Stony Brook University is a top-ranked public research university in New York's SUNY system, located on Long Island. Its partnership with Brookhaven National Laboratory, strong STEM programs, and excellent pre-med pipeline have established it as one of the leading public research institutions in the Northeast.
Mascot: Seawolf
Notable Alumni
John Hennessy (Stanford president, Turing Award)•Joy Behar (co-host of The View)•Jon Oringer (founder of Shutterstock)
At a Glance
Cost
Published sticker prices for 2025-2026. Actual cost after aid varies.
Top Programs & National Ranking
Approximate national ranking based on departmental rankings, research output, and program reputation.
Highlights
Campus Experience
Stony Brook's reputation as a 'commuter school' is partially earned — campus empties out on weekends as many students head home to Long Island or NYC, and the social scene requires genuine effort to find. The academic culture is the real draw, especially in STEM, where the research opportunities rival those at much more expensive private schools. The diversity is a genuine strength — few campuses feel as authentically multicultural — but students who want a traditional college experience will need to look harder for it here.
A largely brutalist and utilitarian SUNY campus with concrete academic buildings from the 1960s–70s. Wooded Long Island surroundings help, but the built environment feels institutional.
Based on Niche reviews, Princeton Review surveys, student forums, and institutional data.
Safety
Stony Brook University Police provide 24/7 coverage with electronic dorm access. Most reported incidents involve disciplinary actions, and the campus crime rate is below state and national averages.
Stony Brook is a quiet Long Island suburb consistently rated among the best places to live in New York. Very low crime rates and a family-oriented character.
Based on Clery Act data, student surveys, and local crime statistics.
Plan Your Visit
Schedule: Weekdays during academic year. Admitted Seawolf Days in March-April. Additional admitted student tours in April.
Duration: ~90 minutes for small-group campus tour
Check in at the Office of Undergraduate Admissions in Administration Building, Room 118. Admitted Seawolf Days in late March and April are full-day open house events.
Book a TourSelf-guided campus tour available anytime. 360-degree immersive virtual tour also available online for remote exploration.
Tour ResourcesSeptember-October for pleasant fall weather and full campus activity. Late April is also lively with admitted student events. Avoid January-February (cold, windy Long Island winters) and summer break when campus is quieter. Weekdays during the semester give the best feel for student life.
Park in the Administration Garage adjacent to the Administration Building. $4/hr weekdays, free on weekends. Stony Brook LIRR station is at the edge of campus — about 90 minutes from Penn Station, NYC. Long Island MacArthur Airport (ISP) is 15 minutes away. JFK and LaGuardia are ~60 miles west.
Location
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