/School of Professional Development
Higher Education Administration

Tuition and Aid

Affordable Excellence.

As the State University of New York (SUNY) flagship, Stony Brook's tuition rate is among the most affordable of all top-tier universities in the nation. SUNY tuition and fees are nearly 15% lower than the national average for public universities and 50% lower than private institutions. 

This value also extends to out-of-state graduate students enrolled in fully online programs who receive a discounted tuition rate with a savings of more than 40%. (Restrictions apply.)

Tuition and fees are determined by multiple factors, including a student's home state, program modality (fully online, in-person or hybrid), and the number of credits taken each semester (full-time or part-time). The tables provided below provide accurate estimates as of Spring 2026.

Tuition and Fees

Part-time students

Per three-credit course:

  • Tuition: $1,413
  • Fees: $461
  • Course or semester total: $1,874

Full-time students

Per nine-credit course:

  • Tuition: $4,239
  • Fees: $1,348
  • Course or semester total: $5,587 (not including health insurance*)

*Please note that health insurance is mandatory for all full-time students. See the Student Health Services website for rates. There is a waiver available for those with existing coverage that is comparable.

Part-time students enrolled in the approved online-only MA program

Students who do not have a presence in NY and are matriculated in the fully online master's program may be eligible for this special rate. Restrictions apply. Please refer to the guidelines for out-of-state students in fully online programs before applying.

Per course:

  • Tuition: $1,696
  • Fees: $461
  • Course or semester total: $2,157

Part-time student matriculated in the traditional master's program

On campus, with or without online courses:

  • Tuition: $3,291
  • Fees: $461
  • Course or semester total: $3,752

Full-time students

Per nine-credit semester:

  • Tuition: $9,873
  • Fees: $1,348
  • Course or semester total: $11,221 (not including health insurance*)

*Please note that health insurance is mandatory for all full-time students. See the Student Health Services website for rates. There is a waiver available for those with existing coverage that is comparable.

Course Load, Modality and Visa Eligibility

Please note that all F-1 and J-1 students must take the full-time on-campus program with no more than one online course per semester. Follow the appropriate link to the Visa and Immigration website and carefully read the information provided before applying.

Full-time international students pay the out-of-state rate along with the following:

International Student Service Fee

The International Student Service Fee is charged to all F-1 and J-1 students. This fee supports services related to advice and assistance to non-immigrant students in obtaining and maintaining valid immigration status in the United States as well as costs related for compliance with United States government regulations. The fee covers individual and group counseling to students in adjusting to life in the United States and the American system of education.

The cost of this fee is $160.00. This information is accurate as of Spring 2025. Visit the Student Financial Services website to learn more about international student fees and international payments.

International Student Health Insurance

The International Student Health Insurance is applicable to all International Exchange, Research & Study Programs. Detailed information is provided on the Student Health Services website.

Spring-Summer 2025 International Student Health Insurance plan:  $1,478.01 ($52.50 MedEx)

Effective from 1/15/25 - 8/15/25.

View coverage information on the Student Health Services website.

These rates are accurate as of Spring 2026. Tuition and fee rates are set by the State University of New York Board of Trustees and are subject to change without notice. Books and other learning materials are not included in these figures.

Prospective students are encouraged to visit the Student Financial Services website for complete details:

Paying for Your Master's or Certificate

Part-time students pay for their tuition and learning materials through loans (federal and private), employer reimbursement programs, student employment, veteran's programs, scholarships, and time-option payment plans offered through the University. Here are some options for you to explore.

This University program allows you to make equal and consecutive monthly payments towards your semester balance. You can choose to whether to enroll each semester. Since the plan is not a loan, there are no interest or finance charges, but there is a $50 fee.

Review the Time Option Payment Plan →

Federal Direct Unsubsidized and Direct Graduate Plus Loans

Direct unsubsidized loans are non-need based loans and are available regardless of financial need.  Students must be enrolled in a degree program with six or more credits to be eligible.

Get details on unsubsidized loans →

Private Educational Loans

Private educational loans are offered through lending institutions and are NOT part of federal government programs. They tend to have higher interest rates than Federal Direct Loans, so our Financial Aid Office encourage everyone to file a FAFSA to explore what their best options might be.

Learn more about private loans →

SBU's Office of Military and Veteran Student Services is here to support you! Their website will walk you through how to apply for your Certificate of Eligibility, how to enroll for benefits, and will answer any questions you have about the process, or the services available to you. Also, all Stony Brook University student veterans and military dependents eligible for VA education benefits are charged in-state tuition.

There are several programs available for New York State and SUNY employees that will pay for a course or part of a course each semester. Stony Brook's HR website has the details.

Explore your state employee tuition benefits →

Did you know that New York's 529 College Savings Plan also applies for graduate school? It provides a flexible, convenient, and low-cost way to save for higher education expenses. The Program features a wide range of investment choices, tax-free withdrawals, and contributions that are tax-deductible (up to certain limits) for New York State residents.

Learn about New York's 529 Savings Plan →

 

Quick Links to University Resources

Student Financial Services

Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships

 

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