SUNY Stony Brook Acceptance Rate 2026

Quick Answer

Stony Brook University’s acceptance rate for 2026 is approximately 49%, making it a moderately selective public research institution. With in-state tuition at $10,931 annually and out-of-state tuition at $32,741, Stony Brook offers an affordable option for New York residents. Graduates earn a median of $74,502 ten years after enrollment, reflecting strong career outcomes across diverse fields.

Acceptance Snapshot

As of April 2026, Stony Brook University maintains an acceptance rate of 49.04%, indicating a moderately selective admissions process. With an enrollment of 18,101 students, the university balances accessibility with academic rigor, welcoming roughly half of its applicant pool while maintaining competitive academic standards.

This acceptance rate reflects Stony Brook’s position as a flagship SUNY institution—more selective than some regional campuses but more accessible than highly elite universities. The 49% rate suggests that while strong grades and test scores matter, the university considers a broad range of applicants and values diversity in its student body.

Prospective students should note that acceptance rates can fluctuate year to year based on application volume and institutional priorities. For the most current admissions data and specific requirements for your intended major, verify directly with Stony Brook’s admissions office.

SAT & ACT Scores

Data on SAT and ACT score ranges for admitted students at Stony Brook for the 2026 cohort is not available in the current dataset. Prospective applicants should contact the university’s Office of Admissions directly or visit their official website for current testing requirements and score distributions. Most competitive applicants typically submit SAT scores in the 1200+ range or ACT scores of 27+, though these figures should be confirmed with the institution.

Tuition & Costs

In-State Tuition: $10,931 per year
Out-of-State Tuition: $32,741 per year
Average Net Price: $18,784 per year

For New York residents, Stony Brook represents one of the most affordable pathways to a research university education. In-state tuition of $10,931 is significantly lower than private institutions and many out-of-state public universities. Out-of-state students pay substantially more at $32,741, though this remains competitive with similar public research universities.

The average net price of $18,784 reflects what students actually pay after accounting for financial aid and grants. This figure is crucial for understanding true affordability: it means the average student pays less than the sticker tuition price due to institutional aid and federal/state support.

Total cost of attendance varies based on housing choices. Students living on campus should budget for room and board in addition to tuition. Commuter students from the Long Island area may have lower overall costs. For precise estimates of your total cost of attendance, use Stony Brook’s net price calculator on their financial aid website.

Financial Aid Overview

Stony Brook provides financial aid to a substantial portion of its student body through grants, loans, and work-study opportunities. The average net price of $18,784 demonstrates the university’s commitment to making education accessible across income levels.

Students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility for federal grants, loans, and work-study. New York residents may also qualify for the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) and other state-specific aid. Merit-based scholarships are available for high-achieving students.

The median debt upon graduation is $18,228, suggesting that while many students borrow to finance their education, debt levels remain manageable relative to post-graduation earnings. However, individual aid packages vary significantly based on family income, academic achievement, and other factors.

Graduation Rates

Stony Brook’s completion rate stands at 76.67%, meaning approximately three-quarters of students earn their degree within a standard timeframe. This rate is above the national average for public research universities and reflects the university’s support systems and academic resources.

The 76.67% rate suggests that most students who enroll complete their degrees, though some may take longer than the traditional four years due to major changes, financial constraints, or other life circumstances. Students considering Stony Brook should recognize that while graduation rates are solid, individual success depends on academic preparation, engagement with campus resources, and personal commitment.

Post-Graduation Earnings

Stony Brook graduates earn a median of $74,502 ten years after initial enrollment. This figure, based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard data, reflects earnings across all majors and degree levels and demonstrates strong return on investment for the university’s education.

For context, this median earnings figure exceeds the national average for bachelor’s degree holders and justifies the relatively modest tuition investment, particularly for in-state students. Earnings vary by major—engineering, business, and healthcare graduates typically earn more than those in humanities fields, though all paths lead to sustainable careers.

Popular Majors

Specific data on the top majors by degrees awarded at Stony Brook for the 2026 cohort is not available in the current dataset. However, Stony Brook is nationally recognized for strength in engineering, biological sciences, business, and health professions—fields that align with its research mission and employer demand.

Students interested in learning which majors are most popular and have the strongest outcomes should visit Stony Brook’s institutional research office or academic department websites. Major selection significantly influences both the college experience and post-graduation earnings, so prospective students should explore program offerings carefully.

Demographics

Detailed demographic breakdown by race, ethnicity, and gender for the 2026 cohort is not available in the current dataset. For current enrollment demographics, visit Stony Brook’s institutional research website or contact the admissions office directly.

As a public research university, Stony Brook serves a diverse student population reflecting the demographics of New York State and attracts students from across the United States and internationally. The university is committed to fostering an inclusive campus community.

Related Guides

• SUNY Stony Brook Acceptance Rate 2025: 49% Admissions
• SUNY Albany Acceptance Rate 2025: 69% Admissions
• SUNY Buffalo Acceptance Rate 2025: 74% Admissions
• SUNY Buffalo Acceptance Rate 2026: 74% Admissions
• Brown University Acceptance Rate 2026: 76% Admissions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Stony Brook University?

Stony Brook University’s acceptance rate for 2026 is 49.04%, making it moderately selective. This means approximately half of applicants are admitted, though acceptance rates may vary by intended major. Competitive applicants typically have strong GPA and test scores, but the university considers the full application holistically.

How much does it cost to attend Stony Brook?

In-state tuition is $10,931 per year, while out-of-state tuition is $32,741 per year. The average net price—what students actually pay after financial aid—is $18,784 annually. Additional costs for room, board, and other expenses vary by individual circumstances. Use the university’s net price calculator for a personalized estimate.

What do Stony Brook graduates earn?

Stony Brook graduates earn a median of $74,502 ten years after enrollment, according to College Scorecard data. This reflects earnings across all majors and degree types. Earnings vary by field of study, with engineering and business graduates typically earning more than those in other disciplines.

What is Stony Brook’s graduation rate?

Stony Brook has a completion rate of 76.67%, meaning approximately 77% of students graduate within a standard timeframe. This rate is above the national average for public research universities and indicates strong academic support and student success initiatives.

How much financial aid does Stony Brook provide?

The average net price of $18,784 demonstrates that most students receive some form of financial aid. Eligible students may receive federal grants, loans, work-study, New York State TAP funds, and institutional scholarships. The median debt upon graduation is $18,228. Complete the FAFSA to determine your aid eligibility.

Is Stony Brook a good value?

For New York residents, Stony Brook offers exceptional value—affordable tuition combined with strong graduation rates and post-graduation earnings. The median debt of $18,228 relative to earnings of $74,502 suggests a solid return on investment. Out-of-state students should compare the higher tuition cost against their alternative options.

What are the most popular majors at Stony Brook?

While specific 2026 enrollment data is not available, Stony Brook is recognized for excellence in engineering, biological sciences, business, and health professions. These fields align with the university’s research strengths and strong employer relationships. Contact the admissions office or academic departments for current enrollment trends.

---

Data Sources

The statistics and figures in this article come from the U.S. Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) and the College Scorecard, accessed April 11, 2026. Acceptance rates, tuition, financial aid, graduation rates, and post-graduation earnings data reflect the most recent available institutional data.

Important Note: College data changes annually. Prospective students and families should verify all figures directly with Stony Brook University’s official admissions and financial aid offices. Specific program requirements, test score expectations, and aid packages may differ from institution-wide averages. Visit www.stonybrook.edu for the most current information.