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