Stony Brook University is a flagship public research university in New York, part of the AAU, offering over 300 programs with strengths in STEM and medicine. It provides a high-quality education with significant research opportunities and a large international student community, located conveniently near New York City.
Stony Brook University is a flagship public research university of the State University of New York (SUNY) system, located on Long Island's North Shore approximately 60 miles east of Manhattan. Founded in 1957, it is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU) and consistently ranks among the top 60 US national universities. With over 27,000 students from 120+ countries, SBU offers more than 200 undergraduate and 100+ graduate programs with particular strengths in STEM, medicine, and quantitative sciences.
Stony Brook's sprawling 1,039-acre campus features 33 residence halls and apartment buildings housing 10,500+ students, a student union, fitness centres, an athletics complex, and the Staller Center for the Arts. Over 300 clubs and organisations are active. The surrounding area offers beaches, nature reserves, and Long Island's wine country. New York City is accessible by the Long Island Rail Road in about 90 minutes, giving students access to world-class culture, internships, and career opportunities.
Tuition rates are subject to annual review by the SUNY Board of Trustees. Health insurance, books, and personal expenses add approximately USD 2,000–3,000 per year. Financial aid is available for eligible students.
Stony Brook University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). The Mechanical Engineering curriculum is ABET accredited. Medical programmes hold LCME and relevant professional accreditations.
International students primarily enter on the F-1 visa, which requires enrolment at a SEVP-certified institution. Before the visa interview the school issues a Form I-20 — a certificate of eligibility — for which a Designated School Official must verify documented funds covering tuition, living expenses and travel for the first year, plus a reliable source for subsequent years. The financial evidence must be specific and from an identified source.
F-1 students may work on campus up to 20 hours per week while classes are in session and full-time during official breaks, with no separate authorization needed. Off-campus work is generally not permitted in the first academic year. After one academic year in good standing, students may use Curricular Practical Training (CPT) for paid work that is an integral part of the curriculum, authorized by the school; other off-campus work requires an approved Employment Authorization Document from USCIS.
After completing a degree, F-1 students may apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) — up to 12 months of work authorization in a related field — by filing Form I-765 and receiving an EAD before starting work. Graduates of a degree on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List may apply for a 24-month STEM OPT extension, for up to 36 months total. The extension requires an E-Verify employer and a qualifying STEM degree earned within the previous ten years.
Approximate all-in student budget; major cities run higher.
Stony Brook University offers undergraduate and graduate programs in Accounting designed to prepare students for a successful career in the field, including pathways to becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). The demand for accountants and auditors is projected to grow, making it a desirable and stable profession with competitive salaries. The programs provide a strong foundation in financial reporting, taxation, auditing, and managerial accounting, complemented by essential business analytics, finance, and operations coursework. To become a CPA in New York and many other states, a total of 150 credit hours are required, which exceeds the standard undergraduate degree. To meet this requirement and prepare for the CPA exam, Stony Brook offers graduate pathways such as the MBA in Accounting and the MS in Accounting and Analytics. These programs ensure students gain the necessary credit hours and specialized knowledge for professional certification and career advancement.
Stony Brook University's Department of Mathematics offers opportunities for advanced study and research across a wide spectrum of mathematical disciplines. The program focuses on fostering in-depth understanding and contributing to the forefront of mathematical knowledge. Students engage with faculty whose research spans numerous active areas, encouraging intellectual growth and the development of strong analytical skills. The department is committed to providing a rigorous academic environment for aspiring mathematicians.
Stony Brook University offers an online Advanced Graduate Certificate in Coaching designed to prepare students for New York State athletic coaching certification. The program comprises three graduate-level courses approved by the New York State Education Department (NYSED), supplemented by three additional advanced courses. These advanced courses explore a wide range of concepts and issues relevant to contemporary coaching within educational settings. Subject areas covered include learning theories, social and psychological issues in sports, organizational and administrative principles, kinesthetic theories, injury care, and exercise and nutrition. Students seeking coaching certification must complete at least the three NYSED-approved courses, with further requirements detailed on the NYSED website.
