
100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA


Stony Brook University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, which is a recognized regional accreditation agency. This accreditation confirms that the university meets specific standards of quality and effectiveness in higher education. It affirms that students can expect an institution committed to academic excellence, continuous improvement, and accountability.
Admission to Stony Brook University requires applicants to have completed a secondary school program with a satisfactory grade point average and school record. A General Educational Development (GED) certificate is accepted in lieu of a traditional high school diploma. Prospective students must submit recommendations, and while admission test scores are not explicitly required, the submission of standardized test results such as SAT or ACT scores is strongly advised. The university mandates proof of English proficiency through the TOEFL exam for non-native speakers, with other tests recommended but not compulsory.
Credit for Advanced Placement (AP) exams is recognized, although the university does not accept dual credit or other college credits from secondary school. Neither a personal computer ownership nor computer leasing is compulsory for admission. The school does not operate an open admission policy, indicating selective acceptance based on the applicant's academic credentials and supporting documentation.
Stony Brook University attracts a highly competitive applicant pool, with an acceptance rate of approximately 49%, placing it in the lower 20th percentile for selectivity nationally. The average SAT score of admitted students is 1390, placing them in the top 5% of test takers nationwide. Their average scores include a particularly strong performance in mathematics (720) and writing (670). Mean ACT scores of admitted candidates average 31, ranking them in the top 10% nationally. Enrollment statistics also show a balanced gender distribution among admitted and matriculated students.
Stony Brook University requires prospective students to pay an application fee when submitting their admission materials. This fee is a standard part of the application process and must be paid to complete the submission.
The university also offers fee waivers to eligible applicants, which helps reduce financial barriers for students who demonstrate need. These waivers are typically granted based on criteria set by the university, such as economic hardship or participation in certain educational programs aimed at supporting underrepresented or disadvantaged students.
Applicants seeking a fee waiver should carefully review the university's specific guidelines and submit any required documentation to qualify. Securing a waiver can significantly ease the financial burden of the application process, making Stony Brook University more accessible to a diverse range of candidates.
Stony Brook University hosts its own ROTC branch unit on campus, providing students direct access to military training and leadership development within the university environment. Additionally, the university offers opportunities through a cooperating host institution, allowing cadets to participate in ROTC programs that may not be physically based at Stony Brook University but remain accessible to its students. This dual approach enables prospective students to engage with ROTC programs either directly on campus or via affiliated institutions, accommodating a broader range of military preparation options.
Stony Brook University permits transfer students to enroll during the fall and spring terms, providing flexible entry points throughout the academic year. The institution accepts transfer credits from a variety of sources, including College Level Examination Program (CLEP) subject and general exams, as well as the Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES) tests. Prospective transfers are advised that letters of recommendation are welcomed as part of the application process.
Stony Brook University offers a variety of study abroad opportunities designed to enrich academic and cultural experiences for students. These programs include semester-long, summer, and short-term options that cater to different academic schedules and interests. Students can participate in faculty-led programs or enroll in exchanges with partner institutions around the world, allowing them to earn credits applicable to their degree requirements.
The university emphasizes accessibility by providing programs in multiple countries, spanning several continents, thus enabling students to select destinations aligned with their academic focus and personal preferences. Study abroad experiences at Stony Brook University often integrate language immersion, research projects, internships, and service-learning components, thereby broadening both professional and intercultural competencies.
Participants receive support through pre-departure orientations, on-site assistance, and academic advising to ensure a smooth transition and meaningful engagement abroad. Additionally, Stony Brook University facilitates scholarships and financial aid specifically for students studying overseas, helping to mitigate the costs associated with international education.
Median composite SAT score
1390Median composite ACT score
31Percent of students submitting SAT scores
34%High school completions
General Educational Development (GED) requiredComputer required
NoComputer purchase/lease plan is available in the institution
YesSecondary school GPA
RequiredSecondary school rank
Data not availableSecondary school record
RequiredCompletion of college-preparatory program
RequiredRecommendations
RequiredFormal demonstration of competencies
RecommendedAdmission test scores
Data not availableTOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language
RequiredOther Test (Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)
RecommendedOpen admission policy
NoDual credit
NoCredit for life experiences
NoAdvanced placement (AP) credits
YesOrientation program
YesDisabilities services
YesOff-campus study
YesROTC-Army
ROTC branch unit on campusROTC-Navy
ROTC branch unit at a cooperating host institutionROTC-Air Force
ROTC branch unit on campusStudy abroad
YesWeekend/evening college
YesStudent can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization
YesPreparation at another institution required
NoApproved by the state for initial certification or licensure of teacher
YesEntrance difficulty for transfer students
Data not availableGenerally accepts credits
YesAccept ACE recommendation for credit
YesPossible transfer
Fall, Spring