Stony Brook University: Student Population And Campus Life

how many students attend stony brook university

Stony Brook University is a higher education institution located in Suffolk County, New York. It is one of New York State's flagship universities and has been ranked as the #1 public university in New York. In 2024, Stony Brook University welcomed its largest-ever incoming class of first-year students in its 67-year history, with a total of 4,042 new first-year students and 1,334 new transfer students. The university has a total undergraduate enrollment of 17,549 students, with a gender distribution of 49% male and 51% female. Overall, Stony Brook University has nearly 26,000 students, including graduate students, and offers a wide range of academic programs and support services to its diverse student body.

Characteristics Values
Total number of students Nearly 26,000
Undergraduate enrollment 17,549 (Fall 2023)
First-year student enrollment (Fall 2024) 4,042
Gender distribution 49.0% male, 51.0% female
Housing 52% on-campus, 48% off-campus
Median undergraduate tuition (2023) $7,070
Average net price (2023) $18,601
Percentage of students receiving financial aid through grants (2023) 65%
Percentage of students receiving financial aid through loans (2023) 36%
Most common Bachelor's Degree concentrations (2023) General Psychology, General Biological Sciences, General Business Administration & Management

shunstudent

Stony Brook University has over 25,000 students enrolled

Stony Brook University, a public research university located in Suffolk County, New York, has over 25,000 students enrolled. It is the largest single-site employer on Long Island, with over 15,000 employees and more than 2,800 faculty members. The university's student body is diverse, with a notable increase in the enrollment of Black and Latinx students in recent years. In 2021, there were more Asian American undergraduate students than White American students, a first in the university's history.

Stony Brook University offers a range of academic programs and is known for its research-intensive environment. The university has a strong commitment to accessibility and diversity, with one of the highest percentages of Pell-eligible students among public universities. It also leads the SUNY system in the number of Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) applications, supporting students facing financial and academic barriers.

The university's main campus offers various student activities and events, including Strawberry Fest, Diversity Day, the Roth Pond Regatta, and annual concerts. Stony Brook University's athletic teams compete at the Division I level of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and are a part of the Coastal Athletic Association.

In recent years, Stony Brook University has experienced a significant increase in its ranking among national universities. It has risen in the U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings and is recognised as a world-class academic institution. The university prioritises enhancements to the student experience, offering support services such as faculty engagement, professional advising, and mental health resources.

shunstudent

Stony Brook University's undergraduate enrollment

Stony Brook University, a part of the State University of New York (SUNY) system, has seen a steady rise in its undergraduate enrollment numbers over the years. In 2023, the university had a total undergraduate enrollment of 17,549 students, with a nearly equal gender distribution of 49% male and 51% female students. This number represents a significant increase from the previous year's enrollment, as the university welcomed its largest-ever incoming class of first-year students in 2024, with a 13% increase in first-year undergraduate student enrollment. Stony Brook received 4,042 new first-year students in the fall of 2024, compared to 3,569 in the previous year.

The university's undergraduate enrollment growth is a testament to its rising reputation as a world-class academic institution that prioritizes accessibility, diversity, and an enhanced student experience. Stony Brook University has also seen an increase in the enrollment of students who identify as Black or Latinx, with a notable rise from 364 (10.2%) in 2023 to 433 (10.7%) in 2024 for Black students, and from 496 (13.9%) to 633 (15.7%) for Latinx students during the same period.

In addition to its diverse student body, Stony Brook University offers a range of undergraduate programs that attract students from various backgrounds. The most popular Bachelor's Degree concentrations at the university include General Psychology, with 616 degrees awarded, followed by General Biological Sciences with 522 degrees, and General Business Administration & Management with 493 degrees. The university also has a strong focus on research and innovation, with a Research & Development Park adjacent to its main campus and partnerships with entities like Battelle to co-manage research facilities.

The cost of attendance is an important consideration for prospective undergraduate students at Stony Brook University. In 2023, the median undergraduate tuition was $7,070, significantly lower than the national average for Doctoral Universities. Additionally, 65% of undergraduate students received financial aid through grants, and 36% through loans. The average net price, after factoring in grants and loans, was $18,601 for the same year.

shunstudent

The university's ranking improvements

Stony Brook University, State University of New York, is one of New York State's four universities, located in Long Island, 60 miles from New York City. It is a public research institution with a sea and space grant and is a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities. Stony Brook is also one of only ten universities recognised by the National Science Foundation for its combination of research and undergraduate study.

The university has seen significant improvements in its rankings in recent years. In the U.S. News & World Report 2023 Best Colleges ranking, Stony Brook University moved up 16 places to #77 among national universities and #31 among public universities. This was the highest ranking Stony Brook had achieved in the history of the publication. The university's ranking improvements can be attributed to several factors, including its commitment to academic research and intellectual endeavours, its distinguished faculty, and its dedication to addressing global challenges.

Stony Brook's membership in the Association of American Universities (AAU) places it among the top 65 research institutions in North America. The university fosters a strong culture of research and innovation, as evidenced by its co-management of the Brookhaven National Laboratory for the U.S. Department of Energy. This responsibility sets Stony Brook apart, as one of only eight universities with a role in running a national laboratory. The university's research capabilities are further enhanced by its Advanced Energy Research and Technology Center, which facilitates partnerships between academia, research institutions, energy providers, and industrial corporations.

