Stony Brook University has reported a record number of applications and its highest enrollment in the institution’s 68-year history. The university received over 64,000 first-year applications and more than 71,000 total undergraduate applications for the current admissions cycle. This marks a 15% increase in total applications compared to last year and a 64% rise since 2021. Applications from out-of-state and international students have also reached their highest levels, reflecting the university’s growing reputation both nationally and internationally.
Among all State University of New York (SUNY) campuses, Stony Brook attracted the most applications, ahead of Binghamton University, University at Buffalo, and the University at Albany.
Enrollment figures have also reached new highs with approximately 27,200 students currently attending Stony Brook. Of these, about 18,600 are undergraduates and around 15,500 are New York residents. For the first time, more than half of entering first-year students had high school grade point averages of at least 95.
“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.”
Stony Brook University President Goldsmith commented on the milestone: “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. 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.”
The university has maintained its position in national rankings according to U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges for 2026. In rankings released on September 23rd, Stony Brook was listed at #59 in a five-way tie with George Washington University, Penn State University, University of Minnesota, and Santa Clara University. The ranking shows little change from last year when it was ranked #58; four years ago it was ranked #93. For four consecutive years now Stony Brook has been recognized as New York’s top public university; it remains within the top thirty public universities nationwide at #26 for three straight years.
