About Stony Brook University
Established in 1957, Stony Brook University has evolved from a math and science teacher preparatory institution into a comprehensive university. With 13 schools and colleges, SBU offers over 200 undergraduate, 100 master’s, and 40+ doctoral programs.
Stony Brook University delivers a variety of online opportunities, ranging from nursing and health sciences to engineering and education programs. With most courses delivered asynchronously, students enjoy added flexibility to attend classes on their schedule. Continued goals include:
Quality improvement
Ongoing orientation for students
Growth of new programs
Professional development for staff and faculty
The university celebrates diversity and focuses on positioning its programs for the global community. Other commitments include promoting equality, civility, caring, responsibility, accountability, and respect while appreciating differences and similarities.
Stony Brook’s online learning is renowned, offering flexible courses taught by world-class faculty. The university provides various student resources, including such services as:
- Counseling
- Online library access
- Writing assistance
- Academic success support
- Technology help
Stony Brook University’s online education empowers students globally, fostering personal growth and contributing to a better world.
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Accreditation & Licensing
Stony Brook University is accredited by:
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Type:
4-year, PublicHighest Level Offered:
Doctor's degreeReligious Affiliation:
Not applicableGraduate Enrollment:
9,290Fully Online Graduate Students:
21%Median Debt After Graduation (4-Year Degree):
$18,228Average Undergraduates Receiving Aid:
70%Per Undergraduate Average Aid Award:
$10,113Credit for Military Training:
YesStony Brook runs at a fast, demanding pace, especially in STEM-heavy schedules. Time to finish is most predictable when students keep up week to week, because large, high-pressure classes can be hard to recover in once you fall behind. The path can still work alongside employment, including online coursework that is manageable with a full-time job.
Cost value is a core part of the school’s profile. Stony Brook is often framed as a quality education for a state school price, with annual tuition listed at $32,741. The overall return is strongest when students stay organized and keep steady progress through rigorous terms.
Support at Stony Brook is real, but it depends on course context. Many professors are always available, answer questions right away, and quickly respond to emails. Office hours can be a strong help point when students use them early and consistently.
In large lecture classes, support can feel less direct. Some sections rely more on TAs, and professor time outside office hours can be tighter. During high academic stress, mental-health support has not felt equally strong to every student, so day-to-day reliability can vary across departments and class size.
Online classes can fit a work schedule here. They are manageable with full-time employment. Pace and planning still matter each week.
Support depends on class size and structure. Instructors may talk after class and help directly. Bigger courses can feel less personal. Strong routines help you keep up.
Classes at Stony Brook are rigorous and fast-paced. You need to work for your grades. Science courses are especially demanding, and physics is described as very demanding with generally fair grading. In some large sections, pressure is high enough that math averages can land around 35%.
Teaching quality is strongest when students engage directly with professors. Some instructors are responsive and helpful in office hours. In larger science lectures, more teaching can shift to TAs, which changes how personal classes feel. The overall classroom experience is serious and high-effort, with support that varies by class size and course structure.
Stony Brook delivers strong academics at a solid value. The bar is high. Classes move fast, especially in science and engineering. You need steady effort to earn strong grades.
Support is present, but not the same everywhere. Some professors reply quickly and help in office hours. Large sections can rely more on TAs. That can make classes feel less personal.
Online classes can fit full-time work schedules. That helps working adults keep moving. Overall, Stony Brook rewards independent students who stay proactive.
Stony Brook delivers strong academics at a solid value. The bar is high. Classes move fast, especially in science and engineering. You need steady effort to earn strong grades.
Support is present, but not the same everywhere. Some professors reply quickly and help in office hours. Large sections can rely more on TAs. That can make classes feel less personal.
Online classes can fit full-time work schedules. That helps working adults keep moving. Overall, Stony Brook rewards independent students who stay proactive.
Online Programs offered by Stony Brook University
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Frequently Asked Questions About Stony Brook University
Is Stony Brook University accredited?
