About Stony Brook University

Founded in 1957, Stony Brook University. is a Public college. Located in New York, which is a city setting in New York, the campus itself is Suburban. The campus is home to 17,026 full time undergraduate students, and 8,708 full time graduate students.

The Stony Brook University Academic calendar runs on a Semester basis. In the school year the student to faculty ratio was 17:1. There are 1035 full time instructional teachers. Degrees awarded at Stony Brook University include: Bachelor's Degree, Masters Degree, Post-master's certificate, Doctor's degree.

Quick Facts

Acceptance Rate40%
Application Deadline
Application Fee50
SAT Range1150-1370
ACT Range26-31

Admissions at SB are considered More Selective, with ,80% of all applicants being admitted.

In the school year, of the students who applied to the school, only 8 of those who were admitted eventually ended up enrolling.

94% of incoming freshmen are in the top half of their high school class. 73% were in the top quarter, and 40% were in the top tenth. You can apply online.

STUDENT LIFE Reviews

We asked, and students answered these important questions about student life at Stony Brook University.

5%
“We”re apathetic”
37%
“We know about current events and vote”
48%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
9%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
5%
“We save it for the classroom”
31%
“Sometimes, but not often”
51%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
14%
“All the time, including weekends”
3%
“I”m always terrified”
15%
“I only go out in groups”
39%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
43%
“I feel extremely safe”
13%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
43%
“We bought the gear”
44%
“We live for the big game”
12%
“It”s not really our thing”
29%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
52%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
7%
“We”re a very artistic group”
5%
“Haven”t met them”
13%
“Available in class”
63%
“They keep regular office hours”
20%
“They”re always available”
7%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
53%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
40%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
1%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
2%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
29%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
42%
“We only party on weekends”
27%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
3%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
57%
“There might be people who do”
36%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
3%
“There”s a huge drug scene”
5%
“We”re apathetic”
37%
“We know about current events and vote”
48%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
9%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
5%
“We save it for the classroom”
31%
“Sometimes, but not often”
51%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
14%
“All the time, including weekends”
3%
“I”m always terrified”
15%
“I only go out in groups”
39%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
43%
“I feel extremely safe”
13%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
43%
“We bought the gear”
44%
“We live for the big game”
12%
“It”s not really our thing”
29%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
52%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
7%
“We”re a very artistic group”
5%
“Haven”t met them”
13%
“Available in class”
63%
“They keep regular office hours”
20%
“They”re always available”
7%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
53%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
40%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
1%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
2%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
29%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
42%
“We only party on weekends”
27%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
3%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
57%
“There might be people who do”
36%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
3%
“There”s a huge drug scene”
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  • How would you rate on-campus housing?

    263 Students rated on-campus housing 3.2 stars. 9 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate off-campus housing?

    199 Students rated off-campus housing 3.1 stars. 0 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus food?

    297 Students rated campus food 3 stars. 10 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus facilities?

    299 Students rated campus facilities 3.7 stars. 21 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate class size?

    300 Students rated class size 3.2 stars. 14 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate school activities?

    300 Students rated school activities 3.6 stars. 27 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate local services?

    302 Students rated local services 3.4 stars. 22 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate academics?

    300 Students rated academics 4 stars. 42 % gave the school a 5.0.

Stony Brook University REVIEWS

What's your overall opinion of Stony Brook University?

112 Students rated Stony Brook University

Ethan - 07/13/2024

SBU is a place where I can call it my second home. After finishing high school, the transition from being dependent and in the comfort zone to being independent and out of the comfort zone, was the stage for the next chapter in my life. I believe that in my time of trying to create a comfort zone outside of it, SBU has helped me to feel accepted in a community I felt alien to.

Jeffrey - 06/19/2024

Stony Brook University is one of the finest institutions of learning, that is known for its academic excellence and lively campus life. In the Business Management program at Stony Brook University, you join a dynamic, challenging atmosphere of teaching, well-equipped towards making students excel in today's fiercely competitive business environment. The faculty is dedicated to ensuring student success through availability and guidance on one-to-one mentorship, hence bringing friendly educational support. SBU provides its students with a chance for personal growth and civic engagement. At the university, there is a wide array of clubs, fraternities, and sororities where students learn bonding with fellow companions, develop leadership skills, and serve the campus community. Such organizations serve as very significant building blocks in augmenting the social and cultural heterogeneity of the university to make sure that each student finds a niche where he or she can excel. The on-campus housing at Stony Brook is very good, making students feel comfortable and conveniently homed for academic development. These facilities are well-maintained, with housing options to appeal to all kinds of preferences so that students are guaranteed to find accommodation suitable for their needs. The great variety of food served in dining halls is delicious and healthful, ensuring that one gets access to wholesome meals throughout by catering to students' different diets. Holistically, Stony Brook University stands out in its attempt to provide an education that is. Beginning with challenging academic programs, passing through a supportive faculty, a lively campus with a rich campus life, and ending with excellent facilities, the University foments an atmosphere wherein students could grow intellectually and socially. SBU, therefore, will be outstanding for any student in search of a well-rounded, enriching university experience.

