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Stony Brook University vs Syracuse University

Stony Brook University is a public university in Stony Brook, NY, and Syracuse University is a private university in Syracuse, NY. Syracuse University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 46% 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 $38,793 at Syracuse University. About 82% of students graduate at Syracuse University, compared with 77% at Stony Brook University. Ten years after enrolling, Syracuse University alumni earn a median of about $79,164, against $74,502 for Stony Brook University.

Stony Brook University

Stony Brook, NY · Public

Syracuse University

Syracuse, NY · Private
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Stony Brook, NY
Syracuse, NY
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
18,101
15,477
Acceptance rate
49%
46%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.5–4
3.45–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1330–1500
1270–1440
ACT (middle 50%)
29–33
29–32
Test policy
Considered
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$18,784
$38,793
Full cost / yr
$30,539
$84,517
In-state tuition
$10,931
$65,528
Out-of-state tuition
$32,741
$65,528
Application fee
$50
$85
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$12,943
$15,817
$30k - $48k
$15,432
$15,845
$48k - $75k
$20,728
$21,132
$75k - $110k
$23,424
$28,780
Over $110k
$27,716
$55,401
Outcomes
Graduation rate
77%
82%
Freshman retention
90%
90%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$59,492
$60,459
Median earnings (10 yr)
$74,502
$79,164
Median debt at graduation
$18,228
$26,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
39%
17%
First-generation students
36%
19%
International students
9%
9%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Nov 1
Early action
Nov 1
Nov 1
Regular decision
Jan 15
Jan 5

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 Stony Brook University or Syracuse University harder to get into?
Syracuse University is harder to get into. It admits about 46% 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, Stony Brook University or Syracuse University?
Stony Brook University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $18,784 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $38,793 at Syracuse 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 Stony Brook University and Syracuse University?
Before aid, Stony Brook University costs about $30,539 a year and Syracuse University about $84,517. 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, Stony Brook University or Syracuse University?
Stony Brook University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $12,943 there, against about $15,817 at Syracuse University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Stony Brook University or Syracuse University?
Stony Brook University is the larger of the two, with about 18,101 undergraduates against 15,477 at Syracuse University.
Does Stony Brook University or Syracuse University have a better graduation rate?
Syracuse University has the higher graduation rate, at about 82% against 77% at Stony Brook University.
Do graduates of Stony Brook University or Syracuse University earn more?
Syracuse University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $79,164 ten years after enrolling, against about $74,502 for Stony Brook University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Stony Brook University and Syracuse University require SAT or ACT scores?
Stony Brook University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them. Syracuse University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Stony Brook University and Syracuse University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1330–1500 at Stony Brook University and 1270–1440 at Syracuse 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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