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Stony Brook University
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Stony Brook University - Diversity - College ProwlerCollege Prowler4.62

Diversity

A
Where does this grade come from?View all Diversity rankingsReview this school to add your opinion

Comparable Schools' Diversity Grades:

Quick Stats

African American 7%
Asian American 20%
Hispanic 8%
International 8%
Native American 0%
White 34%
Unknown 22%
Historically Black College/University? No
Tribal College? No
Out-of-State Students 16%
Common States of Residence
  • Connecticut
  • Foreign countries
  • Massachusetts
  • New Jersey
  • Pennsylvania
Student Age Breakdown Under 18: 0%
18-19: 26%
20-21: 30%
22-24: 22%
25+: 21%
Female Faculty 35%
Male Faculty 65%
Faculty Diversity African American: 4%
Asian American: 13%
Hispanic: 2%
International: 4%
Native American: 0%
White: 77%
Unknown: 0%

Student Author OverviewWhat's This?

If there is one definite thing that Stony Brook has, it is diversity. The pride of this school is based on pretty much two things: being a research university and being diverse. The close proximity to New York City’s minority populations strongly influences the perceptions of the student community. The University coddles diversity and encourages the exploration of ethnicity and race. The amount of ethnicity-based clubs and organizations on campus can be mind-boggling. 

Stony Brook has many internal grant programs and an exchange program with schools in China and India, so there is a strong presence of these cultures on campus. The leaders of student organizations participate in the Students’ Diversity Council, an advisory group that develops events and activities, including the annual Diversity Day celebration. It is tough to calculate the innumerable amount of on-campus programs, many of which are student initiated, that transform and improve the remarkable social dynamic. The atmosphere of cultural, political, and religious understanding at Stony Brook unequivocally contributes to the appreciation students have for diversity and difference.

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Stony Brook Student ReviewsWhat's This?

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Diversity at Stony Brook University

NMia

'15

Economics

3.8
B+

My Stony Brook Experience

After spending one semester at SBU, I have come to the following conclusion: the diversity is amazing there although I feel it is somewhat leaning towards Asians and for the most part, it is a welcoming environment for learning.

Jan 08, 2012

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Diversity at Stony Brook University

eneizer01

'14

Clinical Laboratory Technician

2.7
C+

A Big Asian/International School

Stony brook's diversity often lacks when it come to different ethnicities. Although the institution has many races, the amount of international and even asian american population exceed the amount of any other race I have seen on campus. This year though i have seen an increase in the black community on campus, but even combined with the hispanic and white community there are still far more eastern european asians who mostly stick to themselves. I do not always mind this but I feel the school does more in order to help the international asian students since we are one of the top international institutions than any other. I would just like for there to be a recognition of other races and to accept other races so there can at least be a balance of some sort.

Jan 03, 2012

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Diversity at Stony Brook University

cashluva

'15

Mechanical Engineering

3.1
B-

Very Diverse Campus

Very diverse. asian, latin, black, white. you name it, it has it. But most people are white.

Dec 22, 2011

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Page 1 of 10

Student Survey Poll ResultsWhat's This?

How diverse is the student body in the following areas?

How diverse is your personal circle of friends in the following areas?

How accepting is the campus community as a whole toward someone who falls into the minority (ethnic, sexual, or religious)?

How would you best describe your personal political beliefs?

How would you best describe the political beliefs of campus as a whole?

Facts

Gay Pride

The LGBTA, the Queer Alliance, and the AFFIRM Network are the main organizations on campus devoted to students with alternative lifestyles. These groups are well known on campus, because of all the activities they are constantly promoting. However, that is basically the extent to which their publicity is focused. There doesn’t seem to be any kind of particularly negative or positive stigma attached to them. On a side note, Cherry Grove and The Pines on Fire Island are only about a half an hour drive from the campus. For nearly the last hundred years, this has been the location of one of the oldest gay and lesbian communities in America.

Political Activity

Although there is plenty of political diversity on campus, most people tend to be pretty liberal. The school didn’t get the nickname “Berkeley of the East” for nothing. However, there are organizations for both Republicans and Democrats, and everything in between. No matter what your political association, there are people here you can either have a healthy debate with, or share some of your views in common with.

Economic Status

The main draw of attending a SUNY school is obviously getting a good education for a very low price, compared to $40,000 a year private schools. Stony Brook has a great number of students who are the first in their families to attend college or who come from low-income homes. Seventy-three percent of Stony Brook’s students applied for financial aid, and fifty-nine percent were found to have needed it. With that said, the Financial Aid Office is a place very familiar to most students, and there seems to be no bias against such elements.

Most Common Religions

Religion plays an important part in campus life. There are about 15 active religious groups on campus. Stony Brook ranks high among all SUNY institutions in student satisfaction with religious activities and programs (Student Opinion Survey 2003). The Interfaith Center, located on the second floor of the Stony Brook Union, is an organization of campus chaplains and ministry that are official representatives of religious denominations. Worship services are held and opportunities are provided to learn about and appreciate all the diverse religious traditions that appear on campus. Some of the other more popular organizations include: the Islamic Society of North America, which addresses the social needs and spiritual development of Muslim students; the B’nai B’rith Hillel Foundation, which offers religious, cultural, educational, and social programs, and oversees the Kosher meal plan; the Protestant Campus Ministry, offering counseling, social gatherings, study, retreats, and the opportunity to worship; and the Catholic Campus Ministry, which affords students liturgies, the sacraments, educational and social programs, retreats, and Christian living and service opportunities.

Minority Clubs on Campus

There are many active minority clubs that meet on campus and take part in a great many and varied events to celebrate culture. Some of the most active clubs include: African Students in Engineering and the Sciences, Asian American Journal, Bengalis Unite, Black Womyn's Weekend, Chinese Literature Club, Club SASA, Minorities in Medicine, Minority Planning Board, Asian Students Alliance, Caribbean Students Organization, Chabad Student Club, Guyanese United Youths, Hong Kong Student Association. There are also many minority sororities and fraternities.

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Most Recent Student Author

College Prowler guides are in the hands of students throughout the entire process. Because you can't make student-written guides without the students, we have students at each campus who write, edit, and survey their peers for every guide that we publish. Thanks to our most recent student author at Stony Brook

Name: Barbara Ross

Hometown: Hopewell Junction, NY

Major: Business Management

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