

public research universitysuny systemstrong health sciencesvery high research activitylarge student body

Stony Brook University is a public research university in Stony Brook, NY, known for its public research university, suny system, and strong health sciences. With an acceptance rate of 49%, Stony Brook University is moderately selective, typically enrolling around 3,347 students each year. Stony Brook University is test optional; students who submit scores are typically admitted with SATs between 1320–1500, though many competitive applicants choose not to submit. Stony Brook University offers merit scholarships regardless of financial need, with awards averaging $10,385 per year; the sticker price of $47,193 may look very different from what your family actually pays.

Admissions

Stony Brook University acceptance rate and admitted student profile

moderately selective

49%
Overall Accept Rate
4.00
Typical Admitted GPA
1410
Median Admitted SAT
GPATypical admitted range: 3.75 – 4.00 unweighted

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SATSubmitted score range: 1320 – 1500 (test optional)

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ACTScore range: 28 – 34

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Application Strategy

Strategy tips for applying to Stony Brook University

The first 2 tips apply to all applicants. Your personalized strategy requires your profile — build your free list to unlock it.

Essay Strategy
Stony Brook takes essays seriously, so if you are applying to a STEM program, name specific research centers or faculty labs at Stony Brook that align with your interests, since the university has strong programs in areas like computational science and marine sciences that you can reference concretely.
Test Score Strategy
Because Stony Brook is test optional and your score falls below their 75th percentile, consider withholding your score and letting your GPA, coursework rigor, and essays carry your application instead.

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Financial Aid & Cost

What Stony Brook University actually costs your family

Average net prices by income bracket from College Scorecard data.

Family IncomeSticker PriceEst. Net Cost / yr
0-30k~$47k/yr$12.9k
30k-48k~$47k/yr$15.4k
48k-75k~$47k/yr$20.7k
75k-110k~$47k/yr$23.4k
110k+~$47k/yr$27.7k

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Outcomes & Campus

Student outcomes and campus profile

78%
6-Year Graduation Rate
$59k
Median Earnings (6 yrs)
19:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
18,751
Undergrad Enrollment
Stony Brook University Acceptance Rate & Admissions | SpearMatch