Stony Brook University has been ranked No. 80 among U.S. colleges and universities by U.S. News & World Report, the highest ranking in the university’s history and up 17 places from No. 97 last year. Among public universities nationally, Stony Brook University ranks No. 32.

The U.S. News and World Report’s methodology focuses on qualitative and quantitative data with 16 metrics of academic excellence, including student outcomes, faculty resources, expert opinions, financial resources and student excellence. This year, improved graduation rates, smaller class sizes, and higher reputation scores from peers and high school counselors lifted the University’s overall ranking. The University’s record-high 72% graduation rate is five percentage points above the expected graduation rate of 67%.
Additionally, the University’s ranking among high school counselors improved by 20 places.
“While we are appreciative and pleased with the new data, Stony Brook has become a world-class institution not by managing toward rankings but rather by managing toward mission — exemplary academics, cutting-edge research, state-of-the-art health care, economic vibrancy, and celebrating diversity,” said Stony Brook University President Samuel L. Stanley Jr.
“Where rankings align with the mission to achieve outcomes, they can be a valuable tool. Initiatives we have put into place like Finish in 4, which have helped our students stay on track to graduate in four years, and the work of the campus advising team appear to have improved these numbers.”
These rankings also appear in The 2019 Best Colleges rankings and guidebook.
Number one university on long island
Very happy with the Physician Assistant education I received at SUNY SB. Amazing medical center then, improved now. A Long Island gem, good for the state of NY.
Yes, sir. We had very happy moments there as graduate students. Never told really how good the university was in relation to other institutions. It is good to know SB is doing fine and improving. 🙂
The immediate aim is to get into the top 50 nationally-ranked universities and the top 25 public universities. In this way, Stony Brook can claim to be SUNY’s uncontested flagship. That should send a message to Albany.
Congrats to my Alma Mater on your ranking! GO seawolves!!! Yeaaaaahhhhh!!!
As an Alumni ’03 and a College & Career Counselor of a public high school in Florida I encourage my students to explore outside of Florida and always point them in Stony Brook University’s direction as an option. So proud to be a part of greatness. #GoSeawolves #SBU #ClassOf2003