Stony Brook University Earns First-Ever Top 25 National Ranking, Retains No. 1 Public University Ranking in New York

SBU Achieves Highest-Ever Enrollment with over 27,700 Students, Receives Most Applications in University’s History

Stony Brook University has moved up once again in two national college rankings, while recording the largest enrollment and incoming first-year class in its 69-year history.

Stony Brook rose in the 2027 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges Rankings to the #24 public university nationally (up from #26) and in the Forbes college/university rankings as the #20 public university nationally (up from #30).

The university hit its highest enrollment with more than 27,700 students overall, and over 19,600 undergraduates are attending this term. This year, Stony Brook welcomed its largest first-year class, with over 4,150 students. More than 200 of these first-year students are participating in Stony Brook University’s Freshman Launch Year, spending their first semester abroad at locations that include Florence, Italy; Incheon, Korea; Seoul, Korea; and Shanghai, China.

Stony Brook was also sought out by more students than ever as their collegiate choice, receiving its largest number of applications — over 66,000 first-year applications and over 73,000 total undergraduate applications. This represents a 3 percent total application growth in one year and a 69 percent growth since 2021. These applications also represent the largest number of in-state and out-of-state applications received as the university’s reputation continues to grow. The university also received the highest number of total applications in the State University of New York (SUNY) system.

National Rankings from U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges and Forbes

According to the 2027 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges Rankings, Stony Brook University has risen to the #24 public university in the United States (from #26). Notably, Stony Brook is the only New York school among the top 25 public universities.

Stony Brook, New York’s flagship public university, was once again ranked #59 among national universities this year in a 10-way tie. In recent years, the university moved from #93 in the 2022 rankings to #59 presently. For the fifth year in a row, according to the 2027 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges Rankings, Stony Brook continues to rank as the #1 public university in New York. 

Ranking highlights achieved include:

• The university remained ranked at #13 as the “Top Performers on Social Mobility” nationally. 
• The university is ranked as #27 nationally as the “Best Value School for In-State Students” in New York (new ranking).
• The university is ranked as #50 in “Undergraduate Psychology Programs” nationally (moving from #52).
• The university is ranked as #52 in “Undergraduate Computer Science Programs” nationally (moving from #54).

In addition, Forbes published its annual rankings and Stony Brook University is now ranked #64 overall nationally, up from #80 last year, and #20 among public universities, up from #30 last year. 

“This is an extraordinary moment for Stony Brook University, the #1 public university in the state of New York. A record number of applications, the largest freshman class in our history, and our first-ever recognition among the nation’s top 25 public universities reflect the remarkable upward momentum of our institution,” said Stony Brook University President Andrea Goldsmith. “Students and families are increasingly recognizing Stony Brook as a first-choice destination for an exceptional, affordable and accessible education where every student can reach their full potential. This recognition strengthens our ability to attract talented students from New York, around the country and around the world. I am incredibly proud of Stony Brook’s excellence across all dimensions of our mission — education, research, healthcare and service — as a model of public higher education that positively impacts our communities, our great state, the country and the world.” 

“It is an incredible moment to be at Stony Brook,” said Richard Beatty, senior associate provost for Enrollment Management. “Achieving record-breaking enrollment and welcoming our largest-ever first-year class, alongside our rise to #24 among public universities nationwide in U.S. News & World Report, is a true celebration of our academic momentum. As our vibrant community expands, we are growing with a plan. We are actively investing in our physical footprint, classroom space and residential spaces to ensure our physical environment matches our rising standard of excellence. We are thoughtfully building a bright, well-supported future for every Seawolf while expanding access to a high-quality, affordable education.”