College Comparison
Stony Brook University vs University of South Carolina-Columbia: Which is Better?
Side-by-side comparison of acceptance rates, SAT scores, tuition, earnings, and more, updated with the latest College Scorecard data.
School
Stony Brook University
Stony Brook, NY
School
University of South Carolina-Columbia
Columbia, SC
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | Stony Brook | South Carolina |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 49.0%wins | 61.5% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1320–1490wins | 1180–1380 |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 28–33wins | 26–32 |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $30,350wins | $34,934 |
| Avg Net Price | $18,430wins | $24,532 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $74,502wins | $62,177 |
| Graduation Rate | 77.8%wins | 77.8% |
| Retention Rate | 88.7% | 90.7%wins |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 19:1 | 18:1wins |
| Total Enrollment | 17,420 | 28,113wins |
Verdict
Based on the data above, Stony Brook edges out South Carolina on 7 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.
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
South Carolina Strengths
- ✓Retention Rate: 90.7%
- ✓Student–Faculty Ratio: 18:1
- ✓Total Enrollment: 28,113
Want a deeper comparison?
Our interactive compare tool lets you add more schools, filter by major, and see financial aid breakdowns by income level.