callan - 04/30/2024

My favorite parts about attending stony brook university were the campus environment and safety, student diversity/community, and variety of extra-curricular activities. The diversity at Stony Brook is unparalleled to any other institution I have attended. You will meet people of all ages and financial backgrounds from in state, out of state, and international. The people I met were very down to earth and accepting of other cultures. I felt very welcome even coming from an impoverished background and made the most wholesome group of friends there. Living on campus felt like home to me. The campus is in a quiet suburban community that feels very safe at all hours of the day and night. You can join clubs at any year and make friends. I joined the environmental club as a junior after transferring from community college and that's how I met my current best friends and partner.

Jacob - 12/26/2023

Stony Brook University offers a mixed experience with its campus amenities and student life. The campus housing stands out with comfortable living spaces, but some issues persist, notably in the laundry facilities and the quality of kitchen facilities, which are often considered sub-par. However, the inconveniences in these areas are balanced by a silver lining in the form of an exceptional recreational center. The fitness facility boasts a comprehensive array of exercise and weightlifting equipment, providing students with ample opportunities to stay active and maintain a healthy lifestyle. One of the university's standout features is its intelligent and engaging student body. Conversations with peers are meaningful and interesting. This aspect contributes significantly to the overall academic and social experience at Stony Brook. On the dining front, the campus food is generally good, although it may become repetitive over time. Fortunately, the culinary team introduces variations to the menu periodically, ensuring that students have some diversity in their meal options. For those seeking extracurricular involvement, Stony Brook offers a wealth of opportunities. With over 300 clubs and numerous activities such as sports and volunteering, students can easily find ways to pursue their interests and engage with the campus community. This diverse range of options contributes to a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere. However, students without access to a car may face challenges when it comes to off-campus shopping during the week. The limited availability of stores can be a drawback, but the university addresses this concern by providing a weekend bus service to popular shopping destinations like Stop n' Shop, Walmart, and Target. Stony Brook offers a well-rounded college experience with some notable highlights and a few areas for improvement. The dynamic student body, excellent recreational facilities, and various extracurricular activities contribute to a vibrant campus life. Despite minor inconveniences in housing and off-campus accessibility, the overall atmosphere at Stony Brook is conducive to academic growth and personal development.

Stony Brook University FAQS

  1. What is the Acceptance Rate at Stony Brook University?

    The fall 2020 acceptance rate for Stony Brook University is 40%. That means, out of _____ applications received in 2020, _____ students were offered admission.

  2. What should every freshman at your school know before they start?

    Make a decision about which college you will be sttending sooner and take more AP courses.

    Read all 253 answers

  3. Describe the students at your school.

    We are the geeks, nerds, and braniacs of the SUNY system, but we'll show you a good time, always with a touch of class.

    Read all 110 answers

  4. What is your overall opinion of this school?

    Stony Brook is really good at providing opportunities for every type of college student. There is a bit too much science-driven students which shows in the lack of emphasis in the Humanities department. Also the campus is a bit liberal and it's hard for conservative students to express themselves. There is a lot of school pride and there are options to leave campus (the train to Penn Station is five minutes away!). The school's administration is a bit annoying, but overall it's a good school

    Read all 63 answers

  5. Here's your chance: Say anything about your college!

    The campus life at SBU was so enthusiastic. I visited during Earthstock, which is a festival celebrating our planet (recycling, hula-hoop classes on the grass, a strawberry-themed festival) and it really spoke to me. The campus was so alive and vibrant that I knew Stony Brook was the right school for me. And on an unrelated note-- there is a train station straight to the city right on campus!

    Read all 61 answers

  6. What are the academics like at your school?

    In many humanities classes, the professors learn your name by the second week. In science classes you will be in a room of 100-1000 students so it's hard for them to learn your name, and sometimes they won't know who you are at all....so go attend their office hours! Class participation is often important in the humanities department and is one of the deciding factors of your final grade. Many students are very competitive, especially those who are pre-med. My department is very small and has about 5 undergraduate students and about 20 graduate students. It's very disappointing, but then again Literature is not a major field at Stony Brook.

    Read all 58 answers

  7. What is the stereotype of students at your school?

    I'm not sure about general stereotypes we are very diverse.

    Read all 57 answers

  8. Is the stereotype of students at your school accurate?

    There is a large asian population

    Read all 55 answers

  9. What kind of person should not attend this school?

    People who are looking for a very strong student teacher relationship shouldn't attend this school. Basically, students go to lectures and learn most of it from reading on their own. Although, the professors are helpful at times, they don't have enough time to care for each student. To make up for it, they bring in TA's to take their place instead. Also, people who are looking for a school with school spirit shouldn't attend either. This school doesn't have much of a school spirit and on that subject, it's pretty much a dead area.

