Stony Brook University has reported record-breaking application and enrollment numbers for the 2025 academic year. The university received more than 64,000 first-year applications and over 71,000 total undergraduate applications, marking a 15% increase from the previous year and a 64% rise since 2021. This surge includes the highest number of out-of-state and international applicants in the institution’s history.
Among all State University of New York (SUNY) institutions, Stony Brook attracted the most applications, ahead of Binghamton University, University at Buffalo, and University at Albany.
The university also achieved its highest-ever enrollment with approximately 27,200 students. Preliminary figures indicate that about 18,600 are undergraduates, with around 15,500 being New York residents. For the first time, more than half—53%—of entering first-year students had a high school GPA 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."
Stony Brook maintained its position in national rankings according to U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges 2026 rankings released on September 23. The university tied for #59 alongside George Washington University, Penn State University, University of Minnesota, and Santa Clara University. Over recent years it moved up from #93 in 2022 to #58 in last year’s rankings; this year’s slight change reflects numerous ties at this level.
For four consecutive years Stony Brook has been ranked as New York's top public university by U.S. News & World Report. It remains the only New York institution among the top 30 public universities nationally at #26 for three years running.