Stony Brook vs Boston University - US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
The verdict, from the data
The lower acceptance rate belongs to Boston University: 12.8% against 49% (Stony Brook).
The more international environment is at Boston University (20.1% international students) than Stony Brook (10.2%).
For an applicant from outside the US the difference is financial: Boston University awards international students $56,639 on average, Stony Brook awards $2,834.
The one that looks dearer ends up cheaper: Boston University lists $94,427 against $55,085 (Stony Brook), but after average aid what remains is $25,031 against $39,824.
None of these figures decides on its own; what decides is which course you want to be on, and on what budget.
Every sentence above comes from a field we hold in canonical. Where the data is missing, or the gap is small enough to be noise, the sentence simply does not appear.
EXPERT TAKE
Boston University is the more selective of the two (12.83% vs 49.04% acceptance). Boston University ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#301-400 vs #101-150). Boston University graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($83K vs $75K). Stony Brook has lower sticker-price tuition ($32,741 vs $71,372 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 Stony Brook for: lower tuition, lower graduate debt.
Choose Boston University for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Boston University is more selective (12.83% vs 49.04% acceptance); Boston University has a higher median SAT (1470 vs 1410).
Boston University graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($83K vs $75K); Boston University has a higher 6-year graduation rate (88.7% vs 75.6%).
Stony Brook has lower sticker-price tuition ($32,741 vs $71,372); Boston University offers a larger average aid package ($69,396 vs $15,261).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Stony Brook | Boston University |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #301-400 | #101-150 |
| Rank · THE | - | #75 |
| Acceptance rate | 49.04% | 12.83% |
| Yield rate | 14.7% | 35% |
| Median SAT | 1410 | 1470 |
| Avg. GPA | - | 3.86 |
| Number of applications | 55,880 | 76,776 |
| International students | 10.2% | 20.1% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $75K | $83K |
| Bottom 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $49K | $57K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $107K | $122K |
| Graduation rate | 75.6% | 88.7% |
| Retention rate | 89.7% | 94.2% |
| Median debt | $18,228 | $23,250 |
| Tuition · year | $32,741 | $71,372 |
| Avg. aid package | $15,261 | $69,396 |
| % of need met | 0.6% | 92% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $23,558 | $36,774 |
| Application fee | - | $80 |
| Enrollment | 26,689 | 36,977 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Stony Brook or Boston University?
It's harder to get into Boston University. Stony Brook accepts 49.04% of applicants, while Boston University accepts 12.83%.
Do Stony Brook or Boston University graduates earn more?
Boston University graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $83K vs $75K.
How much is tuition at Stony Brook vs Boston University?
Sticker-price tuition is $32,741 per year at Stony Brook and $71,372 per year at Boston University.
What SAT score do you need for Stony Brook or Boston University?
The median admitted SAT score is 1410 at Stony Brook and 1470 at Boston University; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher - Stony Brook or Boston University?
Boston University ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #301-400 for Stony Brook vs #101-150 for Boston University.
Which university offers more financial aid - Stony Brook or Boston University?
The average aid package is $15,261 at Stony Brook and $69,396 at Boston University.
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