Stony brook vs Rensselaer polytechnic institute — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Stony brook is the more selective of the two (49% vs 63.5% acceptance). Stony brook ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#301-400 vs #501-600). Rensselaer polytechnic institute graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($102K vs $75K). Stony brook has lower sticker-price tuition ($32,741 vs $64,081 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: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, lower tuition.
Choose Rensselaer polytechnic institute for: higher graduate earnings, a higher graduation rate, higher retention.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Stony brook is more selective (49% vs 63.5% acceptance); Rensselaer polytechnic institute has a higher median SAT (1456 vs 1419).
Rensselaer polytechnic institute graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($102K vs $75K); Rensselaer polytechnic institute has a higher 6-year graduation rate (83.6% vs 75.6%).
Stony brook has lower sticker-price tuition ($32,741 vs $64,081); Rensselaer polytechnic institute offers a larger average aid package ($76,097 vs $15,261).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Stony brook | Rensselaer polytechnic institute |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #301-400 | #501-600 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 49% | 63.5% |
| Yield rate | 14.7% | 39.7% |
| Median SAT | 1419 | 1456 |
| Avg. GPA | — | — |
| Number of applications | 55,880 | 15,819 |
| International students | 18% | 19% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $75K | $102K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $63K | $86K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $107K | $137K |
| Graduation rate | 75.6% | 83.6% |
| Retention rate | 89.7% | 98% |
| Median debt | $18,228 | $23,750 |
| Tuition · year | $32,741 | $64,081 |
| Avg. aid package | $15,261 | $76,097 |
| % of need met | 0.6% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $23,558 | $29,149 |
| Application fee | $0 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 26,689 | 6,761 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Stony brook or Rensselaer polytechnic institute?
It's harder to get into Stony brook. Stony brook accepts 49% of applicants, while Rensselaer polytechnic institute accepts 63.5%.
Do Stony brook or Rensselaer polytechnic institute graduates earn more?
Rensselaer polytechnic institute graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $102K vs $75K.
How much is tuition at Stony brook vs Rensselaer polytechnic institute?
Sticker-price tuition is $32,741 per year at Stony brook and $64,081 per year at Rensselaer polytechnic institute.
What SAT score do you need for Stony brook or Rensselaer polytechnic institute?
The median admitted SAT score is 1419 at Stony brook and 1456 at Rensselaer polytechnic institute; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Stony brook or Rensselaer polytechnic institute?
Stony brook ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #301-400 for Stony brook vs #501-600 for Rensselaer polytechnic institute.
Which university offers more financial aid — Stony brook or Rensselaer polytechnic institute?
The average aid package is $15,261 at Stony brook and $76,097 at Rensselaer polytechnic institute.
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