North carolina vs Stony brook — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
North carolina is the more selective of the two (15.3% vs 49% acceptance). North carolina ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#35 vs #301-400). Stony brook graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($75K vs $72K). Stony brook has lower sticker-price tuition ($32,741 vs $41,203 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 North carolina for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, a higher graduation rate.
Choose Stony brook for: higher graduate earnings, lower tuition.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
North carolina is more selective (15.3% vs 49% acceptance); North carolina has a higher median SAT (1439 vs 1419).
Stony brook graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($75K vs $72K); North carolina has a higher 6-year graduation rate (91.2% vs 75.6%).
Stony brook has lower sticker-price tuition ($32,741 vs $41,203); North carolina offers a larger average aid package ($20,705 vs $15,261).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | North carolina | Stony brook |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #35 | #301-400 |
| Rank · THE | #70 | — |
| Acceptance rate | 15.3% | 49% |
| Yield rate | 45.5% | 14.7% |
| Median SAT | 1439 | 1419 |
| Avg. GPA | 4.50 | — |
| Number of applications | 66,535 | 55,880 |
| International students | 9% | 18% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $72K | $75K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $69K | $63K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $112K | $107K |
| Graduation rate | 91.2% | 75.6% |
| Retention rate | 96.6% | 89.7% |
| Median debt | $14,000 | $18,228 |
| Tuition · year | $41,203 | $32,741 |
| Avg. aid package | $20,705 | $15,261 |
| % of need met | 100% | 0.6% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $20,382 | $23,558 |
| Application fee | $85 | $0 |
| Enrollment | 32,680 | 26,689 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into North carolina or Stony brook?
It's harder to get into North carolina. North carolina accepts 15.3% of applicants, while Stony brook accepts 49%.
Do North carolina or Stony brook graduates earn more?
Stony brook graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $75K vs $72K.
How much is tuition at North carolina vs Stony brook?
Sticker-price tuition is $41,203 per year at North carolina and $32,741 per year at Stony brook.
What SAT score do you need for North carolina or Stony brook?
The median admitted SAT score is 1439 at North carolina and 1419 at Stony brook; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — North carolina or Stony brook?
North carolina ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #35 for North carolina vs #301-400 for Stony brook.
Which university offers more financial aid — North carolina or Stony brook?
The average aid package is $20,705 at North carolina and $15,261 at Stony brook.
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