University Remains Top Ranked #1 Public University in New York by U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges
The State University of New York at Stony Brook, New York’s flagship public university, was sought out by more students as their collegiate choice in the university’s 68-year history.
Stony Brook received the largest number of applications ever with more than 64,000 first-year applications and over 71,000 total undergraduate applications. This represents a 15 percent total application growth in one year and a 64 percent growth since 2021. These applications also represent the largest number of out-of-state and international applications received as the university’s reputation domestically and internationally continues to grow.
The university received the highest number of total applications in the State University of New York (SUNY) system, followed by Binghamton University, University at Buffalo and the University at Albany.
In addition, with 27,200 students, Stony Brook has achieved its highest enrollment ever. Preliminary data shows the highest number of undergraduate students is approximately 18,600, with the highest number of New York undergraduate students enrolled at approximately 15,500. For the first time ever, more than 53 percent of entering first-year students earned a high school grade point average of 95 or above.
“Stony Brook’s standing as a top public research university continues to grow,” said Senior Associate Provost for Enrollment Management Richard Beatty. “The record-breaking number of first-year applications and highest overall enrollment is a testament to Stony Brook University’s growing reputation as a premier public research institution. As our academic programs and student outcomes continue to garner national and international recognition, we are seeing a tremendous surge of interest from talented students who want to be a part of a vibrant and innovative community. The world is recognizing what we have long known: Stony Brook offers a world-class education that is accessible and transformative.”
“This historic surge in applications and record-breaking enrollment reflects the growing recognition of Stony Brook’s excellence and accessibility as the #1 public university in New York State,” said Stony Brook University President Goldsmith. “These milestones enhance our ability to attract the very best students from across the state and around the world while, at the same time, expanding access to a high-quality, affordable education. Growing our student body is an important element of our strategic vision to accelerate our excellence and impact across all dimensions of education, research, healthcare and service to our local communities, New York State, the country, and the world.
National Rankings from U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges
Stony Brook has closely maintained its rankings status in the U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges 2026 rankings. In the 2026 rankings released September 23, Stony Brook was ranked #59 in a five-way tie with George Washington University, Penn State University, the University of Minnesota and Santa Clara University. In recent years, the university moved from #93 in the 2022 rankings to #58 in the 2024/2025 rankings; the small movement to #59 in 2025/26 is relatively unchanged, given the numerous ties at this level in the rankings. For the fourth year in a row, Stony Brook continues to rank as the #1 public university in New York. Notably, Stony Brook is the only New York school among the top 30 public universities coming in at #26 again for the third year in a row.
Additional ranking highlights achieved include.
- The university moved to #13 (tied) in “Top Performers on Social Mobility” from #15.
- The university moved to 109 (tied) in “Undergraduate Business Program” from #147.
- The university moved to #87 (tied) in “Undergraduate Economics Programs” from #93.
- The university moved to #64 (tied) in “Undergraduate Engineering Programs from #66.
- The university moved to #52 (tied) in “Undergraduate Psychology Programs from #53.
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