CAMPUS · STONY BROOK, NY · PUBLIC

Stony Brook University

49.0%

01Acceptance 02Tuition 03Transfer 04ROI 05AP Credit 06Majors 07Housing 08International

FIT

SAFETY

Stony Brook University is a safety for most applicants.

Score reflects acceptance odds × cost × outcome quality.

ACCEPTANCE

49.0%

of 50,341 applicants

SALARY · 10-YR

$74,502

across all majors

Stony Brook University at a Glance

49.0%

Acceptance Rate

1405

Average SAT

Average ACT

32,674

Total Enrollment

$74,502

Median Salary (10yr)

$18,228

Median Debt

38.0%

Pell Grant Rate

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.

Full Name	Stony Brook University
Location	Stony Brook, NY 11794-0701
Type	Public
Website	stonybrook.edu/
Total Enrollment	32,674
Undergrad Enrollment	23,384
Female Students	51.2%

How Much Do APs Matter at Stony Brook University?

AP Impact Score: 50/100

APs are considered but not decisive at Stony Brook University. Focus on GPA and overall application strength.

What Stony Brook University Values in Admissions (CDS Data)

From the Common Data Set — what Stony Brook University officially says matters in admission decisions.

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

Best AP Classes to Take for Stony Brook University

Based on Stony Brook University's most popular majors and admission priorities, these AP courses are most valuable:

For Biological Sciences (14% of students)

AP Biology
AP Chemistry
AP Statistics

For Health Professions (13% of students)

AP Biology
AP Chemistry
AP Psychology

For Psychology (13% of students)

AP Psychology
AP Statistics
AP Biology

For Social Sciences (11% of students)

AP U.S. History
AP Government
AP Economics (Macro/Micro)

AP Strategy for Stony Brook University Applicants

3-5 strong AP courses is solid

Stony Brook University values AP coursework as evidence of academic preparation. Focus on scoring well (4-5).

Score high for credit

Most colleges require a 4 or 5 to grant credit. AP credits can save you a semester of tuition — that's $15,000-$30,000 in real savings.

Match APs to your intended major

Admissions officers notice when your AP choices align with your stated interests.

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

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.