Brandeis University vs. SUNY Stony Brook

Comparable Facts

Compare Brandeis University in Waltham, MA with Stony Brook University in Stony Brook, NY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Stony Brook University is larger than Brandeis University based on total student enrollment (26,689 students vs. 5,205 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Brandeis University is located in Waltham, MA (Small City setting); Stony Brook University is in Stony Brook, NY (Large Suburban setting).
• Brandeis University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Stony Brook University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Brandeis University 10:1; Stony Brook University 19:1.

Brandeis University vs. SUNY Stony Brook Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Brandeis University or SUNY Stony Brook? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Stony Brook University than Brandeis University ($20,992 vs. $43,550).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Stony Brook University are 8.8% lower than at Brandeis University ($18,196 vs. $19,944).
• Brandeis University is 522.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than SUNY Stony Brook (about $57,149 more per year; $68,080.00 vs. $10,931.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 107.9% higher at Brandeis University than at Stony Brook University (about $35,339 more per year; $68,080.00 vs. $32,741.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Stony Brook University than at Brandeis University (98% vs. 62%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Brandeis University students is 361.4% larger than aid received by Stony Brook University students ($42,841 vs. $9,285).

Brandeis University vs. SUNY Stony Brook Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Brandeis University or SUNY Stony Brook? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between SUNY Stony Brook and Brandeis University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Brandeis University (1460) is 40 points higher than at SUNY Stony Brook (1420).
• Incoming Brandeis University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (32 vs. 31 at SUNY Stony Brook).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Brandeis University 1390/1520; Stony Brook University 1330/1500.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Brandeis University 31/34; Stony Brook University 29/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Brandeis University - Test optional; SUNY Stony Brook - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: SUNY Stony Brook Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman SUNY Stony Brook students have a 0.1 point higher average high school GPA (3.94) than students at Brandeis University (3.84).
• SUNY Stony Brook has a higher acceptance rate (49%) than Brandeis University (40.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.3% at Brandeis University vs. 14.7% at SUNY Stony Brook.

Brandeis University vs. SUNY Stony Brook Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Brandeis University and SUNY Stony Brook? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Brandeis University's six-year graduation rate (91%) is higher than Stony Brook University's (67%).
• Graduates from Brandeis University earn a median of about $7,400 more per year than SUNY Stony Brook graduates about ten years after starting college ($66,700 vs. $59,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Stony Brook University graduates have a $8,000 lower median loan debt than Brandeis University graduates ($19,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, SUNY Stony Brook graduates have an estimated $83 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Brandeis University graduates ($196 vs. $279).
• More Brandeis University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former SUNY Stony Brook students, three years after graduation. (82% vs. 73%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.