Purdue University vs Stony Brook: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for Purdue University and Stony Brook University, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Purdue University vs Stony Brook at a glance
Purdue University admits 49.9% of applicants and Stony Brook 49% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $14,851 at Purdue University and $18,902 at Stony Brook. Six-year graduation rates are 84% and 77.1%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- Purdue University admits 49.9% of applicants and Stony Brook 49%, so both are about equally selective.
- The average net price after grants is $14,851 a year at Purdue University and $18,902 at Stony Brook; Purdue University costs $4,051 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $6,147 at Purdue University and $13,938 at Stony Brook.
- 84% of students graduate within six years at Purdue University, against 77.1% at Stony Brook.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $80,082 for Purdue University and $83,232 for Stony Brook; Stony Brook is $3,150 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $18,750 at Purdue University and $18,500 at Stony Brook.
- Purdue University enrolls 44,503 students (small city) and Stony Brook 18,101 (large suburb).
Side by side
Purdue University and Stony Brook in numbers
The stronger figure in each cost and outcome row is in bold. Net price is what students who receive aid pay after grants; your own price depends on family income.
| Measure | Purdue University | Stony Brook |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 49.9% | 49% |
| Applicants | 59,436 | 38,826 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1200–1480 | 1330–1500 |
| ACT middle 50% | 27–34 | 29–33 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $14,851 | $18,902 |
| Tuition, in state | $9,992 | $10,931 |
| Tuition, out of state | $28,794 | $34,911 |
| Cost of attendance | $25,610 | $31,654 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $6,147 | $13,938 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $5,618 | $14,754 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $9,056 | $20,285 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $15,253 | $24,140 |
| Over $110,000 | $23,490 | $28,664 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 84% | 77.1% |
| First-year retention | 92.7% | 89.8% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $80,082 | $83,232 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $18,750 | $18,500 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $213 | $210 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 44,503 | 18,101 |
| Type | Public | Public |
| Setting | City: Small | Suburb: Large |
| Location | West Lafayette, IN | Stony Brook, NY |
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Bachelor's programs both offer
Purdue University reports 113 bachelor's programs and Stony Brook 63; 45 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about Purdue University vs Stony Brook
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into Purdue University or Stony Brook?
Stony Brook is harder to get into by acceptance rate: Purdue University admits 49.9% of applicants and Stony Brook admits 49%. Middle 50% SAT scores: Purdue University 1200–1480; Stony Brook 1330–1500.
Which is cheaper, Purdue University or Stony Brook?
Purdue University has the lower average net price after grants: $14,851 a year at Purdue University against $18,902 at Stony Brook. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $6,147 and $13,938. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do Purdue University or Stony Brook graduates earn more?
Stony Brook graduates earn more at the median: $80,082 ten years after entry for Purdue University and $83,232 for Stony Brook. Median federal debt at graduation is $18,750 and $18,500.
Which has a higher graduation rate, Purdue University or Stony Brook?
Purdue University does: 84% of Purdue University students graduate within six years, against 77.1% at Stony Brook.
How big are Purdue University and Stony Brook?
Purdue University has 44,503 students in West Lafayette, IN and Stony Brook has 18,101 students in Stony Brook, NY.