Stony Brook vs Florida State

Stony Brook University and Florida State University, both esteemed institutions of higher learning, offer distinct academic experiences and vibrant campus life. Stony Brook, situated in the heart of Long Island, New York, boasts a diverse student body and a strong focus on research, while Florida State, nestled in the vibrant city of Tallahassee, Florida, is known for its robust athletics program and its commitment to undergraduate education. With Stony Brook's acceptance rate hovering around 44% and Florida State's at 37%, both universities offer competitive admissions. Explore the detailed comparison table below to delve into further distinctions, including popular majors, student demographics, graduation rates, and more, to help you make an informed decision about your academic journey.

	Florida State University	Stony Brook University
Overview
Location	Tallahassee, Florida	Stony Brook, New York
Campus setting	City: Midsize	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	94.0%	89.0%
Common app member	Yes	No
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	37.1%	48.1%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $30 Graduate: $30	Undergraduate: $50 Graduate: $100
SAT range	1180 - 1340	1300 - 1480
ACT range	26 - 30	29 - 33
Students submitting SAT score	65.0%	37.0%
Students submitting ACT score	36.0%	6.0%
Total number of applicants	65,235	38,826
Total number of admissions given out	24,183	18,659
Admitted students who chose to enroll	7,619	3,416
Yield rate	31.5%	18.3%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Required
Recommendation letters	Not required	Required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	In state: $23,476 Out of state: $36,606	In state: $34,187 Out of state: $52,107
Average net price	$12,684	$16,445
Tuition	In state: $4,022 Out of state: $16,540	In state: $7,070 Out of state: $24,990
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $7,020 Meal plan: $4,856	Room/dormitory: $9,908 Meal plan: $5,590
Available payment plans	Prepaid tuition plan Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	94.0% Average amount $10,620	73.0% Average amount $10,370
Students receiving federal student loan	19.0% Average amount $4,996	37.0% Average amount $4,942
Students taking out private loans	2.0% Average amount $13,430	3.0% Average amount $15,080

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	33,593 Men 42.9% Women 57.1%	17,999 Men 48.9% Women 51.1%
Graduate students	11,537 Men 38.4% Women 61.6%	8,609 Men 42.1% Women 57.9%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Moderate
Out-of-state students	15.7%	11.3%
International students	4.2%	13.3%
Campus local/setting	City: Midsize	Suburb: Large
Dormitory capacity	6,709	10,420
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Florida Georgia New Jersey New York Illinois	New York New Jersey Connecticut Pennsylvania Mississippi

Academics
Popular study areas	Health Professions Business Education Visual & Performing Arts Legal Profession	Health Professions Engineering Computer and Information Science Education Business
Students to faculty ratio	22:1	19:1
Institutional accreditation	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges	Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Outcome
Graduation rate	83.2%	77.7%
Dropout rate	10.9%	7.8%
Transferred out	5.3%	13.4%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $86,926 Year 2: $92,632 Year 3: $102,429 Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $62,442 Year 2: $71,015 Year 3: $89,448 Chemical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $66,610 Year 2: $68,305 Year 3: $78,263 Business/Commerce, General (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $64,971 Year 2: $69,338 Year 3: $78,057 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $84,179 Year 2: $83,177 Year 3: $77,718 Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $78,794 Year 2: $74,576 Year 3: $77,527 Finance and Financial Management Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $64,567 Year 2: $61,516 Year 3: $75,845 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $69,881 Year 2: $68,918 Year 3: $74,476 Chemistry (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: N/A Year 3: $74,364 Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $63,216 Year 2: $60,325 Year 3: $72,686	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 between Stony Brook University and Florida State University?

Stony Brook University (SBU) is a public research university located in Stony Brook, New York, known for its strong STEM programs and proximity to New York City. Florida State University (FSU) is a public research university in Tallahassee, Florida, recognized for its programs in arts, humanities, and social sciences, as well as its vibrant campus life and strong athletic programs. SBU offers a more academically focused environment with a strong emphasis on research, while FSU provides a more well-rounded college experience with a greater emphasis on student life and athletics.
Which university is better for STEM fields?

Stony Brook University generally has a stronger reputation for STEM fields, particularly in areas like mathematics, physics, computer science, and engineering. It benefits from its location near research institutions and industries in the New York metropolitan area. FSU also offers strong STEM programs, but SBU tends to be more highly ranked and research-intensive in these areas.
Which university is better for arts, humanities, and social sciences?

Florida State University is often considered stronger in arts, humanities, and social sciences. FSU has renowned programs in film, creative writing, music, and political science. While Stony Brook also offers these programs, FSU's programs often have a higher national profile and more extensive resources.
How do the tuition costs compare between Stony Brook University and Florida State University?

Tuition costs vary depending on residency. Generally, Stony Brook University's tuition for out-of-state students is higher than Florida State University's out-of-state tuition. However, in-state tuition at Stony Brook is lower than out-of-state. Florida State University offers lower in-state tuition compared to Stony Brook's out-of-state tuition. Always check the universities' official websites for the most up-to-date tuition and fee information.
What is the campus environment like at Stony Brook University versus Florida State University?

Stony Brook University has a more academically focused and research-oriented campus environment. It's located in a suburban setting on Long Island, offering a quieter atmosphere. Florida State University has a more vibrant and spirited campus environment with a strong emphasis on student life, clubs, and athletics. It's located in Tallahassee, a college town, providing a more traditional college experience.
How do the acceptance rates compare between Stony Brook University and Florida State University?

Both universities are selective, but acceptance rates can fluctuate. Generally, Stony Brook University's acceptance rate is slightly lower than Florida State University's, making it marginally more competitive to get into. Check the latest official statistics from each university for the most accurate information.
What are the research opportunities like at each university?

Both Stony Brook University and Florida State University are research universities with ample opportunities for students to get involved in research. Stony Brook University, being a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), has a strong emphasis on research across various disciplines, particularly in STEM. Florida State University also offers extensive research opportunities, especially in areas like marine biology, physics, and social sciences. Students should explore specific departments and faculty to find research opportunities that align with their interests.
Which university has better athletic programs?

Florida State University generally has a higher profile athletic program, particularly in football. FSU competes in the NCAA Division I Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), which is a Power Five conference. Stony Brook University competes in NCAA Division I, but its athletic programs are not as nationally recognized as FSU's. If athletics are a significant factor in your college decision, FSU might be a better fit.
How does the location of each university impact student life and opportunities?

Stony Brook University's location on Long Island provides access to New York City, offering opportunities for internships, cultural experiences, and entertainment. However, it also means a higher cost of living. Florida State University's location in Tallahassee offers a more traditional college town experience with a lower cost of living and a strong sense of community. The proximity to state government also provides internship opportunities in political science and related fields.
What are the career prospects like after graduating from Stony Brook University versus Florida State University?

Career prospects depend heavily on your major and career goals. Stony Brook University graduates often find opportunities in STEM-related industries in the New York metropolitan area. Florida State University graduates find opportunities in a wider range of fields, including government, arts, and business, particularly in the Southeast region. Both universities have career services to assist students with job placement.

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