Pitt vs Stony Brook: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus and Stony Brook University, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Pitt vs Stony Brook at a glance
Pitt admits 58.1% of applicants and Stony Brook 49% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $29,362 at Pitt and $18,902 at Stony Brook. Six-year graduation rates are 85.8% and 77.1%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- Pitt admits 58.1% of applicants and Stony Brook 49%, so Stony Brook is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $29,362 a year at Pitt and $18,902 at Stony Brook; Stony Brook costs $10,460 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $16,477 at Pitt and $13,938 at Stony Brook.
- 85.8% of students graduate within six years at Pitt, against 77.1% at Stony Brook.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $73,113 for Pitt and $83,232 for Stony Brook; Stony Brook is $10,119 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $23,000 at Pitt and $18,500 at Stony Brook.
- Pitt enrolls 20,370 students (large city) and Stony Brook 18,101 (large suburb).
Side by side
Pitt 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 | Pitt | Stony Brook |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 58.1% | 49% |
| Applicants | 34,656 | 38,826 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1280–1460 | 1330–1500 |
| ACT middle 50% | 29–33 | 29–33 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $29,362 | $18,902 |
| Tuition, in state | $22,736 | $10,931 |
| Tuition, out of state | $43,432 | $34,911 |
| Cost of attendance | $38,719 | $31,654 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $16,477 | $13,938 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $15,485 | $14,754 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $19,080 | $20,285 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $28,146 | $24,140 |
| Over $110,000 | $35,864 | $28,664 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 85.8% | 77.1% |
| First-year retention | 92% | 89.8% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $73,113 | $83,232 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $23,000 | $18,500 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $261 | $210 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 20,370 | 18,101 |
| Type | Public | Public |
| Setting | City: Large | Suburb: Large |
| Location | Pittsburgh, PA | 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
Pitt reports 104 bachelor's programs and Stony Brook 63; 51 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about Pitt vs Stony Brook
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into Pitt or Stony Brook?
Stony Brook is harder to get into by acceptance rate: Pitt admits 58.1% of applicants and Stony Brook admits 49%. Middle 50% SAT scores: Pitt 1280–1460; Stony Brook 1330–1500.
Which is cheaper, Pitt or Stony Brook?
Stony Brook has the lower average net price after grants: $29,362 a year at Pitt against $18,902 at Stony Brook. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $16,477 and $13,938. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do Pitt or Stony Brook graduates earn more?
Stony Brook graduates earn more at the median: $73,113 ten years after entry for Pitt and $83,232 for Stony Brook. Median federal debt at graduation is $23,000 and $18,500.
Which has a higher graduation rate, Pitt or Stony Brook?
Pitt does: 85.8% of Pitt students graduate within six years, against 77.1% at Stony Brook.
How big are Pitt and Stony Brook?
Pitt has 20,370 students in Pittsburgh, PA and Stony Brook has 18,101 students in Stony Brook, NY.