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Cornell University vs Stony Brook University

Cornell University is a private university in Ithaca, NY, and Stony Brook University is a public university in Stony Brook, NY. Cornell University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 9% of applicants against 49% at Stony Brook University. Stony Brook University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $18,784 a year against $28,690 at Cornell University. About 95% of students graduate at Cornell University, compared with 77% at Stony Brook University. Ten years after enrolling, Cornell University alumni earn a median of about $104,043, against $74,502 for Stony Brook University.

Cornell University

Ithaca, NY · Private

Stony Brook University

Stony Brook, NY · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Ithaca, NY
Stony Brook, NY
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
15,995
18,101
Acceptance rate
9%
49%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.54–4
3.5–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1500–1570
1330–1500
ACT (middle 50%)
33–35
29–33
Test policy
Required
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$28,690
$18,784
Full cost / yr
$88,140
$30,539
In-state tuition
$69,314
$10,931
Out-of-state tuition
$69,314
$32,741
Application fee
$80
$50
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$1,776
$12,943
$30k - $48k
$4,070
$15,432
$48k - $75k
$6,796
$20,728
$75k - $110k
$14,311
$23,424
Over $110k
$49,992
$27,716
Outcomes
Graduation rate
95%
77%
Freshman retention
98%
90%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$87,830
$59,492
Median earnings (10 yr)
$104,043
$74,502
Median debt at graduation
$14,000
$18,228
Student body
Pell grant recipients
18%
39%
First-generation students
15%
36%
International students
10%
9%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Nov 1
Regular decision
Jan 2
Jan 15

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Cornell University or Stony Brook University harder to get into?
Cornell University is harder to get into. It admits about 9% of applicants, compared with 49% at Stony Brook University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Cornell University or Stony Brook University?
Stony Brook University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $18,784 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $28,690 at Cornell University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Cornell University and Stony Brook University?
Before aid, Stony Brook University costs about $30,539 a year and Cornell University about $88,140. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Cornell University or Stony Brook University?
Cornell University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $1,776 there, against about $12,943 at Stony Brook University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Cornell University or Stony Brook University?
Stony Brook University is the larger of the two, with about 18,101 undergraduates against 15,995 at Cornell University.
Does Cornell University or Stony Brook University have a better graduation rate?
Cornell University has the higher graduation rate, at about 95% against 77% at Stony Brook University.
Do graduates of Cornell University or Stony Brook University earn more?
Cornell University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $104,043 ten years after enrolling, against about $74,502 for Stony Brook University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Cornell University and Stony Brook University require SAT or ACT scores?
Cornell University requires SAT or ACT scores. Stony Brook University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
What SAT scores do Cornell University and Stony Brook University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1500–1570 at Cornell University and 1330–1500 at Stony Brook University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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