Stony brook vs Stanford — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Stanford is the more selective of the two (3.6% vs 49% acceptance). Stanford ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#301-400 vs #2). Stanford graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($124K vs $75K). Stony brook has lower sticker-price tuition ($32,741 vs $65,910 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 Stanford 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
Stanford is more selective (3.6% vs 49% acceptance); Stanford has a higher median SAT (1553 vs 1419).
Stanford graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($124K vs $75K); Stanford has a higher 6-year graduation rate (91.9% vs 75.6%).
Stony brook has lower sticker-price tuition ($32,741 vs $65,910); Stanford offers a larger average aid package ($75,816 vs $15,261).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Stony brook | Stanford |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #301-400 | #2 |
| Rank · THE | — | #6 |
| Acceptance rate | 49% | 3.6% |
| Yield rate | 14.7% | 79.9% |
| Median SAT | 1419 | 1553 |
| Avg. GPA | — | 3.90 |
| Number of applications | 55,880 | 60,646 |
| International students | 18% | 23% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $75K | $124K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $63K | $141K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $107K | $220K |
| Graduation rate | 75.6% | 91.9% |
| Retention rate | 89.7% | 97% |
| Median debt | $18,228 | $12,000 |
| Tuition · year | $32,741 | $65,910 |
| Avg. aid package | $15,261 | $75,816 |
| % of need met | 0.6% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $23,558 | $28,507 |
| Application fee | $0 | $100 |
| Enrollment | 26,689 | 18,121 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Stony brook or Stanford?
It's harder to get into Stanford. Stony brook accepts 49% of applicants, while Stanford accepts 3.6%.
Do Stony brook or Stanford graduates earn more?
Stanford graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $124K vs $75K.
How much is tuition at Stony brook vs Stanford?
Sticker-price tuition is $32,741 per year at Stony brook and $65,910 per year at Stanford.
What SAT score do you need for Stony brook or Stanford?
The median admitted SAT score is 1419 at Stony brook and 1553 at Stanford; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Stony brook or Stanford?
Stanford ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #301-400 for Stony brook vs #2 for Stanford.
Which university offers more financial aid — Stony brook or Stanford?
The average aid package is $15,261 at Stony brook and $75,816 at Stanford.
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