📅 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.

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.

🌎 Residency & Merit Aid: Stony Brook does not participate in regional tuition reciprocity programs. However, high-achieving out-of-state students—particularly those in STEM majors—may qualify for significant merit or departmental scholarships that offset nonresident tuition.

Sources:
[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

Stony Brook is test-optional. Merit scholarship decisions are mostly based on GPA and course rigor (AP, IB, Honors). There are no public cutoff charts, but students with a 3.7+ GPA and challenging coursework are top contenders.

• 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.

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+).

Stony Brook offers very few named competitive scholarships outside of its Honors College and major-specific awards. The Presidential Scholarship is the most well-known and selective award—and usually goes to top applicants.

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.

Stony Brook’s best scholarships don’t always show on the admissions page. Departmental, Foundation, ROTC, and work-based opportunities often require extra outreach, a FAFSA, or major/program participation.

Not all funding at Stony Brook comes as traditional scholarships. Watch for paid mentorship, research, RA, or peer support roles that can significantly reduce your costs—even if they’re not labeled “aid” in the standard database.

Where do I find these scholarships?
File the FAFSA early, then check with your academic department and the SBU Foundation site. Spring is a key time for applications.

Do I need to be in Honors to win these?
No—most hidden gem awards are open to all who meet the qualifications and apply early.

Are there awards for first-gen, transfer, or underrepresented students?
Yes—many Stony Brook Foundation and donor funds prioritize these groups. Look for essays or department nomination requirements.

Honors College admission is highly selective and by invitation during application review. Most students accepted have a 3.9+ GPA and advanced coursework. Some receive higher merit offers, but there’s no automatic Honors scholarship.

Thinking about Honors? You’ll get:

• ✅ 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

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.

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