The Advanced Graduate Certificate (AGC) in Higher Education Administration at Stony Brook University is an 18-credit program designed for professionals seeking a focused credential to advance their careers in higher education and student affairs. It provides a strong foundation in the core principles of the field and allows for exploration of specialized topics through elective courses. This certificate can serve as a stepping stone for those considering a future master's degree, as all AGC courses can be applied towards the Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration.
Stony Brook University's Advanced Graduate Certificate (AGC) in Human Resource Management provides essential knowledge and skills to develop effective HR practices that enhance organizational performance. This 15-credit online program is designed for professionals seeking career advancement without interrupting their current work, and it can be completed in as little as one year. The curriculum balances theory with practical application, featuring courses taught by experienced practitioners and scholars, and uses real-world examples to equip students with actionable HR strategies. Credits earned from this certificate can be applied towards the university's Master of Science degree in HR Management.
Open to international (non-U.S. citizen, non-permanent-resident) high school students applying for first-year undergraduate admission to Duke University. Candidates must demonstrate financial need through Duke's need-based aid process, show interdisciplinary academic curiosity, and have a record of community engagement. There is no separate scholarship form; international applicants who indicate they are applying for financial aid are automatically considered for the Karsh award.
Open to high school seniors, both domestic (U.S.) and international, applying for first-year undergraduate admission to the University of Miami through Early Decision I or Early Action. Applicants are automatically considered with no separate scholarship form; they must submit all first-year admission requirements and demonstrate strong academic achievement, leadership, and community involvement. Semi-finalists complete a Zoom interview.
Open to high-achieving US high school seniors from low-income backgrounds who are US citizens, permanent residents, or students studying in the US regardless of citizenship. Competitive applicants typically earn mostly A's in challenging courses, rank in the top 5-10% of their class, and have strong standardised test results (SAT/PSAT above 1310 or ACT above 28), though each application is read in context. Applicants must demonstrate strong writing, intellectual curiosity and determination through essays and recommendations. Matched students must attend a partner college as a binding-early-decision commitment.
Open to early-career scientists and engineers of all nationalities who hold a PhD awarded within the last three years at the time of application, or who will complete the PhD before the fellowship start date. Research interests must align with Argonne's mission areas. U.S. citizenship is required for national-security-related projects (Detection of Imaging Signatures).
Open to candidates of any nationality (priority to those of Lebanese descent) who have received an offer of admission to the Harvard MBA programme and have a strong academic background.
Open to citizens of any country who earned their first/bachelor's degree within the last ~7 years (or will by the Stanford start) and who apply for and gain admission to a full-time Stanford graduate program. Selection seeks independence of thought, purposeful leadership, and a civic mindset.
For the 2025-26 academic year, out-of-state and international students can expect approximately USD 31,050 in tuition plus USD 3,938 in fees, totaling around USD 34,988 annually. This is equivalent to approximately EUR 28,000–30,000. Additional costs for health insurance, books, and personal expenses are estimated at USD 2,000–3,000 per year.
Yes, Stony Brook University offers over 200 undergraduate and 100+ graduate programs, with over 27,000 students from more than 120 countries. The university has a large and well-supported international student community.
International students generally need to demonstrate English proficiency. For graduate programs, a TOEFL iBT score of 80+ or an IELTS score of 6.5+ is typically required. For undergraduate programs, the requirement is a TOEFL iBT score of 68+ or an IELTS score of 6.0+.
Stony Brook University is located on Long Island's North Shore, about 60 miles east of Manhattan. The campus has excellent rail connections to New York City, with the Long Island Rail Road providing access in approximately 90 minutes.
On-campus room and board is estimated at approximately USD 19,044 per year. For students living off-campus, the estimated cost is between USD 15,000 and USD 20,000 per year.