Stony brook vs West virginia — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Stony brook is the more selective of the two (49% vs 89% acceptance). Stony brook ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#301-400 vs #501-600). Stony brook graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($75K vs $56K). West virginia has lower sticker-price tuition ($28,608 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: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings.
Choose West virginia for: 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 89% acceptance); Stony brook has a higher median SAT (1419 vs 1122).
Stony brook graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($75K vs $56K); Stony brook has a higher 6-year graduation rate (75.6% vs 64.7%).
West virginia has lower sticker-price tuition ($28,608 vs $32,741); West virginia offers a larger average aid package ($16,730 vs $15,261).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Stony brook | West virginia |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #301-400 | #501-600 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 49% | 89% |
| Yield rate | 14.7% | 26.5% |
| Median SAT | 1419 | 1122 |
| Avg. GPA | — | 3.70 |
| Number of applications | 55,880 | 20,150 |
| International students | 18% | 5% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $75K | $56K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $63K | $53K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $107K | $84K |
| Graduation rate | 75.6% | 64.7% |
| Retention rate | 89.7% | 83.4% |
| Median debt | $18,228 | $22,500 |
| Tuition · year | $32,741 | $28,608 |
| Avg. aid package | $15,261 | $16,730 |
| % of need met | 0.6% | 63% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $23,558 | $36,010 |
| Application fee | $0 | $65 |
| Enrollment | 26,689 | 23,643 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Stony brook or West virginia?
It's harder to get into Stony brook. Stony brook accepts 49% of applicants, while West virginia accepts 89%.
Do Stony brook or West virginia graduates earn more?
Stony brook graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $75K vs $56K.
How much is tuition at Stony brook vs West virginia?
Sticker-price tuition is $32,741 per year at Stony brook and $28,608 per year at West virginia.
What SAT score do you need for Stony brook or West virginia?
The median admitted SAT score is 1419 at Stony brook and 1122 at West virginia; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Stony brook or West virginia?
Stony brook ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #301-400 for Stony brook vs #501-600 for West virginia.
Which university offers more financial aid — Stony brook or West virginia?
The average aid package is $15,261 at Stony brook and $16,730 at West virginia.
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