Stony Brook vs University of Massachusetts-Amherst (UMass)

Stony Brook University and University of Massachusetts-Amherst, both esteemed public research universities, offer distinct academic experiences and opportunities. Stony Brook, located on Long Island, boasts a lower acceptance rate and a more diverse student body, while UMass-Amherst, nestled in the Pioneer Valley, offers a wider range of undergraduate majors and a higher graduation rate. Explore our comprehensive comparison table to delve into the specifics of each university, including acceptance rates, popular majors, student demographics, and graduation outcomes, to help you make an informed decision about your higher education journey.

	Stony Brook University	University of Massachusetts-Amherst
Overview
Location	Stony Brook, New York	Amherst, Massachusetts
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	89.0%	91.0%
Common app member	No	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	48.1%	65.5%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $50 Graduate: $100	Undergraduate: $85 Graduate: $85
SAT range	1300 - 1480	1250 - 1460
ACT range	29 - 33	28 - 33
Students submitting SAT score	37.0%	26.0%
Students submitting ACT score	6.0%	5.0%
Total number of applicants	38,826	42,540
Total number of admissions given out	18,659	27,877
Admitted students who chose to enroll	3,416	4,872
Yield rate	18.3%	17.5%
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)	Required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	In state: $34,187 Out of state: $52,107	In state: $32,434 Out of state: $52,959
Average net price	$16,445	$17,291
Tuition	In state: $7,070 Out of state: $24,990	In state: $15,791 Out of state: $36,316
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $9,908 Meal plan: $5,590	Room/dormitory: $7,611 Meal plan: $5,984
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	73.0% Average amount $10,370	86.0% Average amount $10,662
Students receiving federal student loan	37.0% Average amount $4,942	39.0% Average amount $5,123
Students taking out private loans	3.0% Average amount $15,080	7.0% Average amount $15,924

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	17,999 Men 48.9% Women 51.1%	24,231 Men 48.8% Women 51.2%
Graduate students	8,609 Men 42.1% Women 57.9%	7,814 Men 47.9% Women 52.1%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Moderate	Low
Out-of-state students	11.3%	N/A
International students	13.3%	11.1%
Campus local/setting	Suburb: Large	Suburb: Large
Dormitory capacity	10,420	13,582
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 California New Hampshire

Academics
Popular study areas	Health Professions Engineering Computer and Information Science Education Business	Business Engineering Health Professions Multidisciplinary Studies Computer and Information Science
Students to faculty ratio	19:1	18:1
Institutional accreditation	Middle States Commission on Higher Education	New England Commission on Higher Education

Outcome
Graduation rate	77.7%	83.7%
Dropout rate	7.8%	5.1%
Transferred out	13.4%	10.5%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	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	Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $112,236 Year 2: $99,741 Year 3: $118,959 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $97,497 Year 2: $97,071 Year 3: $105,578 Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $79,216 Year 2: $78,232 Year 3: $95,030 Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $71,683 Year 2: $75,518 Year 3: $94,055 Education, General (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $71,391 Year 2: $76,460 Year 3: $79,970 Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $65,906 Year 2: $67,202 Year 3: $79,007 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $72,222 Year 2: $69,338 Year 3: $76,636 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $68,607 Year 2: $68,647 Year 3: $74,913 Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $66,719 Year 2: $65,594 Year 3: $74,578 Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $62,571 Year 2: $63,646 Year 3: $73,746

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key differences in location and campus environment between Stony Brook University and University of Massachusetts-Amherst?

Stony Brook University is located on Long Island, New York, offering proximity to New York City while maintaining a suburban feel. The campus is relatively modern and sprawling. University of Massachusetts-Amherst is situated in the Pioneer Valley of Massachusetts, providing a quintessential New England college town experience. The campus is larger, with a mix of historic and modern architecture, and is surrounded by a more rural environment.
How do the academic programs compare at Stony Brook University and UMass Amherst?

Both universities offer a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. Stony Brook is particularly strong in STEM fields, including medicine, engineering, and computer science, and is known for its research focus. UMass Amherst also excels in STEM, with notable programs in engineering, computer science, and the sciences, and has strong programs in the humanities, social sciences, and business. UMass Amherst also has a well-regarded hospitality and tourism management program.
What is the cost of attendance like at Stony Brook University versus UMass Amherst?

Generally, Stony Brook University is more affordable for in-state students due to its status as a State University of New York (SUNY) school. Out-of-state tuition at Stony Brook is also often competitive. UMass Amherst, as a public university in Massachusetts, offers lower tuition for in-state residents. Out-of-state tuition at UMass Amherst is comparable to Stony Brook. However, costs can vary depending on financial aid and specific program fees. It's best to check the official university websites for the most up-to-date information.
How does the student life and campus culture differ between Stony Brook and UMass Amherst?

Stony Brook has a diverse student body and a vibrant campus life, with a strong emphasis on research and academic pursuits. The campus offers a variety of student organizations, clubs, and Division I athletics. UMass Amherst is known for its lively campus culture, with a strong sense of community and school spirit. It has a large student population, a wide array of student activities, and a significant presence in Division I athletics, particularly in basketball and football. UMass Amherst also has a more established Greek life presence.
What are the research opportunities like at Stony Brook and UMass Amherst?

Both universities are research-intensive institutions. Stony Brook University is a major research university with numerous research centers and institutes, providing ample opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students to participate in research projects, particularly in STEM fields. UMass Amherst is also a leading research institution, with significant research funding and opportunities across various disciplines, including STEM, humanities, and social sciences. Both universities offer research grants and support for student researchers.
How do the career services and alumni networks compare at Stony Brook and UMass Amherst?

Both universities provide robust career services to assist students with internships, job searches, and career planning. Stony Brook benefits from its proximity to New York City, offering access to a wide range of internship and job opportunities. UMass Amherst has a strong alumni network, particularly in the Northeast, which can be a valuable resource for career development. Both universities host career fairs and offer career counseling services.
Which university is better for students interested in a specific field, such as engineering or business?

For engineering, both universities have strong programs. Stony Brook is particularly well-regarded for its engineering programs, especially in areas like computer engineering and electrical engineering. UMass Amherst's engineering programs are also highly ranked and offer a wide range of specializations. For business, UMass Amherst's Isenberg School of Management is highly ranked and well-regarded. Stony Brook also offers business programs, but UMass Amherst's Isenberg School is generally considered to have a stronger reputation.
What are the housing options like at Stony Brook and UMass Amherst?

Both universities offer a variety of on-campus housing options, including traditional dorms, suites, and apartments. Stony Brook has a mix of older and newer residence halls. UMass Amherst has a large residential system with a variety of housing styles, including traditional dorms, suites, and apartment-style living. Both universities typically require first-year students to live on campus.
How accessible are the campuses for students with disabilities?

Both Stony Brook University and UMass Amherst are committed to providing accessible campuses for students with disabilities. Both universities have resources and services to support students with disabilities, including accommodations, assistive technology, and accessible facilities. It's recommended to contact the respective disability services offices for specific information about accessibility features and support services.
How do the athletic programs compare at Stony Brook and UMass Amherst?

Both universities have Division I athletic programs. UMass Amherst has a more prominent athletic presence, particularly in football and basketball, with a larger fan base and more nationally recognized teams. Stony Brook also has competitive athletic programs, with a growing presence in various sports. Both universities offer a range of sports for students to participate in and support.

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