Stony Brook University's distinguished faculty have also contributed to its ranking improvements. The university's faculty members have garnered esteemed awards, including the Nobel Prize, Pulitzer Prize, Indianapolis Prize for animal conservation, Abel Prize, and the inaugural Breakthrough Prize in Mathematics. This calibre of faculty attracts high-achieving students and enhances the university's reputation.

Additionally, Stony Brook University's dedication to addressing global challenges has gained recognition. With nearly 26,000 students and over 2,800 faculty members, Stony Brook is a research-intensive centre of innovation. The university's premier academic health centre and 18 NCAA Division I athletic programs further showcase its commitment to excellence. Stony Brook's total undergraduate enrolment of 17,549 students (as of fall 2023) contributes to a vibrant and diverse campus community.

In summary, Stony Brook University's ranking improvements can be attributed to its strong research focus, distinguished faculty, and dedication to addressing global challenges. The university's commitment to academic excellence and innovation has been recognised through its rising rankings, solidifying its position as a leading public institution in New York and the nation.

shunstudent

Stony Brook University's first-year student enrollment increase

Stony Brook University has seen a significant increase in its ranking in the U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings, jumping 16 places to #77 among national universities and seven places to #31 among public universities. This is the highest ranking Stony Brook has ever achieved. Stony Brook University has a total undergraduate enrollment of 17,549 as of Fall 2023, with a nearly equal gender distribution of 49% male students and 51% female students. The university has over 25,500 students enrolled, with over 15,000 employees and more than 2,850 faculty members.

In 2024, Stony Brook University welcomed its largest-ever incoming class of first-year students in its more than 66-year history, with a 13% increase in first-year undergraduate student enrollment. The total number of new first-year students attending Stony Brook for the Fall 2024 term was 4,042, compared to 3,569 in Fall 2023. Stony Brook also saw an increase in the enrollment of first-time students who identified as Black or Latinx, with those who identified as Black increasing from 364 (10.2% of the incoming class) in Fall 2023 to 433 (10.7% of the incoming class) in Fall 2024, and those who identified as Latinx increasing from 496 (13.9%) in Fall 2023 to 633 (15.7%) in Fall 2024. This represents an increase of more than 200 Black and Latinx students over the previous year.

Stony Brook University's rise in the rankings and its ability to attract a diverse range of students are a testament to its reputation as a world-class academic institution. The university prioritizes enhancements to the student experience, both inside and outside the classroom, through faculty engagement, professional advising, mental health support, and other support services. The university's commitment to accessibility and diversity is further demonstrated by its high percentage of Pell-eligible students among public universities and its leadership in the SUNY system for Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) applications. The EOP program supports promising New York students facing financial and academic barriers in attending and graduating from a SUNY college.

Stony Brook University's annual traditions, such as Wolfieland, a carnival held during September, and Wolfstock, the annual Homecoming celebration in October, also contribute to the vibrant student life on campus. With its growing and diverse student body, expanding research enterprise, and research achievements, Stony Brook University exemplifies the most important developments in modern American higher education.

shunstudent

Stony Brook University's tuition and fees

Stony Brook University is a public research university with nearly 26,000 students, including approximately 17,500 undergraduates. The cost of attendance is calculated for one year of attendance and is based on direct and indirect costs. Direct costs are charges paid directly to the university and include tuition, fees, room, and board (if living on campus). Indirect costs are not paid directly to the university and include books, supplies, transportation, and personal expenses.

Tuition fees at Stony Brook University are set annually by the State University of New York (SUNY) and are subject to change following regulations from the state of New York, SUNY, and Stony Brook University. The tuition and fees for the 2024-2025 academic year are estimated to be effective from August 2024 and may vary based on the program of study. While the exact figures for this academic year are not readily available, the following provides a breakdown of the fees as outlined on the Stony Brook University website:

Fees:

  • College Fee
  • Health Services Fee
  • Graduate Activity Fee
  • Technology Fee
  • Academic Excellence & Success Fee
  • Transportation Fee

In addition to the fees outlined above, there are other costs associated with attending Stony Brook University. For example, all full-time domestic students are automatically billed for the University Health Insurance Plan at the beginning of each semester, with the cost varying depending on the semester. As of Fall 2024, the cost of this insurance is $2,336.29. Additionally, students who live on campus and are in their first or second semester are required to enroll in a Resident Meal Plan and will be billed for the full semester cost of the plan they select.

It is important to note that students who already have comparable health insurance coverage may be able to waive the required insurance by completing an online waiver. Furthermore, a late fee of up to $50 per month may be charged if the semester bill remains unpaid or is not deferred by financial aid.

Frequently asked questions

As of Fall 2023, there were 17,549 undergraduate students enrolled at Stony Brook University. In Fall 2024, the university welcomed 4,042 new first-year students, the largest incoming class in its history. In total, Stony Brook University has nearly 26,000 students and is the largest single-site employer on Long Island.

52% of Stony Brook University students live in college-owned, -operated, or -affiliated housing, while 48% live off campus.

The gender distribution at Stony Brook University is fairly balanced, with 49% male students and 51% female students.

In 2021, there were more Asian American undergraduate students than White American students at Stony Brook University for the first time in the university's history. The university also has a significant number of international students, with half hailing from China, 18% from India, and 10% from South Korea.

Stony Brook University has risen in the U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings in recent years, moving from #93 in 2022 to #58 in 2024 and 2025. It is ranked as the #1 public university in New York for the third year in a row and is one of the top 30 public universities in the nation.

Written by
Reviewed by
Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment