Stony Brook University publishes a cost of attendance of $29,174 per year, encompassing $30,350 in out-of-state tuition (or $10,560 for New York residents), $17,662 for room and board, and $900 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays significantly less after financial aid, with a net price of $18,430 representing $10,744 in financial aid savings.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $29,174 |
| Tuition and Fees | $30,350 |
| Room and Board | $17,662 |
| Books and Supplies | $900 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$10,744 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $18,430 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $12,744 |
| $30–48k | $15,813 |
| $48–75k | $21,446 |
| $75–110k | $24,158 |
| $110k+ | $26,994 |
Stony Brook University publishes a cost of attendance of $29,174 per year, encompassing $30,350 in out-of-state tuition (or $10,560 for New York residents), $17,662 for room and board, and $900 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays significantly less after financial aid, with a net price of $18,430 representing $10,744 in financial aid savings. This net price sits $2,840 below the peer median of $15,590, indicating strong affordability relative to comparable institutions.
The gap between sticker price and actual cost demonstrates Stony Brook's substantial financial aid commitment, with most students receiving meaningful assistance. Net prices vary considerably by family income, ranging from $12,744 for the lowest-income families to $26,994 for the highest-income families, creating a progressive pricing structure that supports access across economic backgrounds. As a public institution, Stony Brook provides particularly strong value for New York residents through reduced in-state tuition rates.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
Stony Brook graduates manage debt levels effectively, with median borrowing of $18,228 ranking in the 79.0th percentile nationally. This represents $1,772 less than the peer median debt of $20,000, indicating controlled borrowing relative to comparable institutions.
Debt distribution shows the 25th percentile owing $7,500 and the 75th percentile owing $25,000, reflecting varied financial circumstances and borrowing decisions among students. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.24 indicates that graduates earn approximately $4 for every dollar of debt, suggesting sustainable repayment capacity.
Parent PLUS borrowers take median debt of $20,300 with monthly payments of $267, providing additional context for family financing strategies. The combination of below-peer debt levels and above-peer earnings creates favorable conditions for post-graduation financial stability, supporting both immediate financial wellness and long-term economic mobility for graduates.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Stony Brook represents a strong educational investment based on the relationship between costs, debt, and outcomes. Graduates earn $8,461 beyond expectations relative to similar students, ranking at the 82.9th percentile for value-added performance.
With median earnings of $74,502 compared to a peer median of $60,543, graduates earn $13,959 more annually while borrowing $1,772 less than peers. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.24 indicates manageable repayment obligations relative to earning capacity.
Net prices below peer medians combined with earnings significantly above peer levels create exceptional value proposition. The progressive aid structure ensures affordability across income levels while strong employment outcomes justify the educational investment.
Stony Brook's financial aid approach prioritizes access for students from diverse economic backgrounds. With 38.4% of students receiving Pell grants, the university serves a substantial population of lower-income students, well above many selective institutions.
The $10,744 average financial aid savings reduces costs by 37% from the published price, indicating comprehensive aid packaging. The progressive net price structure, with lowest-income students paying less than half of what highest-income students pay, reflects targeted assistance toward those with greatest financial need.
This aid philosophy aligns with Stony Brook's role as a public institution committed to educational access, enabling strong enrollment of first-generation students (36.1%) and students from lower-income backgrounds. The substantial aid commitment helps explain how Stony Brook achieves both selective academic standards and diverse student enrollment.