    Read all 54 answers

  10. What do you consider the worst thing about your school? Why?

    Student apathy can sometimes be a problem, as well as the recent (and temporary) loss of large scale concerts due to construction of a new Arena.

    Read all 52 answers

  11. Describe how your school looks to someone who's never seen it.

    My current school is very large, but it has a very good teacher program for prospective teachers as well as a great biology program which is what I plan to teach one day.

    Read all 49 answers

  12. What are the most popular student activities/groups?

    Greek organizations and miscellaneous clubs and sports are popular

    Read all 49 answers

  13. What's the one thing you wish someone had told you about freshman year?

    I wish I had known that the academic advisors are not very helpful at SBU.

    Read all 46 answers

  14. What's unique about your campus?

    Stony Brook has a diversity that you'll be hard-pressed to find anywhere else. We have students that come from all over the world; you'll hear 20 different languages being spoken just walking across campus. I come from a small one-stoplight town where, though the nearby military base creates an influx of new people every now and then, I have known my classmates all my life. I had no problem transitioning to such a big school though, because SBU res life has made sure that no student gets lost in the bustle of the big campus.

    Read all 44 answers

  15. What's the most frustrating thing about your school?

    Stony Brook is a very large school, which mean very large lecture hall classes. It is sometimes frustrating to be in such a large class because you don't get as much individualized instruction. Also, you don't get to meet and interact with your classmates as much in a large lecture than in a small class.

    Read all 42 answers

  16. What kind of person should attend this school?

    Those individuals who want to have the flexibility of visiting home or communting from home; those students who cannot afford to attend a private school but have the grades to show for it; those who see this school as an "easy way out" from more challenging schools.

    Read all 37 answers

  17. Describe your favorite campus traditions.

    SBU is know for it's medicial program and engineering.

    Read all 35 answers

  18. What do you brag about most when you tell your friends about your school?

    Stony Brook University is located close enough to New York City that one can take advantage of all the opportunities offered within the school and the large surrounding city. There are an immense amount of internships and job openings for students interested in many field. It truly provides students with experience in their major and offers credit for school as well. The best part is, the LIRR travels straight from campus to the city with easy accessbility. The opportunities opened for students at SBU is one of it's greatest assets!

    Read all 35 answers

  19. What is the stereotype of students at your school? Is this stereotype accurate?

    Well there is one stereotype that all the Asian students are science majors, and terrible at writing and English. There is also another stereotype that Stony Brook is a party school.

    Read all 12 answers

  20. Describe the dorms.

    Juniors and Seniors live here

    Read all 6 answers

  21. Describe a typical weekend.

    Quite. The campus becomes barren as most of the students journey home to spend the weekends with their families. As a student from California, this really isn't an option for me. In the wasteland that is the weekend on campus, I have had my most interesting adventures and made my closest friends. Nothing inspires friendship and adventure like an unhealthy amount of boredom.

    Read all 6 answers

Student Body

Students

46%

female

54%

male

17,026

Total Undergrad Enrollment

8,708

Total Grad Students

9%

Out-Of-State

74%

In-State

17%

International

Organizations

333

Student Organizations

15

Fraternities

14

Sororities

Housing

Yes

On-Campus Housing

40%

of students living on campus

Student Diversity

% American Indian/Alaskan Native
N/A
% Asian/Pacific Islander
23%
% Black or African-American
6%
% Hispanic/Latino
12%
% White or Caucasian
35%

TUITION & AID

All students must apply yearly for financial aid. This process starts with the FAFSA. Though financial aid deadlines vary by school, it is a good idea to apply as soon as possible. For the upcoming school year, you can apply as early as October 1 for the FAFSA. Additional school aid will be dependent on the FAFSA results.

76% of students attending Stony Brook University receive some sort of financial aid. 33% were awarded federal grants.42%received federal loans. Many students do also need to apply for additional private student loans.

Cost Out of State

$26,239

Tuition and fees(Out of state)

$900

Books and Supplies

$12,882

Room and Board

40,021

Total On Campus

Actual Cost By Income Level(W/Financial Aid)

Family Income
Cost
$0 - $30K
$8,954
$30 - $48K
$10,736
$48 - $75K
$16,227
$75 - $110K
$19,165
$110K & UP
$20,166

We use student reviews and the most current publicly available data on our school pages. As such, we don't typically remove or edit college information. Sources for school statistics and data include the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics and the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System. Portions of college data include copyrighted material, which is reproduced on this website by permission of Wintergreen Orchard House, a division of Carnegie Communications. © 2009-2016 by Wintergreen Orchard House. All rights reserved.

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