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Stony Brook University acceptance rate, GPA needed and real cost

Also known as SBU

Stony Brook University accepts 49% of applicants. It is a public university in Stony Brook, New York, with about 18,101 undergraduates. The sticker price is $29,805 a year for state residents, but after aid the average family pays $18,902.

49%Acceptance rate
1330–1500Middle 50% SAT
29–33Middle 50% ACT
$18,902Average cost after aid / year
77%Graduation rate
$65,198Typical early-career earnings

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.

What GPA do you need for SBU?

Admitly estimates a typical New York resident needs about a 3.8 unweighted GPA for a better-than-even chance; with a 4.0 the estimate is about 69%.

The U.S. Department of Education does not collect high school GPAs, so Admitly does not publish an "average GPA" figure. Colleges that report one do so in their own Common Data Set.

Chances of getting into Stony Brook University by GPA

Assumes an SAT of 1390, the middle score for admitted students (tests are optional here). A higher or lower score moves these numbers. GPA is unweighted, on a 4.0 scale.

GPANew York residentOut-of-state
3.013% Reach4% Reach
3.320% Reach7% Reach
3.532% Target12% Reach
3.746% Target20% Reach
3.962% Target32% Target
4.069% Target39% Target

Likely = 80% or higher, Target = 30–80%, Reach = under 30%. Course rigour, class rank, activities and AP scores all change the estimate.

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What families actually pay at Stony Brook University

Yearly cost after need-based grants, by household income. Sticker price is $29,805 a year for state residents including room and board.

Family incomeIn-stateOut-of-state
Under $50k$13,900$34,300
$50k – $100k$20,300$40,700
$100k – $150k$24,100$44,500
$150k – $250k$29,800$51,300
Over $250k$29,800$53,785

Out-of-state figures add most of the tuition difference, since state grants rarely follow students across state lines.

Outcomes

77%Finish their degree
90%Return for second year
$65,198Median earnings, early career

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.

Common questions about Stony Brook University

What is the acceptance rate at Stony Brook University?

Stony Brook University admits 49% of applicants, according to the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.

What GPA do you need to get into Stony Brook University?

Admitly estimates a typical New York resident needs about a 3.8 unweighted GPA for a better-than-even chance; with a 4.0 the estimate is about 69%. This is an estimate from Admitly's admission model, not an official cutoff: course rigour, test scores, activities and essays all matter.

What SAT or ACT score do you need for Stony Brook University?

The middle 50% of admitted students scored 1330–1500 on the SAT and 29–33 on the ACT. Submitting scores is optional.

How much does Stony Brook University cost after financial aid?

The sticker price is $29,805 a year for state residents including room and board, but the average family pays $18,902 after grants. Families earning under $50k pay about $13,900 in-state.

What is the graduation rate at Stony Brook University?

77% of students finish their degree, and 90% return for a second year.

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