SUNY New Paltz vs Stony Brook

SUNY New Paltz and Stony Brook University, both esteemed institutions within the State University of New York system, offer distinct academic experiences. New Paltz, nestled in the scenic Hudson Valley, boasts a tight-knit community with a focus on liberal arts and teacher education. Stony Brook, situated on Long Island, stands out for its research prowess and comprehensive academic offerings, including a medical school and a hospital. While both universities share a commitment to academic excellence, they differ in acceptance rates, popular majors, student body demographics, and graduation rates. Explore our detailed comparison table to discover which university aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.

	State University of New York at New Paltz	Stony Brook University
Overview
Location	New Paltz, New York	Stony Brook, New York
Campus setting	Suburb: Large	Suburb: Large
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Public	Public
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	82.0%	89.0%
Common app member	Yes	No
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	46.1%	48.1%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $50 Graduate: $50	Undergraduate: $50 Graduate: $100
SAT range	1150 - 1318	1300 - 1480
ACT range	24 - 30	29 - 33
Students submitting SAT score	18.0%	37.0%
Students submitting ACT score	4.0%	6.0%
Total number of applicants	12,482	38,826
Total number of admissions given out	5,759	18,659
Admitted students who chose to enroll	1,133	3,416
Yield rate	19.7%	18.3%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Required
Recommendation letters	Required	Required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Not required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	In state: $27,387 Out of state: $37,297	In state: $34,187 Out of state: $52,107
Average net price	$15,318	$16,445
Tuition	In state: $7,070 Out of state: $16,980	In state: $7,070 Out of state: $24,990
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $9,494 Meal plan: $5,000	Room/dormitory: $9,908 Meal plan: $5,590
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	64.0% Average amount $10,509	73.0% Average amount $10,370
Students receiving federal student loan	50.0% Average amount $5,206	37.0% Average amount $4,942
Students taking out private loans	4.0% Average amount $13,431	3.0% Average amount $15,080

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	6,256 Men 36.5% Women 63.5%	17,999 Men 48.9% Women 51.1%
Graduate students	819 Men 31.5% Women 68.5%	8,609 Men 42.1% Women 57.9%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Moderate
Out-of-state students	2.8%	11.3%
International students	2.3%	13.3%
Campus local/setting	Suburb: Large	Suburb: Large
Dormitory capacity	3,198	10,420
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	New York New Jersey Connecticut Pennsylvania Mississippi	New York New Jersey Connecticut Pennsylvania Mississippi

Academics
Popular study areas	Education Business Visual & Performing Arts Health Professions Engineering	Health Professions Engineering Computer and Information Science Education Business
Students to faculty ratio	15:1	19:1
Institutional accreditation	Middle States Commission on Higher Education	Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Outcome
Graduation rate	73.3%	77.7%
Dropout rate	5.4%	7.8%
Transferred out	20.3%	13.4%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $62,136 Year 2: $68,219 Year 3: $77,593 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $63,207 Year 2: $51,607 Year 3: $70,694 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $49,261 Year 2: $58,221 Year 3: $68,967 Education, Other (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $56,776 Year 3: $64,432 Special Education and Teaching (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $56,173 Year 2: $56,979 Year 3: $60,594 Communication Disorders Sciences and Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $65,780 Year 2: $59,688 Year 3: $60,283 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $54,434 Year 2: $57,899 Year 3: $59,895 Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $35,718 Year 2: $43,128 Year 3: $55,591 Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $39,748 Year 2: $45,794 Year 3: $53,954 Marketing (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $47,928 Year 2: $39,508 Year 3: $53,925	Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $107,469 Year 2: $114,892 Year 3: $132,337 Dentistry (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $62,815 Year 2: $72,320 Year 3: $117,786 Educational Administration and Supervision (Graduate/Professional Certificates) Year 1: $112,109 Year 2: $101,964 Year 3: $110,440 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $106,682 Year 2: $105,661 Year 3: $107,071 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $73,837 Year 2: $76,170 Year 3: $96,347 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $84,511 Year 2: $85,898 Year 3: $90,858 Mechanical Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $72,326 Year 2: $69,577 Year 3: $80,624 Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $70,272 Year 2: $73,606 Year 3: $78,333 Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $78,983 Year 2: $76,460 Year 3: $77,989 Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $59,148 Year 2: $60,523 Year 3: $77,613

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences in location and campus environment between SUNY New Paltz and Stony Brook University?

