Rochester vs Stony brook — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Rochester is the more selective of the two (40.1% vs 49% acceptance). Rochester ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#151-200 vs #301-400). Rochester graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($79K vs $75K). Stony brook has lower sticker-price tuition ($32,741 vs $67,080 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 Rochester 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
Rochester is more selective (40.1% vs 49% acceptance); Rochester has a higher median SAT (1488 vs 1419).
Rochester graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($79K vs $75K); Rochester has a higher 6-year graduation rate (85.4% vs 75.6%).
Stony brook has lower sticker-price tuition ($32,741 vs $67,080); Rochester offers a larger average aid package ($60,879 vs $15,261).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Rochester | Stony brook |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #151-200 | #301-400 |
| Rank · THE | #127 | — |
| Acceptance rate | 40.1% | 49% |
| Yield rate | 15.4% | 14.7% |
| Median SAT | 1488 | 1419 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.70 | — |
| Number of applications | 21,384 | 55,880 |
| International students | 37% | 18% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $79K | $75K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $74K | $63K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $117K | $107K |
| Graduation rate | 85.4% | 75.6% |
| Retention rate | 90.7% | 89.7% |
| Median debt | $21,000 | $18,228 |
| Tuition · year | $67,080 | $32,741 |
| Avg. aid package | $60,879 | $15,261 |
| % of need met | 96.1% | 0.6% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $32,304 | $23,558 |
| Application fee | $50 | $0 |
| Enrollment | 11,946 | 26,689 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Rochester or Stony brook?
It's harder to get into Rochester. Rochester accepts 40.1% of applicants, while Stony brook accepts 49%.
Do Rochester or Stony brook graduates earn more?
Rochester graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $79K vs $75K.
How much is tuition at Rochester vs Stony brook?
Sticker-price tuition is $67,080 per year at Rochester and $32,741 per year at Stony brook.
What SAT score do you need for Rochester or Stony brook?
The median admitted SAT score is 1488 at Rochester and 1419 at Stony brook; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Rochester or Stony brook?
Rochester ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #151-200 for Rochester vs #301-400 for Stony brook.
Which university offers more financial aid — Rochester or Stony brook?
The average aid package is $60,879 at Rochester and $15,261 at Stony brook.
Harvard
Stanford
Massachusetts institute of technology
Princeton
Yale
Cornell
Penn
Johns hopkins
Washington university
Northwestern