SUNY Stony Brook

Innovate. Discover. Lead. Stony Brook.

📍 Stony Brook, United States 🇺🇸

🏆 #58 in United States · QS World #452 · THE World #251 · ARWU #301

Quick Facts about SUNY Stony Brook

  • Type: Public
  • Students: 26,689
  • International: 14%
  • Campus: Suburban
  • Tuition: $25,290 – $42,610/year
  • Language: English
  • Student-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
  • Intakes: August, January

About SUNY Stony Brook

Stony Brook University, a prominent public research institution within the State University of New York (SUNY) system, offers a dynamic academic environment. Established in 1957, it has grown into a major center for education and research, attracting a diverse student body. The university is recognized globally, ranking among the top 1% of higher education institutions worldwide.

Academics

Stony Brook University is particularly renowned for its strengths in STEM fields, including Computer Science, Engineering (Computer, Electrical, and Mechanical), Physics, and Applied Mathematics. The university also boasts highly regarded programs in Health Professions, such as Nursing, Physician Assistant, and Physical Therapy, alongside a top-tier School of Medicine. A multidisciplinary approach is encouraged, allowing students to customize their studies by combining courses from various departments, fostering a diverse skill set applicable to a wide range of careers. The faculty is highly qualified, with 98% of tenured or tenure-track professors holding doctoral degrees or the highest equivalent in their fields.

International Students

Stony Brook University is a welcoming institution for international students, hosting 4,436 students from 103 countries. The university provides various support services, including assistance with visa and immigration processes, and requires international applicants to demonstrate English proficiency through tests like TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo. While specific English-taught programs are not exclusively listed, the university's general curriculum is delivered in English. International students make up approximately 13.5% of the student body, with a significant representation from China, India, and South Korea. The university offers scholarships specifically for international students, such as the Global Excellence Scholarship and the #YouAreWelcomeHere scholarship, which can cover a significant portion of tuition.

Campus & Location

Located on Long Island, Stony Brook offers a blend of peaceful suburban life and easy access to New York City. The campus itself provides free transportation via SBU Transit, and a bike-share program. The Long Island Railroad (LIRR) connects the campus directly to Manhattan, making city excursions convenient. Nearby attractions include the Avalon Park & Preserve, the Long Island Museum, and various beaches, offering ample recreational opportunities. While the town of Stony Brook has a rural feel with shops and restaurants, some students note that a car can be beneficial for getting around.

Career Outcomes

Stony Brook University boasts an impressive 95% success rate for graduates finding employment or continuing their education within a year of graduation. Graduates from the Nursing College show a particularly high placement rate of 91%. The university's strong industry connections are reflected in notable employers such as Goldman Sachs, Microsoft, Citigroup, Oracle, and IBM. Career services are available to assist students, and the median salary for graduates one year after earning a bachelor's degree is around $36,427, increasing to $45,519 five years post-graduation. While specific details on startup culture are not extensively provided, the university's focus on research and innovation suggests an environment conducive to entrepreneurial endeavors.

Information for International Students at SUNY Stony Brook

SUNY Stony Brook in Stony Brook, United States welcomes international students, with 14% of the student body coming from abroad.

  • 14% of students are international
  • Visa support available
  • No on-campus work
  • Student housing available (~$1174/month)
  • Work placement / internship opportunities available
  • Teaching languages: English

Admissions Requirements for SUNY Stony Brook

Here are the key admission requirements for international students applying to SUNY Stony Brook:

  • IELTS minimum: 6.5
  • TOEFL minimum: 80
  • Duolingo minimum: 105
  • GPA minimum: 3
  • Application fee: $50
  • Selectivity: Moderate (40-60%)
  • Application deadline: January 15

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Programs at SUNY Stony Brook (22 programs)

SUNY Stony Brook offers 22 programs across Bachelor, Master, PhD levels.