SUNY New Paltz is located in a smaller, more historic town setting, offering a close-knit community feel with easy access to the Hudson Valley and outdoor recreational activities. Stony Brook University, on the other hand, is situated on Long Island, providing a more suburban environment with proximity to New York City and its associated cultural and professional opportunities. Stony Brook's campus is larger and more modern, while New Paltz has a blend of historic and contemporary architecture.
How do the academic programs compare at SUNY New Paltz and Stony Brook University?

Stony Brook University is generally considered to have a broader range of graduate programs and a stronger emphasis on research, particularly in STEM fields, medicine, and engineering. SUNY New Paltz excels in specific areas like art, education, and certain humanities programs. Both universities offer a wide variety of undergraduate programs, but the depth and breadth of graduate offerings differ significantly. Stony Brook also has a medical school, which New Paltz does not.
What is the cost of attendance like at SUNY New Paltz versus Stony Brook University?

The cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, room, and board, is generally comparable between the two institutions for in-state students. However, specific costs can vary depending on the chosen program, living arrangements, and individual financial aid packages. Out-of-state tuition is typically higher at both universities, and Stony Brook may have slightly higher overall costs due to its location and resources.
How would you describe the student life and extracurricular activities at SUNY New Paltz and Stony Brook University?

Student life at SUNY New Paltz is often characterized by a strong sense of community and a vibrant arts scene. The campus is known for its active student organizations, Greek life, and a focus on social events. Stony Brook offers a more diverse student body and a wider array of extracurricular activities, including a larger number of clubs, Division I athletics, and opportunities related to its proximity to New York City. Both universities provide a range of options for students to get involved.
What are the admission requirements and selectivity levels of SUNY New Paltz and Stony Brook University?

Stony Brook University is generally considered to be more selective than SUNY New Paltz. Admission requirements, including GPA and standardized test scores (though test-optional policies may be in place), tend to be higher at Stony Brook. Both universities consider a holistic review of applications, including academic performance, extracurricular activities, and essays. Prospective students should carefully review the specific requirements for each institution on their respective websites.
How do the career services and post-graduation outcomes differ between the two universities?

Both SUNY New Paltz and Stony Brook University offer career services to assist students with job searching, internships, and career planning. Stony Brook, due to its location and strong programs in STEM and healthcare, often has a wider network of connections with major employers in those fields. New Paltz graduates may find strong opportunities in the Hudson Valley region and in fields related to their specific programs, such as art and education. The specific outcomes will depend on the student's major and career goals.
Which university is better for students interested in research opportunities?

Stony Brook University is generally the stronger choice for students seeking extensive research opportunities. It has a larger research budget, more faculty engaged in research, and a wider range of research facilities, particularly in STEM fields. While SUNY New Paltz offers research opportunities, they are typically less extensive and focused on specific areas.
How does the size of the student body impact the college experience at each university?

Stony Brook University has a significantly larger student body than SUNY New Paltz. This can lead to a wider range of academic and social opportunities at Stony Brook, but it may also mean that students experience a less intimate campus environment. New Paltz, with its smaller size, often fosters a stronger sense of community and allows for more personalized interactions with faculty and staff.
Are there any specific programs or departments that are particularly strong at either SUNY New Paltz or Stony Brook University?

SUNY New Paltz is well-regarded for its art programs, education programs, and certain humanities departments. Stony Brook University is particularly strong in STEM fields (including engineering, computer science, and biology), medicine, and healthcare-related programs. Both universities have strong programs in various other areas, but these are some of the key areas of distinction.
How do the campus facilities and resources compare at SUNY New Paltz and Stony Brook University?

Stony Brook University generally has more extensive and modern campus facilities, including a larger library system, more advanced laboratories, and a wider range of recreational facilities. SUNY New Paltz has adequate facilities, but they are typically smaller and may not be as technologically advanced as those at Stony Brook. Both universities are continually investing in their facilities to enhance the student experience.

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