Yes. Stony Brook University is institutionally accredited by Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
How many online programs does Stony Brook University offer?
Stony Brook University offers 26 online programs currently listed on GetEducated.
What degree levels does Stony Brook University offer?
Stony Brook University offers both bachelor's and master's level programs.
How should students contact admissions at Stony Brook University?
Ready to connect? Check Admission Details to get admissions, tuition, and timeline details directly from the school.
Is Stony Brook University expensive, and what are the tuition costs?
Roughly speaking, Stony Brook University falls into GetEducated’s $$$ tuition tier, which points to a higher tuition range.
How quickly can I enroll at Stony Brook University?
Enrollment at any school can be a quick process; if all required admission requirements are met. This is where students can get hung up and slow down the process by taking too long to gather required documentation.
What should transfer students ask Stony Brook University first?
The first thing you must do is order your transcripts from any previous school you attended and have them provided to the new school immediately with the hopes of receiving an unofficial transfer credit evaluation quickly. In an ideal world, students would have an official transfer credit evaluation done prior to committing to enrollment at any school; however with the vast majority of schools, official transfer credit evaluations happen after you are already enrolled, typically in the first semester.
What GPA do most Stony Brook University programs require?
GPA requirements typically range from 2.5 to 3.0, and 3.0 appears most often.
Is Stony Brook University military friendly?
Stony Brook University shows Yellow Ribbon support. Check Yellow Ribbon eligibility before you apply, since program-level benefits can vary.
How can students request information from Stony Brook University through GetEducated?
Comparing schools right now? Request Information to get admissions, tuition, and start-date details sent directly to you.
What documents are most commonly required for Stony Brook University applications?
Most listed programs ask for Official College Transcript(s), Recommendation/Reference Letter(s), Resume/CV, and Occupational License. Getting these ready early can keep the application process moving.
Does Stony Brook University accept life experience credit?
Stony Brook University does not show a school-wide life experience credit policy. Check Transfer Options to confirm transfer-credit options for your specific program.
Are Stony Brook University programs fully online or mixed?
Stony Brook University includes 100% Online and Mostly Online options, so students should check the format of their specific program before applying.
What kinds of online programs does Stony Brook University offer?
Stony Brook University has online program options in areas such as Nursing, Business, Education, and Healthcare; start with the field that best matches your career goal, then compare cost, format, and admissions requirements. Compare Programs to get program, admissions, and cost details before applying.
Do any Stony Brook University programs have specialized accreditation?
Program-specific accreditors include Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Are any admission tests required for Stony Brook University programs?
One recurring admissions-test item is Proof of English Language Proficiency (International Students). Students should confirm whether it applies to their specific program.
Do in-state and out-of-state tuition totals differ at Stony Brook University?
Some programs show different in-state and out-of-state tuition totals, so check your specific program cost.
Do any Stony Brook University programs have state authorization limitations?
State authorization restrictions are not prominent across available programs, but students should still confirm eligibility for their state. Check State Eligibility before applying to confirm whether your program is available where you live.
How often can students start at Stony Brook University?
Start times per year typically range from 3-6 for most schools. For Stony Brook University, students should confirm the next available start date for their specific program before applying.
How should working adults compare Stony Brook University programs?
Working adults should confirm program format, total cost, timeline, and application requirements before choosing a path.
Featured Ranking Reports
Stony Brook University is featured in 10 of our ranking reports!
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Geographic and Educational Overview
Stony Brook University is located in New York
New York at a Glance:
Top Majors in New York:
Top Incentives in New York:
- Tuition Assistance Program (TAP): Up to $5,665 annually
- Excelsior Scholarship: Full tuition coverage
Top Career Pathways in New York:
- Entry Level: Financial Analyst ($85,000)
- Mid Level: Senior Analyst ($130,000)
- Senior Level: Finance Director ($200,000+)
- Required Education: BS Finance
- Certifications: CFA, Series 7, Series 63