Average SAT & ACT Scores for Stony Brook University
Test
25th Percentile
75th Percentile
Midpoint
SAT Reading
640
720
680
SAT Math
680
770
725
SAT Total
1320
1490
1405
ACT Composite
28
33
30
Admissions Funnel
Applications Received
50,341
Students Admitted
24,670
Students Enrolled
3,569
Yield Rate
14.5%
Stony Brook University Rankings
Ranking
2025
Year
US News National Universities
#60
2025
QS World University Rankings
#374
2025
Stony Brook University Overview
Stony Brook University is a public university in Stony Brook, NY with 32,674 students. At 49.0% acceptance, it's selective but accessible to students who meet the academic benchmarks. The most popular majors are Biological Sciences, Health Professions, and Psychology. Graduates earn a median of $74,502 ten years after enrollment.
Is Stony Brook University a Reach, Match, or Safety?
With a 49.0% acceptance rate, Stony Brook University is a Match for students who meet the academic profile. If your GPA and test scores are at or above the school average, you have reasonable odds.
Your Profile
Stony Brook University Is...
What to Do
Meet academic requirements
Safety
Strong odds — apply with confidence
Slightly below average
Match
Apply — still realistic
Stony Brook University True Cost by Family Income
Sticker price doesn't tell the full story at Stony Brook. Families earning $0-30k pay around $12,943 per year after aid, while those in the $110k+ bracket pay about $27,716. 38% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating Stony Brook enrolls a meaningful share of lower-income students. Median debt at graduation is $18,228, which is reasonable against the $59,492 typical early-career salary.
Family Income
Annual Net Price
4-Year Total
$0-30k
$12,943
$51,772
$30-48k
$15,432
$61,728
$48-75k
$20,728
$82,912
$75-110k
$23,424
$93,696
$110k+
$27,716
$110,864
Cost Breakdown
Room & Board
$17,662
Total Cost of Attendance
$30,539
Popular Majors at Stony Brook University
Percentage of degrees awarded by field.
Biological Sciences
14.3%
Health Professions
13.4%
Psychology
12.5%
Social Sciences
11.0%
Business/Marketing
10.0%
Mathematics/Statistics
9.4%
Computer Science
6.5%
Engineering
6.1%
Multidisciplinary
3.3%
Physical Sciences
3.1%
Student Demographics
White
26.3%
Black/African American
5.3%
Hispanic/Latino
12.8%
Asian
27.9%
International
9.0%
How to Get Into Stony Brook University
Stony Brook is a Match school for students with solid academics. If your GPA and test scores are at or above the school median, you have good odds of admission. Focus your energy on the application essay and making a genuine case for why Stony Brook fits your goals.
1405
Target SAT Score
30
Target ACT Score
49.0%
Acceptance Rate
50,341
Total Applicants
What Stony Brook University Values Most in Applicants
Admission factor importance from the Common Data Set — what the school officially says matters.
Factor
Importance
Academic Gpa
Very Important
Rigor Of Secondary School Record
Very Important
Class Rank
Considered
Standardized Test Scores
Important
Application Essay
Important
Recommendation
Important
Extracurricular Activities
Important
Talent Ability
Considered
Character Personal Qualities
Considered
First Generation
Considered
Alumni Relation
Not Considered
Interview
Not Considered
Work Experience
Considered
Volunteer Work
Considered
Stony Brook University Application Deadlines & Requirements
Key dates for the Stony Brook University Rolling admission cycle. Mark these on your calendar — missing a deadline means waiting another year.
Deadline
Date
Priority Deadline
Jan 15
Regular Decision
Rolling
Financial Aid (FAFSA/CSS)
Mar 1
Rolling Admissions: Stony Brook University reviews applications as they arrive. Apply early for the best chance at admission and financial aid.
Financial Aid & Student Debt
38.0%
Pell Grant Recipients
Students from low-income families
$18,228
Median Debt at Graduation
Federal loans only
$59,492
Median Earnings (6yr)
6 years after enrollment
Frequently Asked Questions About Stony Brook University
What is Stony Brook's acceptance rate?
Stony Brook has an acceptance rate of 49.0%, making it moderately selective. This rate reflects freshman applicants for the most recent admissions cycle.
What SAT score do I need for Stony Brook?
The middle 50% SAT range at Stony Brook is 1320-1490. For the ACT, the middle 50% range is 28-33. Scoring above the 75th percentile puts you in a strong position, but scores alone don't determine admission.
What are the most popular majors at Stony Brook?
The most popular majors at Stony Brook by degrees awarded are: Biological Sciences (14.3%), Health Professions (13.4%), Psychology (12.5%), Social Sciences (11.0%), Business/Marketing (10.0%). These percentages reflect undergraduate degrees conferred in the most recent reporting year.
How much do Stony Brook graduates earn?
Stony Brook graduates earn a median salary of $74,502 ten years after enrollment, based on federal data. Actual earnings vary significantly by major — STEM and business graduates typically earn more, while arts and education graduates earn less.
Is Stony Brook worth the cost?
With median earnings of $74,502 (10yr post-enrollment) and median debt of $18,228, The earning potential strongly outweighs the typical debt, making Stony Brook a solid investment for most students. Always compare the net price (after aid) to expected earnings in your intended field.
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