Stony brook vs Northeastern — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Northeastern is the more selective of the two (5.2% vs 49% acceptance). Northeastern ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#301-400 vs #201-300). Northeastern graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($93K vs $75K). Stony brook has lower sticker-price tuition ($32,741 vs $66,162 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 Northeastern 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
Northeastern is more selective (5.2% vs 49% acceptance); Northeastern has a higher median SAT (1497 vs 1419).
Northeastern graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($93K vs $75K); Northeastern has a higher 6-year graduation rate (90.5% vs 75.6%).
Stony brook has lower sticker-price tuition ($32,741 vs $66,162); Northeastern offers a larger average aid package ($46,555 vs $15,261).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Stony brook | Northeastern |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #301-400 | #201-300 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 49% | 5.2% |
| Yield rate | 14.7% | 53.8% |
| Median SAT | 1419 | 1497 |
| Avg. GPA | — | — |
| Number of applications | 55,880 | 98,425 |
| International students | 18% | 37% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $75K | $93K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $63K | $74K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $107K | $135K |
| Graduation rate | 75.6% | 90.5% |
| Retention rate | 89.7% | 96.9% |
| Median debt | $18,228 | $24,250 |
| Tuition · year | $32,741 | $66,162 |
| Avg. aid package | $15,261 | $46,555 |
| % of need met | 0.6% | 86.7% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $23,558 | $32,461 |
| Application fee | $0 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 26,689 | 39,774 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Stony brook or Northeastern?
It's harder to get into Northeastern. Stony brook accepts 49% of applicants, while Northeastern accepts 5.2%.
Do Stony brook or Northeastern graduates earn more?
Northeastern graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $93K vs $75K.
How much is tuition at Stony brook vs Northeastern?
Sticker-price tuition is $32,741 per year at Stony brook and $66,162 per year at Northeastern.
What SAT score do you need for Stony brook or Northeastern?
The median admitted SAT score is 1419 at Stony brook and 1497 at Northeastern; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Stony brook or Northeastern?
Northeastern ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #301-400 for Stony brook vs #201-300 for Northeastern.
Which university offers more financial aid — Stony brook or Northeastern?
The average aid package is $15,261 at Stony brook and $46,555 at Northeastern.
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