Stony brook vs Houston — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Stony brook is the more selective of the two (49% vs 73.9% acceptance). Houston ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#301-400 vs #201-300). Stony brook graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($75K vs $62K). Houston has lower sticker-price tuition ($22,547 vs $32,741 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 selectivity, higher graduate earnings, a higher graduation rate.
Choose Houston for: a higher world ranking, lower tuition, a larger aid package.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Stony brook is more selective (49% vs 73.9% acceptance); Stony brook has a higher median SAT (1419 vs 1250).
Stony brook graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($75K vs $62K); Stony brook has a higher 6-year graduation rate (75.6% vs 64.6%).
Houston has lower sticker-price tuition ($22,547 vs $32,741); Houston offers a larger average aid package ($16,450 vs $15,261).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Stony brook | Houston |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #301-400 | #201-300 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 49% | 73.9% |
| Yield rate | 14.7% | 26.5% |
| Median SAT | 1419 | 1250 |
| Avg. GPA | — | 3.50 |
| Number of applications | 55,880 | 31,716 |
| International students | 18% | 16% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $75K | $62K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $63K | $61K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $107K | $93K |
| Graduation rate | 75.6% | 64.6% |
| Retention rate | 89.7% | 87% |
| Median debt | $18,228 | $18,194 |
| Tuition · year | $32,741 | $22,547 |
| Avg. aid package | $15,261 | $16,450 |
| % of need met | 0.6% | 55.1% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $23,558 | $21,819 |
| Application fee | $0 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 26,689 | 47,980 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Stony brook or Houston?
It's harder to get into Stony brook. Stony brook accepts 49% of applicants, while Houston accepts 73.9%.
Do Stony brook or Houston graduates earn more?
Stony brook graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $75K vs $62K.
How much is tuition at Stony brook vs Houston?
Sticker-price tuition is $32,741 per year at Stony brook and $22,547 per year at Houston.
What SAT score do you need for Stony brook or Houston?
The median admitted SAT score is 1419 at Stony brook and 1250 at Houston; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Stony brook or Houston?
Houston ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #301-400 for Stony brook vs #201-300 for Houston.
Which university offers more financial aid — Stony brook or Houston?
The average aid package is $15,261 at Stony brook and $16,450 at Houston.
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