Houston vs Stony brook — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Stony brook is the more selective of the two (49% vs 73.9% acceptance). Houston ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#201-300 vs #301-400). Stony brook graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($75K vs $62K). Houston has lower sticker-price tuition ($22,547 vs $32,741 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 Houston for: a higher world ranking, lower tuition, a larger aid package.
Choose Stony brook for: higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings, a higher graduation rate.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Stony brook is more selective (49% vs 73.9% acceptance); Stony brook has a higher median SAT (1419 vs 1250).
Stony brook graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($75K vs $62K); Stony brook has a higher 6-year graduation rate (75.6% vs 64.6%).
Houston has lower sticker-price tuition ($22,547 vs $32,741); Houston offers a larger average aid package ($16,450 vs $15,261).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Houston | Stony brook |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #201-300 | #301-400 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 73.9% | 49% |
| Yield rate | 26.5% | 14.7% |
| Median SAT | 1250 | 1419 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.50 | — |
| Number of applications | 31,716 | 55,880 |
| International students | 16% | 18% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $62K | $75K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $61K | $63K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $93K | $107K |
| Graduation rate | 64.6% | 75.6% |
| Retention rate | 87% | 89.7% |
| Median debt | $18,194 | $18,228 |
| Tuition · year | $22,547 | $32,741 |
| Avg. aid package | $16,450 | $15,261 |
| % of need met | 55.1% | 0.6% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $21,819 | $23,558 |
| Application fee | $75 | $0 |
| Enrollment | 47,980 | 26,689 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Houston or Stony brook?
It's harder to get into Stony brook. Houston accepts 73.9% of applicants, while Stony brook accepts 49%.
Do Houston or Stony brook graduates earn more?
Stony brook graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $75K vs $62K.
How much is tuition at Houston vs Stony brook?
Sticker-price tuition is $22,547 per year at Houston and $32,741 per year at Stony brook.
What SAT score do you need for Houston or Stony brook?
The median admitted SAT score is 1250 at Houston and 1419 at Stony brook; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Houston or Stony brook?
Houston ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #201-300 for Houston vs #301-400 for Stony brook.
Which university offers more financial aid — Houston or Stony brook?
The average aid package is $16,450 at Houston and $15,261 at Stony brook.
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