Does Stony Brook automatically offer merit scholarships?

Yes, but they are limited. The top award ($10,000/year) usually goes to students with a 3.9+ GPA and strong coursework. Most students receive smaller awards in the $1,000–$5,000 range.

Do I need test scores to be considered for scholarships?

Test scores are optional, but high scores (1350+ SAT or 30+ ACT) can improve your chances for higher awards if submitted.

Are there scholarships that aren’t listed on the main site?

Yes. Departmental scholarships, foundation awards, and paid research or peer programs can reduce costs, but you’ll need to apply separately or ask about them after admission.

Does the Honors College at Stony Brook offer a scholarship?

No, there is no automatic scholarship for Honors College students. However, some may receive larger merit awards as part of their admission package.

Is the Honors College worth it if it doesn’t reduce tuition?

It can be. Students benefit from small classes, priority housing, early research, and faculty mentorship—especially if they're planning for grad school or competitive fellowships.

🎓 Scholarships at Stony Brook University (SUNY Stony Brook)

← Back to Public College Scholarships

Stony Brook is one of SUNY’s top research universities—but what does that actually mean for your wallet? This page breaks down everything you need to know about scholarships, from automatic awards to competitive programs and department-based aid. Whether you’re in-state, out-of-state, or just trying to make sense of the process, we’ve got you.

If you’re a New York resident, make sure to also explore the New York state aid programs like TAP and Excelsior. And for side-by-side comparisons of other public universities, visit our full college scholarship hub.

💰 Cost of Attendance
✅ Automatic Scholarships
🏆 Competitive Scholarships
💎 Hidden Gems
📘 Honors College

💰 Cost of Attendance at Stony Brook University (2024–2025)

Stony Brook is one of the most affordable research universities in the country for in-state students. But if you’re coming from out-of-state, the sticker price can climb fast—unless you’re able to qualify for merit aid or additional funding through your major.

Category	In-State	Out-of-State
Tuition & Fees	$7,070	$28,035
Housing & Meals	$16,900	$16,900
Total (Estimated)	$23,970	$44,935

The average net price for Stony Brook after financial aid is $17,213 per year, according to federal data. Your actual cost may be much lower depending on your family’s income and eligibility for aid.

Stony Brook does not offer regional tuition waivers for out-of-state students. However, strong academic applicants—particularly in STEM fields—may receive merit aid through competitive programs or departmental awards.

✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships

Stony Brook is test-optional, and scholarship decisions are based primarily on GPA and coursework strength. There are no published GPA cutoffs or award tiers, but applicants with a 3.7+ GPA and strong academic rigor are the most likely to receive offers.

Scholarship	Award Amount	Eligibility	Separate App?	Renewable?	Who Actually Wins?
Stony Brook Merit Scholarship	$1,000–$10,000/year	High academic performance; test-optional	No	Yes	Applicants with a 3.7+ GPA or rigorous honors/AP coursework

Stony Brook offers one main automatic merit scholarship to first-year applicants. Awards typically range from $1,000 to $10,000 per year and are based on your high school GPA and course rigor. Test scores are optional, but strong scores may help if submitted.

✅ Most awards go to students with a 3.7 GPA or higher and challenging coursework (AP, IB, dual enrollment)
✅ The highest awards (up to $10,000) usually go to students with a 3.9+ GPA, top class rank, and honors/AP-heavy schedules
✅ SAT/ACT scores are not required but may help—especially scores above 1350 SAT or 30 ACT
✅ Out-of-state students who meet these criteria may be more likely to receive top awards to help close the tuition gap

There’s no separate application required—just apply for admission by the deadline. But not all strong students are guaranteed aid, and award amounts vary widely depending on the applicant pool.

🎯 Automatic Merit FAQ

Is the scholarship guaranteed if I meet the GPA?

No—Stony Brook does not guarantee awards based on GPA alone. Awards are limited and competitive, even for strong students.

Do I need to submit SAT or ACT scores?

No. Stony Brook is test-optional. You can submit scores if they help your application, but scholarships are primarily GPA-based.

Do I have to apply separately?

No. All first-year applicants are automatically considered for merit scholarships when they apply to Stony Brook by the deadline.

🏆 Competitive Scholarships

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.

Scholarship	Award Amount	Eligibility	Separate App?	Renewable?	Who Actually Wins?
Presidential Scholarship	Full in-state tuition + possible stipend	3.9+ GPA, AP/IB coursework, top 5% of class; test scores optional but helpful	No	Yes	Usually offered to students with near-perfect transcripts and multiple advanced courses

🎯 Competitive Scholarship FAQ

What makes these scholarships competitive?

Stony Brook’s Presidential Scholarship is reserved for a small group of students—usually those with a GPA close to 4.0, several AP or IB classes, and top class rank. These awards are highly selective, even for high-achieving students.

