Cornell vs Stony brook — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Cornell is the more selective of the two (8.8% vs 49% acceptance). Cornell ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#12 vs #301-400). Cornell graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($104K vs $75K). Stony brook has lower sticker-price tuition ($32,741 vs $69,314 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 Cornell 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
Cornell is more selective (8.8% vs 49% acceptance); Cornell has a higher median SAT (1535 vs 1419).
Cornell graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($104K vs $75K); Cornell has a higher 6-year graduation rate (95.4% vs 75.6%).
Stony brook has lower sticker-price tuition ($32,741 vs $69,314); Cornell offers a larger average aid package ($62,257 vs $15,261).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Cornell | Stony brook |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #12 | #301-400 |
| Rank · THE | #20 | — |
| Acceptance rate | 8.8% | 49% |
| Yield rate | 66% | 14.7% |
| Median SAT | 1535 | 1419 |
| Avg. GPA | — | — |
| Number of applications | 67,846 | 55,880 |
| International students | 26% | 18% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $104K | $75K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $101K | $63K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $166K | $107K |
| Graduation rate | 95.4% | 75.6% |
| Retention rate | 97.8% | 89.7% |
| Median debt | $14,000 | $18,228 |
| Tuition · year | $69,314 | $32,741 |
| Avg. aid package | $62,257 | $15,261 |
| % of need met | 100% | 0.6% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $27,244 | $23,558 |
| Application fee | — | $0 |
| Enrollment | 19,027 | 26,689 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Cornell or Stony brook?
It's harder to get into Cornell. Cornell accepts 8.8% of applicants, while Stony brook accepts 49%.
Do Cornell or Stony brook graduates earn more?
Cornell graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $104K vs $75K.
How much is tuition at Cornell vs Stony brook?
Sticker-price tuition is $69,314 per year at Cornell and $32,741 per year at Stony brook.
What SAT score do you need for Cornell or Stony brook?
The median admitted SAT score is 1535 at Cornell and 1419 at Stony brook; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Cornell or Stony brook?
Cornell ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #12 for Cornell vs #301-400 for Stony brook.
Which university offers more financial aid — Cornell or Stony brook?
The average aid package is $62,257 at Cornell and $15,261 at Stony brook.
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