Rensselaer polytechnic institute 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 63.5% acceptance). Stony brook ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#501-600 vs #301-400). Rensselaer polytechnic institute graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($102K vs $75K). Stony brook has lower sticker-price tuition ($32,741 vs $64,081 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 Rensselaer polytechnic institute for: higher graduate earnings, a higher graduation rate, higher retention.
Choose Stony brook for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, lower tuition.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Stony brook is more selective (49% vs 63.5% acceptance); Rensselaer polytechnic institute has a higher median SAT (1456 vs 1419).
Rensselaer polytechnic institute graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($102K vs $75K); Rensselaer polytechnic institute has a higher 6-year graduation rate (83.6% vs 75.6%).
Stony brook has lower sticker-price tuition ($32,741 vs $64,081); Rensselaer polytechnic institute offers a larger average aid package ($76,097 vs $15,261).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Rensselaer polytechnic institute | Stony brook |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #501-600 | #301-400 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 63.5% | 49% |
| Yield rate | 39.7% | 14.7% |
| Median SAT | 1456 | 1419 |
| Avg. GPA | — | — |
| Number of applications | 15,819 | 55,880 |
| International students | 19% | 18% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $102K | $75K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $86K | $63K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $137K | $107K |
| Graduation rate | 83.6% | 75.6% |
| Retention rate | 98% | 89.7% |
| Median debt | $23,750 | $18,228 |
| Tuition · year | $64,081 | $32,741 |
| Avg. aid package | $76,097 | $15,261 |
| % of need met | 100% | 0.6% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $29,149 | $23,558 |
| Application fee | $75 | $0 |
| Enrollment | 6,761 | 26,689 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Rensselaer polytechnic institute or Stony brook?
It's harder to get into Stony brook. Rensselaer polytechnic institute accepts 63.5% of applicants, while Stony brook accepts 49%.
Do Rensselaer polytechnic institute or Stony brook graduates earn more?
Rensselaer polytechnic institute graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $102K vs $75K.
How much is tuition at Rensselaer polytechnic institute vs Stony brook?
Sticker-price tuition is $64,081 per year at Rensselaer polytechnic institute and $32,741 per year at Stony brook.
What SAT score do you need for Rensselaer polytechnic institute or Stony brook?
The median admitted SAT score is 1456 at Rensselaer polytechnic institute and 1419 at Stony brook; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Rensselaer polytechnic institute or Stony brook?
Stony brook ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #501-600 for Rensselaer polytechnic institute vs #301-400 for Stony brook.
Which university offers more financial aid — Rensselaer polytechnic institute or Stony brook?
The average aid package is $76,097 at Rensselaer polytechnic institute and $15,261 at Stony brook.
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