Bachelor Programs (7)

  • Mechanical Engineering (BSc) — 48 months · English · $10,390/yr · STEM
    This program focuses on the design, analysis, and manufacturing of mechanical systems. Students develop skills in areas like thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and materials science.
    Field: Engineering
    Career outcomes: mechanical engineer, product designer, automotive engineer, aerospace engineer
  • Political Science (BA) — 48 months · English · $10,390/yr
    This program analyzes political systems, institutions, and behaviors, covering areas such as international relations, comparative politics, political theory, and public policy.
    Field: Political Science
    Career outcomes: Political Analyst, Lobbyist, Government Official, Policy Advisor
  • Biology (BSc) — 48 months · English · $10,390/yr · STEM
    The Biology program offers a broad education in life sciences, covering topics from molecular biology to ecology. It prepares students for careers in research, healthcare, and environmental fields.
    Field: Biology
    Career outcomes: biologist, research assistant, medical technologist, environmental scientist
  • Business Management (BSc) — 48 months · English · $10,390/yr
    Students learn fundamental business principles, including finance, marketing, and organizational behavior. This program prepares them for leadership roles and entrepreneurial ventures.
    Field: Business
    Career outcomes: business analyst, marketing manager, operations manager, financial advisor
  • Psychology (BA) — 48 months · English · $10,390/yr
    This program explores human behavior and mental processes through scientific inquiry. Students gain critical thinking and research skills applicable to various human-centered professions.
    Field: Psychology
    Career outcomes: counselor, human resources specialist, market researcher, social worker
  • History (BA) — 48 months · English · $10,390/yr
    This program offers a deep exploration of historical events, cultures, and societies across different periods and regions, developing critical thinking and research skills.
    Field: History
    Career outcomes: Historian, Archivist, Museum Curator, Educator
  • Sociology (BA) — 48 months · English · $10,390/yr
    Students examine social structures, human behavior in groups, and societal issues, gaining insights into social inequality, cultural diversity, and social change.
    Field: Sociology
    Career outcomes: Sociologist, Social Researcher, Community Organizer, Policy Analyst

Master Programs (7)

  • Biomedical Engineering (MSc) — 24 months · English · $22,660/yr · STEM
    This program integrates engineering principles with biological and medical sciences to develop innovative healthcare solutions. Students work on projects related to medical devices, imaging, and tissue engineering.
    Field: Engineering
    Career outcomes: biomedical engineer, medical device developer, clinical engineer, research scientist
  • Marine Sciences (MSc) — 24 months · English · $22,660/yr · STEM
    This program provides advanced knowledge in oceanography, marine biology, and coastal environmental management. Students engage in research on marine ecosystems and their conservation.
    Field: Environmental Science
    Career outcomes: marine biologist, oceanographer, environmental consultant, conservation scientist
  • Electrical Engineering (MSc) — 24 months · English · $22,660/yr · STEM
    This advanced program focuses on the theory and application of electricity, electronics, and electromagnetism. Students specialize in areas like power systems, control systems, or signal processing.
    Field: Engineering
    Career outcomes: electrical engineer, design engineer, research and development engineer, consultant
  • Journalism (MA) — 24 months · English · $22,660/yr
    The MA in Journalism program trains students in advanced reporting, writing, and multimedia storytelling. It prepares them for careers in traditional and digital media.
    Field: Journalism
    Career outcomes: reporter, editor, content creator, multimedia journalist
  • Master of Business Administration (MBA) (MBA) — 21 months · English · $28,000/yr
    A comprehensive program designed to develop leadership and management skills, covering core business functions like finance, marketing, strategy, and operations.
    Field: Business
    Career outcomes: Business Consultant, Product Manager, Senior Manager, Entrepreneur
  • Public Health (MPH) — 24 months · English · $22,660/yr
    The Master of Public Health program trains students to address public health challenges through epidemiology, biostatistics, and health policy. It prepares them for leadership in public health organizations.
    Field: Public Health
    Career outcomes: public health analyst, epidemiologist, health educator, program manager
  • Social Work (MSW) — 24 months · English · $13,000/yr
    Students develop advanced skills in clinical social work, community organizing, and social policy, preparing them for professional practice in diverse settings.
    Field: Social Work
    Career outcomes: Licensed Social Worker, Therapist, Case Manager, Community Organizer

PhD Programs (8)

