Virginia vs Stony brook — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Virginia is the more selective of the two (16.8% vs 49% acceptance). Virginia ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#201-300 vs #301-400). Virginia graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($87K vs $75K). Stony brook has lower sticker-price tuition ($32,741 vs $59,512 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 Virginia for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings.
Choose Stony brook for: lower tuition, lower graduate debt.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Virginia is more selective (16.8% vs 49% acceptance); Virginia has a higher median SAT (1480 vs 1419).
Virginia graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($87K vs $75K); Virginia has a higher 6-year graduation rate (95.6% vs 75.6%).
Stony brook has lower sticker-price tuition ($32,741 vs $59,512); Virginia offers a larger average aid package ($37,123 vs $15,261).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Virginia | Stony brook |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #201-300 | #301-400 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 16.8% | 49% |
| Yield rate | 40% | 14.7% |
| Median SAT | 1480 | 1419 |
| Avg. GPA | — | — |
| Number of applications | 58,951 | 55,880 |
| International students | 12% | 18% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $87K | $75K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $79K | $63K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $130K | $107K |
| Graduation rate | 95.6% | 75.6% |
| Retention rate | 97.9% | 89.7% |
| Median debt | $17,500 | $18,228 |
| Tuition · year | $59,512 | $32,741 |
| Avg. aid package | $37,123 | $15,261 |
| % of need met | 100% | 0.6% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $25,137 | $23,558 |
| Application fee | $75 | $0 |
| Enrollment | 26,470 | 26,689 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Virginia or Stony brook?
It's harder to get into Virginia. Virginia accepts 16.8% of applicants, while Stony brook accepts 49%.
Do Virginia or Stony brook graduates earn more?
Virginia graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $87K vs $75K.
How much is tuition at Virginia vs Stony brook?
Sticker-price tuition is $59,512 per year at Virginia and $32,741 per year at Stony brook.
What SAT score do you need for Virginia or Stony brook?
The median admitted SAT score is 1480 at Virginia and 1419 at Stony brook; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Virginia or Stony brook?
Virginia ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #201-300 for Virginia vs #301-400 for Stony brook.
Which university offers more financial aid — Virginia or Stony brook?
The average aid package is $37,123 at Virginia and $15,261 at Stony brook.
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