Stony brook vs Brandeis — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Brandeis is the more selective of the two (40.5% vs 49% acceptance). Brandeis graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($77K vs $75K). Stony brook has lower sticker-price tuition ($32,741 vs $68,080 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 Stony brook for: higher retention, lower tuition, lower graduate debt.
Choose Brandeis for: higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings, a higher graduation rate.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Brandeis is more selective (40.5% vs 49% acceptance); Brandeis has a higher median SAT (1462 vs 1419).
Brandeis graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($77K vs $75K); Brandeis has a higher 6-year graduation rate (86% vs 75.6%).
Stony brook has lower sticker-price tuition ($32,741 vs $68,080); Brandeis offers a larger average aid package ($57,507 vs $15,261).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Stony brook | Brandeis |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #301-400 | #301-400 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 49% | 40.5% |
| Yield rate | 14.7% | 17.5% |
| Median SAT | 1419 | 1462 |
| Avg. GPA | — | 3.90 |
| Number of applications | 55,880 | 10,462 |
| International students | 18% | 34% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $75K | $77K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $63K | $69K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $107K | $117K |
| Graduation rate | 75.6% | 86% |
| Retention rate | 89.7% | 87% |
| Median debt | $18,228 | $25,648 |
| Tuition · year | $32,741 | $68,080 |
| Avg. aid package | $15,261 | $57,507 |
| % of need met | 0.6% | 94.5% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $23,558 | $27,004 |
| Application fee | $0 | $80 |
| Enrollment | 26,689 | 5,205 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Stony brook or Brandeis?
It's harder to get into Brandeis. Stony brook accepts 49% of applicants, while Brandeis accepts 40.5%.
Do Stony brook or Brandeis graduates earn more?
Brandeis graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $77K vs $75K.
How much is tuition at Stony brook vs Brandeis?
Sticker-price tuition is $32,741 per year at Stony brook and $68,080 per year at Brandeis.
What SAT score do you need for Stony brook or Brandeis?
The median admitted SAT score is 1419 at Stony brook and 1462 at Brandeis; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university offers more financial aid — Stony brook or Brandeis?
The average aid package is $15,261 at Stony brook and $57,507 at Brandeis.
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