CAMPUS · STONY BROOK, NY · PUBLIC

Stony Brook University Acceptance Rate

Stony Brook University

49.0%

Why this page exists. I'm a parent who went through college admissions with my own kids, and I got tired of glossy brochures and sticker prices that mean nothing. For Stony Brook University, the gap is real: a $30,539 published sticker, but families actually pay about $20,049/yr after aid. Every number on this page comes straight from federal data (IPEDS & College Scorecard) — the real net price, what graduates actually earn, and your honest odds. No rankings theater, no marketing spin.

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

32,674

Total Enrollment

$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 Admissions 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.

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%

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

38% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating Stony Brook enrolls a meaningful share of lower-income students.

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

Want to see how Stony Brook University stacks up? Compare college costs side by side and check the college rankings by net price and salary outcomes.

Popular Majors at Stony Brook University

The most popular fields of study, ranked by the number of degrees awarded.

Biological Sciences

14.3%

Health Professions

13.4%

Psychology

12.5%

Social Sciences

11.0%

Business/Marketing

10.0%

Best Majors at Stony Brook University →

{sn} 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

Want to know your odds? Use the college admissions calculator to see your chances at Stony Brook University by GPA and SAT/ACT — or calculate your college GPA first to check where you stand.

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.

See Stony Brook University alongside every school in our full college application deadlines calendar for 2026–2027.

{sn} 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.