Princeton vs Stony brook — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Princeton is the more selective of the two (4.6% vs 49% acceptance). Princeton ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#7 vs #301-400). Princeton graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($110K vs $75K). Stony brook has lower sticker-price tuition ($32,741 vs $62,688 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 Princeton for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings.
Choose Stony brook for: lower tuition.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Princeton is more selective (4.6% vs 49% acceptance); Princeton has a higher median SAT (1553 vs 1419).
Princeton graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($110K vs $75K); Princeton has a higher 6-year graduation rate (97.6% vs 75.6%).
Stony brook has lower sticker-price tuition ($32,741 vs $62,688); Princeton offers a larger average aid package ($80,837 vs $15,261).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Princeton | Stony brook |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #7 | #301-400 |
| Rank · THE | #4 | — |
| Acceptance rate | 4.6% | 49% |
| Yield rate | 75.4% | 14.7% |
| Median SAT | 1553 | 1419 |
| Avg. GPA | 4.00 | — |
| Number of applications | 42,303 | 55,880 |
| International students | 23% | 18% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $110K | $75K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $116K | $63K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $197K | $107K |
| Graduation rate | 97.6% | 75.6% |
| Retention rate | 99% | 89.7% |
| Median debt | $10,320 | $18,228 |
| Tuition · year | $62,688 | $32,741 |
| Avg. aid package | $80,837 | $15,261 |
| % of need met | 100% | 0.6% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $21,251 | $23,558 |
| Application fee | $75 | $0 |
| Enrollment | 9,281 | 26,689 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Princeton or Stony brook?
It's harder to get into Princeton. Princeton accepts 4.6% of applicants, while Stony brook accepts 49%.
Do Princeton or Stony brook graduates earn more?
Princeton graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $110K vs $75K.
How much is tuition at Princeton vs Stony brook?
Sticker-price tuition is $62,688 per year at Princeton and $32,741 per year at Stony brook.
What SAT score do you need for Princeton or Stony brook?
The median admitted SAT score is 1553 at Princeton and 1419 at Stony brook; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Princeton or Stony brook?
Princeton ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #7 for Princeton vs #301-400 for Stony brook.
Which university offers more financial aid — Princeton or Stony brook?
The average aid package is $80,837 at Princeton and $15,261 at Stony brook.
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