College Comparison
Penn State vs Stony Brook University: Which is Better?
Side-by-side comparison of acceptance rates, SAT scores, tuition, earnings, and more, updated with the latest College Scorecard data.
School
Penn State
University Park, PA
School
Stony Brook University
Stony Brook, NY
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | Penn State | Stony Brook |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 54.2% | 49.0%wins |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1220–1400 | 1320–1490wins |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 27–32 | 28–33wins |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $40,188 | $30,350wins |
| Avg Net Price | $32,598 | $18,430wins |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $63,435 | $74,502wins |
| Graduation Rate | 85.7%wins | 77.8% |
| Retention Rate | 92.0%wins | 88.7% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 15:1wins | 19:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 41,862wins | 17,420 |
Verdict
Based on the data above, Stony Brook edges out Penn State on 6 of 10 measurable categories, including key factors like acceptance rate, earnings, and graduation rate. That said, the right choice depends heavily on your major, financial situation, and campus culture fit.
Penn State Strengths
- ✓Graduation Rate: 85.7%
- ✓Retention Rate: 92.0%
- ✓Student–Faculty Ratio: 15:1
- ✓Total Enrollment: 41,862
Stony Brook Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 49.0%
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1320–1490
- ✓ACT Range (25th–75th): 28–33
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $30,350
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