Students at Stony Brook University achieve earnings that place the institution among the top 10% of public universities nationwide, with particularly strong outcomes for low-income students who see meaningful economic advancement.
The university's combination of broad access and exceptional mobility outcomes makes it a standout choice for students seeking both opportunity and results.
Stony Brook University delivers exceptional value as one of New York's premier public research institutions, combining strong academic programs with outstanding long-term financial outcomes for graduates. The university ranks in the top 10% nationally for earnings, with graduates earning a median of $74,502 ten years after enrollment—significantly higher than most public universities. What makes Stony Brook particularly compelling is its designation as a "Mobility Engine," meaning it successfully combines broad access with strong outcomes for students from all economic backgrounds.
Nearly 38% of students receive Pell Grants and 36% are first-generation college students, yet graduation rates remain strong at 78% overall. Low-income students earn a median of $61,300 ten years out, placing Stony Brook in the top tier nationally for economic mobility. The university's strength spans multiple fields, from its nationally recognized nursing and health sciences programs to engineering and computer science, all of which contribute to graduates earning substantially more than expected compared with similar institutions.
As a large research university on Long Island with close ties to New York City's job market, Stony Brook offers the resources and network reach of a major flagship while maintaining the accessibility that makes it a genuine pathway to economic advancement for students from diverse backgrounds.
Stony Brook's program portfolio reflects both breadth and strength across multiple high-return fields. Adult Health Nursing leads in aggregate economic impact, with 224 graduates earning a median of $85,898 and contributing nearly $19.2 million in total return. This program exemplifies Stony Brook's strength in health sciences, where graduates enter high-demand, well-compensated careers with strong job security and advancement potential.
Psychology represents the university's largest program by enrollment with 497 graduates, demonstrating Stony Brook's appeal as a comprehensive research university. While psychology shows more modest early-career earnings at $31,007, many graduates use this foundation for graduate school or pivot into related fields with stronger earning potential. Allied Health Diagnostic programs showcase the university's specialized strength, with just 39 graduates earning a robust $82,756 median income.
The range from high-earning health and allied health programs to larger foundational programs like psychology reflects Stony Brook's dual mission as both a career-focused institution and a research university. Students benefit from strong outcomes across this spectrum, with even lower-earning programs providing solid preparation for graduate study or career transitions that leverage Stony Brook's extensive alumni network throughout the New York region.
Stony Brook University graduates achieve strong long-term financial outcomes, with median earnings of $74,502 ten years after enrollment—placing the institution in the top 10% nationally for graduate earnings. Even more impressive is that graduates earn about $8,461 more than similar students at other institutions, demonstrating the university's ability to deliver earnings beyond expectations. This earnings advantage reflects both the quality of academic programs and the strength of career preparation across multiple fields.
The university's program portfolio drives much of this success. Adult Health Nursing stands out as the highest aggregate-return program, with 224 graduates earning a median of $85,898 and contributing nearly $19.2 million in total economic impact. Psychology represents the largest program by enrollment with 497 graduates, while Allied Health Diagnostic programs deliver some of the highest individual earnings at $82,756 median income. Even programs with more modest early earnings, like the biological sciences, benefit from Stony Brook's research reputation and graduate school preparation pathways.
Stony Brook's location on Long Island, with direct access to New York City's diverse economy, helps explain why graduates consistently outperform earnings expectations. The combination of strong academic preparation, extensive research opportunities, and proximity to one of the world's largest job markets creates multiple pathways for career advancement and salary growth over time.
Stony Brook University offers solid affordability, particularly for low- and middle-income families navigating the higher education landscape in New York. Low-income students pay a net price of $12,744 annually, which is reasonable for a research university of this caliber, while middle-income families see costs around $21,446 per year. Even high-income families pay $26,994, which remains competitive compared with private institutions offering similar academic quality and career outcomes.
Debt levels are manageable relative to the strong earnings graduates achieve. Typical federal student loan debt is $18,228, and with median graduate earnings of $74,502, most borrowers can handle standard repayment comfortably. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $20,300, reflecting families' willingness to invest in an institution with proven long-term returns. The university's 0% federal loan default rate indicates that graduates successfully manage their debt obligations, supported by strong career outcomes and earnings growth.
What makes Stony Brook particularly sustainable financially is the combination of reasonable upfront costs and strong post-graduation earning power. The university's loan repayment data shows that borrowers pay down balances faster than national averages, with nearly 10% achieving full payoff within the first year and over 23% reaching full payoff by year four—performance that ranks in the top 10% nationally for repayment success.
Stony Brook University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