  • Materials Science and Engineering (PhD) — 60 months · English · $22,660/yr · STEM
    This interdisciplinary program focuses on the fundamental properties, processing, and applications of materials. Students conduct research on advanced materials for various technological fields.
    Field: Engineering
    Career outcomes: materials scientist, research engineer, university professor, product development specialist
  • Computer Science (PhD) — 60 months · English · $22,660/yr · STEM
    The PhD in Computer Science prepares students for cutting-edge research and academic careers. Specializations include artificial intelligence, computer vision, and theoretical computer science.
    Field: Computer Science
    Career outcomes: university professor, research scientist, AI researcher, software architect
  • Chemistry (PhD) — 60 months · English · $22,660/yr · STEM
    The Chemistry PhD program provides rigorous training in chemical research, covering areas such as organic, inorganic, physical, and analytical chemistry. Graduates pursue careers in academia and industry.
    Field: Chemistry
    Career outcomes: research chemist, university professor, pharmaceutical scientist, materials scientist
  • Economics (PhD) — 60 months · English · $22,660/yr
    The PhD in Economics offers advanced training in economic theory, econometrics, and various applied fields. Students conduct original research to contribute to economic knowledge and policy.
    Field: Economics
    Career outcomes: economist, university professor, policy analyst, financial economist
  • Applied Mathematics and Statistics (PhD) — 60 months · English · $22,660/yr · STEM
    This doctoral program focuses on advanced research in applied mathematics and statistics, with specializations in areas like computational science, operations research, and financial mathematics. Students conduct original research and contribute to their field.
    Field: Mathematics
    Career outcomes: university professor, research scientist, quantitative analyst, data science lead
  • Physics (PhD) — 60 months · English · $22,660/yr · STEM
    This program offers advanced study and research opportunities in various areas of physics, including high energy physics, condensed matter physics, and astrophysics. Students contribute to fundamental scientific discoveries.
    Field: Physics
    Career outcomes: university professor, research physicist, data scientist, engineer
  • Mathematics (PhD) — 60 months · English · $12,210/yr · STEM
    This doctoral program emphasizes advanced mathematical theory and research, covering pure and applied mathematics, algebra, analysis, geometry, and topology.
    Field: Mathematics
    Career outcomes: University Professor, Research Mathematician, Quantitative Analyst, Data Scientist
  • Biochemistry and Cell Biology (PhD) — 60 months · English · $13,000/yr · STEM
    A research-focused program exploring the molecular mechanisms of life, including protein structure, gene expression, and cellular processes.
    Field: Biology
    Career outcomes: Research Scientist, University Professor, Biotechnologist, Pharmaceutical Researcher

Scholarships & Tuition at SUNY Stony Brook

Annual tuition for international students: $25,290 – $42,610/year

✅ SUNY Stony Brook offers scholarships for international students. Check the official website for eligibility, amounts, and deadlines.

Rankings of SUNY Stony Brook

  • National Ranking: #58 in United States
  • QS World University Ranking: #452
  • Times Higher Education (THE): #251
  • Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU): #301
  • Ranking tier: Research University
  • Research output: Very High

Campus & Facilities at SUNY Stony Brook

  • Student housing available
  • Sports facilities available
  • Disability support available
  • Campus type: Suburban
  • Housing cost: ~$1174/month

Key Highlights

  • Top 1% global university
  • Strong STEM and Health programs
  • Diverse international student body
  • Significant research institution
  • Excellent faculty credentials

Accreditation

  • Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

Notable Alumni

  • Atefeh Riazi
  • Patricia S. Cowlings
  • James Harris Simons

Frequently Asked Questions about SUNY Stony Brook

What is SUNY Stony Brook?

SUNY Stony Brook is a public university located in Stony Brook, United States. It has approximately 26,689 students, with 14% being international students.

How much does it cost to study at SUNY Stony Brook?

Tuition fees at SUNY Stony Brook for international students range from $25,290 – $42,610/year. Student housing costs approximately $1174/month. Scholarships are available for international students.

What are the admission requirements for SUNY Stony Brook?

IELTS minimum: 6.5. TOEFL minimum: 80. Duolingo minimum: 105. GPA minimum: 3. Application fee: $50. Selectivity: Moderate (40-60%). Application deadline: January 15.

What language are courses taught in at SUNY Stony Brook?

Courses at SUNY Stony Brook are taught in English. International students need a minimum IELTS score of 6.5.

How many programs does SUNY Stony Brook offer?

SUNY Stony Brook offers 22 programs: 7 Bachelor's, 7 Master's, and 8 PhD programs across various fields of study.

What is SUNY Stony Brook ranked?

#58 in United States · QS World #452 · THE World #251 · ARWU #301.

Does SUNY Stony Brook offer scholarships?

Yes, SUNY Stony Brook offers scholarships for international students. Visit the university's official financial aid page for current opportunities, eligibility criteria, and deadlines.

Does SUNY Stony Brook provide visa support?

Yes, SUNY Stony Brook provides visa support for international students. Student housing is also available.

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