UConn vs Stony Brook: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for University of Connecticut and Stony Brook University, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
UConn vs Stony Brook at a glance
UConn admits 52.4% of applicants and Stony Brook 49% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $24,342 at UConn and $18,902 at Stony Brook. Six-year graduation rates are 83.5% and 77.1%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- UConn admits 52.4% of applicants and Stony Brook 49%, so Stony Brook is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $24,342 a year at UConn and $18,902 at Stony Brook; Stony Brook costs $5,440 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $13,649 at UConn and $13,938 at Stony Brook.
- 83.5% of students graduate within six years at UConn, against 77.1% at Stony Brook.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $82,098 for UConn and $83,232 for Stony Brook; Stony Brook is $1,134 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $20,313 at UConn and $18,500 at Stony Brook.
- UConn enrolls 19,835 students (large suburb) and Stony Brook 18,101 (large suburb).
Side by side
UConn 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 | UConn | Stony Brook |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 52.4% | 49% |
| Applicants | 36,753 | 38,826 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1210–1440 | 1330–1500 |
| ACT middle 50% | 28–33 | 29–33 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $24,342 | $18,902 |
| Tuition, in state | $21,334 | $10,931 |
| Tuition, out of state | $44,002 | $34,911 |
| Cost of attendance | $40,744 | $31,654 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $13,649 | $13,938 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $13,415 | $14,754 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $17,169 | $20,285 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $26,207 | $24,140 |
| Over $110,000 | $36,552 | $28,664 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 83.5% | 77.1% |
| First-year retention | 92.5% | 89.8% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $82,098 | $83,232 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $20,313 | $18,500 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $231 | $210 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 19,835 | 18,101 |
| Type | Public | Public |
| Setting | Suburb: Large | Suburb: Large |
| Location | Storrs, CT | 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
UConn reports 85 bachelor's programs and Stony Brook 63; 45 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about UConn vs Stony Brook
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into UConn or Stony Brook?
Stony Brook is harder to get into by acceptance rate: UConn admits 52.4% of applicants and Stony Brook admits 49%. Middle 50% SAT scores: UConn 1210–1440; Stony Brook 1330–1500.
Which is cheaper, UConn or Stony Brook?
Stony Brook has the lower average net price after grants: $24,342 a year at UConn against $18,902 at Stony Brook. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $13,649 and $13,938. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do UConn or Stony Brook graduates earn more?
Stony Brook graduates earn more at the median: $82,098 ten years after entry for UConn and $83,232 for Stony Brook. Median federal debt at graduation is $20,313 and $18,500.
Which has a higher graduation rate, UConn or Stony Brook?
UConn does: 83.5% of UConn students graduate within six years, against 77.1% at Stony Brook.
How big are UConn and Stony Brook?
UConn has 19,835 students in Storrs, CT and Stony Brook has 18,101 students in Stony Brook, NY.