Stony Brook University Scholarships (2026–2027)
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Last Updated on March 31, 2026- Tuition, housing, and average family net price
- Automatic merit ranges and qualifier benchmarks
- Flagship and hidden-gem awards
- Honors and stacking strategy
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~49%
- Middle 50% ACT: 31
- Middle 50% SAT: 1410
- Average GPA: 3.7
- Below the typical ranges: Admission is possible, but merit will be limited. Focus on applying early and building a balanced financial list.
- In the typical ranges: You’re competitive for both admission and automatic merit—but awards are usually modest unless stats are at the top end.
- Well above the ranges: You may be competitive for Honors programs and top awards like Simons—but those are highly selective and not guaranteed.
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
📌 Stony Brook University at a Glance
Stony Brook is one of those rare public universities where strong academics can actually translate into real money—but only if your student is near the top of the applicant pool. Automatic scholarships like Presidential and Provost are available, but they’re typically in the partial discount range, not full tuition.
Where this school really becomes a value is for New York residents. Programs like Excelsior and TAP can stack with Stony Brook merit, and that combination can dramatically reduce cost. Out-of-state families can still get merit—but without state aid, this usually isn’t a “guaranteed deal” type of school.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes — Stony Brook University is test-optional.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT: 31; SAT: 1410.
Average net price? About $18,601/yearyear after aid.
Does this school use waivers/reciprocity? Yes — participates in none.
💰 Cost of Attendance at Stony Brook University 2026-2027
📅 2026–2027 Planning Note: The costs below reflect the most recently published figures (2025–2026). Universities typically finalize the next year’s rates in the spring, and we’ll update this page once official 2026–2027 numbers are released.
Planning tip: At large public universities, tuition, fees, and housing usually increase modestly each year (often in the 2–5% range). For early budgeting, families may want to plan for roughly $1,000–$1,500 more in-state or $2,000–$3,000 more out-of-state in total direct costs once new rates are published.
| Category (2026–2027) | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees (2 semesters) | $11,008 | $34,984 |
| Housing & Meals (typical) | $19,044 | $19,044 |
| Total (Direct Costs) | $30,052 | $54,028 |
Average Federal Net Price: $18,601 — this is what families actually paid after grants and scholarships (no loans), based on the most recent federal data. Your specific cost could be significantly lower or higher depending on your financial aid eligibility and merit scholarships. New to Net Price & SAI? Read our guide.
[1] Stony Brook University Tuition & Costs — stonybrook.edu/undergraduate-admissions/cost-and-aid/tuition-costs.php
[2] Stony Brook Office of Financial Aid and Scholarship Services (Cost Estimate PDF) — stonybrook.edu/commcms/finaid/pdfs/cost_estimate.pdf
[3] College Board BigFuture — bigfuture.collegeboard.org/colleges/suny-university-at-stony-brook/tuition-and-costs
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stony Brook Merit Scholarship | $1,000–$10,000/year | 3.7+ GPA, strong AP/IB/honors/dual enrollment; test-optional; SAT/ACT may help if 1350+/30+ | No (auto w/ admission) | Yes (GPA & full-time, up to 4 yrs) | In-state and OOS w/ 3.7+ GPA, top 15%; top awards: 3.9+/1400+ SAT/top 5% | Jan 15 (Reg.); Nov 1 (EA best) |
| Presidential Scholarship | Full tuition (rare) | 3.9+ GPA, top 5% class, 1450+ SAT/33+ ACT, leadership, possible National Merit | No (auto, selective) | Yes (meet honors requirements) | Top 1–2%, AP/IB/dual enrollment, honors invites | Jan 15 (Nov 1 best) |
| National Merit Scholarship – Stony Brook | $3,000–$5,000/year | National Merit Finalist, SBU top choice | No (auto w/ NMSC) | Yes (4 years, keep eligibility) | Enrolled National Merit Finalists | NMSC deadlines (Feb–Mar) |
- Most merit awards go to students with a 3.7+ GPA and advanced coursework.
- The highest awards (up to $10,000/yr or full tuition) go to 3.9+ GPA, top class rank, and test scores above 1400 SAT/30 ACT if submitted.
- Out-of-state students may get the largest awards to help cover tuition gaps, but not all top applicants are funded.
No separate application required—just apply for admission by the deadline. Not all excellent students receive awards, and amounts can change each year.
🎯 Automatic Merit FAQ
Is the scholarship guaranteed if I meet the GPA?
No—Stony Brook does not guarantee awards based on GPA alone. Merit aid is competitive and dependent on the applicant pool.
Do I need to submit SAT or ACT scores?
No—Stony Brook is test-optional. Send scores if they’re strong and may push you into a higher award tier.
Do I have to apply separately for scholarships?
No—all applicants are automatically considered when applying for first-year admission by posted deadlines.
Are scholarships renewable?
Most merit offers are renewable for up to 4 years with continued full-time enrollment and GPA standards (typically 3.0+).
🏆 Competitive Scholarships
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Presidential Scholarship | Full in-state tuition (plus possible stipend) |
3.9+ GPA, AP/IB coursework, top 5% class; test scores optional but 1400+ SAT/31+ ACT helps | No (automatic review) | Yes (meet honors/academic standards) | Top 1–3% of applicants with near-perfect transcripts and advanced coursework (selective for both in-state and OOS) | Jan 15 (Reg); Nov 1 (EA best) |
🎯 Competitive Scholarship FAQ
What makes these scholarships competitive?
The Presidential is reserved for a tiny group of students—usually with 3.9+ GPA, AP/IB classes, and a high class rank. Even many high-achieving applicants do not receive this award.
Is it worth applying if there’s no separate application?
Yes—application review is automatic. Students have the best odds when they apply early, submit strong materials, and respond quickly if invited to Honors.
How can I increase my chances?
Aim for a 3.9+ GPA, advanced courses, and (optionally) a 1400+ SAT/31+ ACT. Competitive activities, leadership, and applying by Early Action help—especially for OOS applicants.
📘 Honors College at Stony Brook University
Stony Brook’s Honors College offers a small cohort experience, priority advising, and academic perks—but it does not automatically include extra scholarship funding. Top applicants may get higher merit, but there’s no dedicated Honors award.
| Program | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stony Brook Honors College | No automatic award | First-year admits with 3.9+ GPA, advanced curriculum, and strong application | No (invitation only) | N/A | Top applicants seeking small classes, research, and learning community | Jan 15 (apply for admission) |
- ✅ Small, seminar classes and close faculty contact
- ✅ Priority course registration & advising
- ✅ Honors housing in a Living-Learning Community
- ✅ Early access to research and faculty mentorship
- ✅ Support for fellowships, grad school, and thesis work
🎯 Honors College FAQ
Does Honors include a scholarship?
No, there is no dedicated Honors College scholarship. Honors students may get larger merit offers, but there’s no extra funding just for membership.
Is it worth joining if it doesn’t save money?
If you want close mentoring, research, and an intellectual community, it’s a great fit. It is not a financial aid program.
How selective is Honors?
Very—typical admits have a near-perfect GPA, rigorous classes, and a strong all-around application. Admission is by invitation only during the main review.