About Stony Brook University
Stony Brook has built its reputation as a powerhouse research university since 1957, particularly known for its medical school and engineering programs. The campus sits near Brookhaven National Laboratory, creating unique research opportunities for its 17,420 students in the Long Island suburbs. Notable graduates include mathematician and hedge fund titan Jim Simons and former Stanford president John Hennessy, reflecting the university's strength in both STEM fields and academic leadership.
Students pay an average net price of $18,430, which proves relatively affordable for a research university of this caliber. Graduates earn a median of $74,502 ten years after graduation, making the typical debt load of $18,228 quite manageable with monthly payments around $193. In-state students get an strong deal with tuition at just $10,560, while the 77% four-year graduation rate helps keep costs contained.
The student body reflects New York's diversity, with Asian students comprising 36% of enrollment and Hispanic students making up 15%. Nearly 90% of students come from in-state, creating a strong regional community. The 19:1 student-faculty ratio means larger classes are common, but the research opportunities and strong employment rate of 92% help students launch successful careers.
Students pay an average net price of $18,430, which proves relatively affordable for a research university of this caliber. Graduates earn a median of $74,502 ten years after graduation, making the typical debt load of $18,228 quite manageable with monthly payments around $193. In-state students get an strong deal with tuition at just $10,560, while the 77% four-year graduation rate helps keep costs contained.
The student body reflects New York's diversity, with Asian students comprising 36% of enrollment and Hispanic students making up 15%. Nearly 90% of students come from in-state, creating a strong regional community. The 19:1 student-faculty ratio means larger classes are common, but the research opportunities and strong employment rate of 92% help students launch successful careers.
Academics & Faculty
Stony Brook stands out as a major research university powered by its proximity to Brookhaven National Laboratory and Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory. The medical school draws top-tier faculty and research funding, while engineering programs benefit from partnerships with nearby tech companies and research facilities. Students work alongside professors conducting modern research in fields like biomedical engineering, computer science, and physics. The 19:1 student-faculty ratio means undergraduates can access research opportunities typically reserved for graduate students. With a 78% graduation rate, students successfully navigate the rigorous academic environment. The university's research focus creates unique internship and job placement opportunities in the greater New York area's thriving biotech and healthcare industries.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 19:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 61.8%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 77.8%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 77.8%
- Retention Rate
- 88.7%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $74,502
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral University (R1)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Doctoral | $140,448 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Certificate | $115,339 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Master | $114,892 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $105,661 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Certificate | $101,964 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $85,898 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Bachelor | $82,756 |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | Bachelor | $76,460 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $76,170 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $73,606 |
Campus Life
Stony Brook's 1,454-acre campus sits 60 miles east of Manhattan on Long Island, where winter temperatures regularly drop into the 20s and students bundle up in heavy coats from December through March. About 60% of the 17,420 students live on campus in residence halls that house 10,501 students total. The student body is diverse, with Asian students making up 35.77% of enrollment and strong representation from New York's immigrant communities.
Weekends often center around the campus recreation center or trips to nearby beaches during warmer months. Many students take advantage of internship opportunities at Brookhaven National Laboratory, just minutes away, or catch the Long Island Rail Road into New York City for internships and entertainment. The Seawolves compete in 14 Division I sports, with basketball and lacrosse drawing the biggest crowds. Research opportunities abound for undergraduates, especially in STEM fields where the university has built its reputation. Students describe a serious academic atmosphere where the 19:1 student-faculty ratio means you'll need to be proactive about connecting with professors.
Weekends often center around the campus recreation center or trips to nearby beaches during warmer months. Many students take advantage of internship opportunities at Brookhaven National Laboratory, just minutes away, or catch the Long Island Rail Road into New York City for internships and entertainment. The Seawolves compete in 14 Division I sports, with basketball and lacrosse drawing the biggest crowds. Research opportunities abound for undergraduates, especially in STEM fields where the university has built its reputation. Students describe a serious academic atmosphere where the 19:1 student-faculty ratio means you'll need to be proactive about connecting with professors.
- Setting
- Suburb-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 10,501 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1957
Campus Safety (2023)
100 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dating Violence | 16 | 16 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 11 | 8 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 11 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 10 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Robbery | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Burglary | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 25°–39°F
- July Avg
- 65°–83°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 48.5"
- Annual Snowfall
- 31.8"
Student Demographics
Stony Brook draws students who value rigorous academics at a reasonable price. Nearly 90% come from New York, reflecting the university's strong reputation within the state's tech and medical corridors. The student body leans heavily Asian American, attracted by strong STEM programs and research opportunities at nearby Brookhaven National Laboratory. More than one-third receive Pell Grants, making this a pathway to high-paying careers for working-class families. The gender split stays nearly even despite heavy emphasis on engineering and medicine, showing the university successfully attracts women to traditionally male-dominated fields.
- Men
- 49.1%
- Women
- 50.9%
- White
- 26.8%
- Black
- 6.0%
- Hispanic
- 15.3%
- Asian
- 35.8%
- In-State Students
- 88.4%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 38.4%
Location
Stony Brook sits on Long Island's North Shore, about 60 miles east of Manhattan. The suburban campus sprawls across 1,454 acres in a region known for its proximity to both New York City and the Hamptons. With 88% of students coming from in-state, most are already familiar with Long Island's unique geography. The area balances academic intensity with coastal access, as students can reach Long Island Sound beaches within minutes. Brookhaven National Laboratory sits just miles away, creating a research corridor that attracts science-minded students. The campus itself houses over 10,500 students in on-campus housing. Students considering colleges in New York may also compare Stony Brook University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Stony Brook, New York 11794-0701
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $74,502
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $78,458
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $44,000
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 71.6%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $193/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $18,228
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Stony Brook University?
Stony Brook accepts 49.14% of applicants with middle 50% SAT scores ranging from 1320 to 1500. The university draws heavily from New York, with 88.35% of students coming from in-state.
How much does Stony Brook University cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $18,430, though costs vary dramatically by family income. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $12,744 on average, while those from higher-income families pay closer to $27,000.
What is Stony Brook University known for academically?
Stony Brook is a major research university famous for its medical school and engineering programs. The campus sits near Brookhaven National Laboratory, creating unique research opportunities, though classes average 19 students per faculty member.
What are job prospects like for Stony Brook University graduates?
Graduates earn a median salary of $74,502 ten years after graduation with a 92.3% employment rate. Students typically leave with $18,228 in debt and monthly loan payments of $193.
Where is Stony Brook University located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in suburban Long Island with housing for 10,501 students out of 17,420 total enrollment. The Seawolves compete in NCAA Division I athletics with 511 student athletes across 14 varsity sports.
How diverse is the student body at Stony Brook University?
Asian students make up 35.77% of the student body, the largest ethnic group, while white students comprise 26.81%. The campus is 50.92% women and 49.08% men, reflecting the university's strength in STEM fields that traditionally skew male.
