Boston university vs Stony brook — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Boston university is the more selective of the two (11.1% vs 49% acceptance). Boston university ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#101-150 vs #301-400). Boston university graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($83K vs $75K). Stony brook has lower sticker-price tuition ($32,741 vs $68,102 per year).
Both universities have complete, comparable data in canonical — the choice should come down to fit (campus culture, major, aid package) alongside the differences visible in the numbers below.
Choose Boston university for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings.
Choose Stony brook for: lower tuition, lower graduate debt.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Boston university is more selective (11.1% vs 49% acceptance); Boston university has a higher median SAT (1480 vs 1419).
Boston university graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($83K vs $75K); Boston university has a higher 6-year graduation rate (88.7% vs 75.6%).
Stony brook has lower sticker-price tuition ($32,741 vs $68,102); Boston university offers a larger average aid package ($69,396 vs $15,261).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Boston university | Stony brook |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #101-150 | #301-400 |
| Rank · THE | #75 | — |
| Acceptance rate | 11.1% | 49% |
| Yield rate | 35% | 14.7% |
| Median SAT | 1480 | 1419 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.90 | — |
| Number of applications | 76,776 | 55,880 |
| International students | 32% | 18% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $83K | $75K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $76K | $63K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $122K | $107K |
| Graduation rate | 88.7% | 75.6% |
| Retention rate | 94.2% | 89.7% |
| Median debt | $23,250 | $18,228 |
| Tuition · year | $68,102 | $32,741 |
| Avg. aid package | $69,396 | $15,261 |
| % of need met | 92% | 0.6% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $36,774 | $23,558 |
| Application fee | $80 | $0 |
| Enrollment | 36,977 | 26,689 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Boston university or Stony brook?
It's harder to get into Boston university. Boston university accepts 11.1% of applicants, while Stony brook accepts 49%.
Do Boston university or Stony brook graduates earn more?
Boston university graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $83K vs $75K.
How much is tuition at Boston university vs Stony brook?
Sticker-price tuition is $68,102 per year at Boston university and $32,741 per year at Stony brook.
What SAT score do you need for Boston university or Stony brook?
The median admitted SAT score is 1480 at Boston university and 1419 at Stony brook; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Boston university or Stony brook?
Boston university ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #101-150 for Boston university vs #301-400 for Stony brook.
Which university offers more financial aid — Boston university or Stony brook?
The average aid package is $69,396 at Boston university and $15,261 at Stony brook.
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