Stony brook vs Cornell — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Cornell is the more selective of the two (8.8% vs 49% acceptance). Cornell ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#301-400 vs #12). Cornell graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($104K vs $75K). Stony brook has lower sticker-price tuition ($32,741 vs $69,314 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 Cornell 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
Cornell is more selective (8.8% vs 49% acceptance); Cornell has a higher median SAT (1535 vs 1419).
Cornell graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($104K vs $75K); Cornell has a higher 6-year graduation rate (95.4% vs 75.6%).
Stony brook has lower sticker-price tuition ($32,741 vs $69,314); Cornell offers a larger average aid package ($62,257 vs $15,261).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Stony brook | Cornell |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #301-400 | #12 |
| Rank · THE | — | #20 |
| Acceptance rate | 49% | 8.8% |
| Yield rate | 14.7% | 66% |
| Median SAT | 1419 | 1535 |
| Avg. GPA | — | — |
| Number of applications | 55,880 | 67,846 |
| International students | 18% | 26% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $75K | $104K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $63K | $101K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $107K | $166K |
| Graduation rate | 75.6% | 95.4% |
| Retention rate | 89.7% | 97.8% |
| Median debt | $18,228 | $14,000 |
| Tuition · year | $32,741 | $69,314 |
| Avg. aid package | $15,261 | $62,257 |
| % of need met | 0.6% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $23,558 | $27,244 |
| Application fee | $0 | — |
| Enrollment | 26,689 | 19,027 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Stony brook or Cornell?
It's harder to get into Cornell. Stony brook accepts 49% of applicants, while Cornell accepts 8.8%.
Do Stony brook or Cornell graduates earn more?
Cornell graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $104K vs $75K.
How much is tuition at Stony brook vs Cornell?
Sticker-price tuition is $32,741 per year at Stony brook and $69,314 per year at Cornell.
What SAT score do you need for Stony brook or Cornell?
The median admitted SAT score is 1419 at Stony brook and 1535 at Cornell; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Stony brook or Cornell?
Cornell ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #301-400 for Stony brook vs #12 for Cornell.
Which university offers more financial aid — Stony brook or Cornell?
The average aid package is $15,261 at Stony brook and $62,257 at Cornell.
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