Is it worth applying if there’s no separate application?

Yes—because consideration is automatic. But students should apply early, submit strong materials, and follow up with the admissions office if they’re invited to Honors.

How can I increase my chances?

ou’ll need a 3.9+ GPA, honors or AP-level courses, and a strong overall application. While test scores are optional, a 1400+ SAT or 31+ ACT may help you stand out, especially as an out-of-state applicant.

💎 Hidden Gem Scholarships

Some of the best scholarships at Stony Brook don’t show up on the admissions page. These are tied to your major, FAFSA info, or programs like ROTC—and they often require extra steps after you apply.

Scholarship	Award Amount	Eligibility	Separate App?	Renewable?	Who Actually Wins?
Departmental Scholarships	$500–$5,000	Students in specific majors like engineering, health sciences, or business	Yes	Sometimes	Students who ask their department, apply early, and maintain a strong GPA
ROTC Scholarships	Full tuition + monthly stipend	Army ROTC participants; service commitment required	Yes	Yes	Students planning a military career who apply through ROTC channels
Stony Brook Foundation Scholarships	$1,000–$4,000	Based on FAFSA, major, or personal background	Yes (after admission)	Yes	Students who file FAFSA early and check for spring scholarship rounds

Stony Brook also offers paid opportunities through research labs, mentoring programs, and peer leadership roles. These aren’t listed as scholarships—but they can reduce your net cost through stipends, hourly pay, or housing credits.

Not all funding comes as a scholarship. Stony Brook offers stipends and paid roles through summer bridge programs, peer mentoring, residence life, and tutoring. These don’t show up on the admissions site—but they can cover housing, reduce your cost of attendance, or give you paid campus experience. Ask about these early, especially if you’re applying through EOP or majoring in a high-need field.

🎯 Hidden Gem FAQ

Where do I find these scholarships?

Start by filing the FAFSA, then check with your academic department and the Stony Brook Foundation website. Some awards are posted in the spring or tied to major-specific advising.

Do I need to be in the Honors College to win these?

No. Most hidden gem scholarships are open to all students who meet the criteria—especially those who ask early, stay engaged, or have financial need.

Are there awards for first-gen, transfer, or underrepresented students?

Yes. Many Foundation and donor-funded scholarships prioritize students who are first-generation, Pell-eligible, or come from historically underserved backgrounds. These often require short essays or a department nomination.

📘 Honors College at Stony Brook University

Stony Brook’s Honors College offers a small, cohort-based experience within a large public research university. Students benefit from priority advising, unique seminars, and a strong academic community—but it does not automatically include additional scholarship funding.

While admission to the Honors College is selective, students are considered automatically during the application review. Some Honors students may receive larger merit awards, but there is no dedicated Honors scholarship. Benefits include priority registration, small classes, special housing, and access to research and funding opportunities after enrollment.

Program	Award Amount	Eligibility	Separate App?	Renewable?	Who Actually Wins?
Stony Brook Honors College	No automatic award	First-year students with 3.9+ GPA, advanced coursework, and strong application	No (invitation-based)	N/A	Top applicants who want smaller classes, priority housing, and undergrad research

Thinking about applying to Honors? Here’s what you’re signing up for:

✅ Small, seminar-style classes with faculty
✅ Priority registration and advising
✅ Honors housing in a Living-Learning Community
✅ Access to undergrad research and faculty mentorship
✅ Extra support for fellowships, grad school, and thesis work

👉 Learn more: Stony Brook Honors College Website

🎯 Honors College FAQ

Does the Honors College include a scholarship?

No. There is no dedicated Honors College scholarship. However, Honors students may be more likely to receive higher automatic merit awards based on their academic profile.

Is it worth joining Honors if it doesn’t save money?

If your student wants small classes, mentoring, and early research opportunities, it can be a great fit. Just know that it won’t reduce tuition unless paired with merit aid.

How selective is Stony Brook’s Honors College?

Very. Most students admitted have near-perfect GPAs, rigorous coursework, and a strong overall application. Admission is by invitation and happens during the main review process.

📌 Final Thoughts & Next Steps

If you’re looking at Stony Brook and wondering, “Will we actually be able to afford this?” — you’re not alone. Merit scholarships here are limited, but that doesn’t mean your student won’t find a way to make it work.

The biggest awards tend to go to students with near-perfect grades, but there’s still help out there. Some families qualify for need-based aid through the FAFSA. Others find support through majors, research, or special programs that don’t show up in the brochure.

Our advice? Apply early. File the FAFSA as soon as it opens. And don’t be afraid to ask questions—especially if your student is the first in the family to go to college. There’s more help out there than you might think.

You don’t need perfect stats or a perfect plan to send your student to a great college. You just need good information—and the willingness to ask for what your family needs. You’ve got this.