School of Nursing – Stony Brook University

General Information of School of Nursing – Stony Brook University

Overview

The School of Nursing at Stony Brook University is a highly regarded academic unit within the larger public research institution on Long Island, New York. Founded in 1970 as part of the health sciences complex, it occupies a unique position within a medical‑academic environment where research, clinical practice and education converge. The school offers a full spectrum of nursing education—from the bachelor’s level through graduate and doctoral programs—with particular emphasis on evidence‑based practice, population health, leadership and the social determinants of health.

Students benefit from access to a premier tertiary care hospital, innovative simulation labs, interdisciplinary collaboration with medicine and health sciences, and a faculty actively engaged in scholarship and healthcare innovation. Rankings and outcomes reflect strong performance: for example the online master’s nursing program has been recognized among the top in the country for multiple consecutive years. The School of Nursing combines rigorous curricula, intensive clinical experiences and a mission to prepare nurse leaders in a dynamic health‑care environment. With its public‑university context, the school also focuses on affordability, access and commitment to serving diverse populations.

Contact Information

Address: 101 Nicolls Road, Health Sciences Center, Level 2, Stony Brook, NY 11794‑8240, United States
Phone Number: (631) 444‑3200
Email Address: nursing@stonybrook.edu

School Facts

FactInformation
Founding Year1970
Motto / MissionPreparing highly‑skilled professionals and scholars in nursing and healthcare leadership
TypePublic university school of nursing
Campus SettingResearch university health sciences campus
AccreditationCommission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Parent InstitutionStony Brook University / State University of New York (SUNY)

School of Nursing – Stony Brook University Rankings

Ranking OrganizationNational/US RankOther/Global Rank
U.S. News & World Report – Online Master’s in NursingTop 10 (for consecutive years)
U.S. News & World Report – Nursing Program~#67 among national universities (undergraduate nursing)
AllNurses “Nursing Schools” RatingGrade A (for nursing program quality)

School of Nursing – Stony Brook University Academics

Faculties / Departments

Within the School of Nursing at Stony Brook University, academic and programmatic units include:

  • Department of Undergraduate Nursing (BSN programs)
  • Department of Graduate Nursing (MSN, DNP, certificate programs)
  • Department of Nursing Leadership, Education and Informatics
  • Department of Population Health & Community Systems
  • Simulation and Clinical Innovation Unit

Courses and Programs / Majors

The School of Nursing offers multiple pathways and credentials, including but not limited to:

  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Basic Baccalaureate Program for non‑nursing undergraduates)
  • Accelerated Baccalaureate Program (for students with a prior bachelor’s degree)
  • Registered Nurse to Baccalaureate Program (for RNs with associate degree or diploma)
  • Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with tracks in nurse practitioner, educator, leadership
  • Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and Post‑Master’s Certificates
  • Graduate Certificates in Nursing Informatics, Population Health, Leadership & Management

Online Learning

The School of Nursing at Stony Brook University offers a robust online and hybrid learning portfolio, particularly at the graduate level. Its online master’s nursing program has been ranked among the top ten nationwide for several years. These offerings allow working professionals and geographically dispersed learners to engage with advanced nursing education while balancing clinical practice. While the undergraduate pathways require substantial on‑site and clinical components, the graduate and certificate programs incorporate asynchronous online modules, virtual simulation, tele‑health experiences and inter‑professional collaboration, offering flexibility without compromising quality.

Average Test Scores

TestTypical Range / Middle 50%
Undergraduate (BSN prerequisite)Minimum cumulative GPA ~2.8 for major entry stonybrook.edu+1

Retention and Graduation Rates

The School of Nursing maintains strong program‑specific outcomes: for example, the 2023 annual report highlights a 100 % employment and retention rate for a graduating class cohort. nursing.stonybrookmedicine.edu At the institutional level, Stony Brook University reports an approximate retention rate of 90% for first‑year students and a six‑year graduation rate around 72% for the wider undergraduate population. College Factual+1 These figures illustrate the supportive learning environment and institutional commitment to student success, which are mirrored in the School of Nursing’s dedicated academic and clinical support structures.

School of Nursing – Stony Brook University Admissions

GPA Range and SAT / ACT Range

To gain admission into the undergraduate nursing programs, applicants typically need a cumulative GPA of at least 2.8 prior to major entry. stonybrook.edu While standardized test scores (SAT/ACT) may be part of the initial university admission process, entry into the nursing major at Stony Brook University focuses more heavily on prerequisite performance (sciences, anatomy, physiology), cumulative GPA, healthcare experience, and personal attributes aligned with professional nursing practice.

School of Nursing – Stony Brook University Acceptance Rate

ProgramAcceptance Rate
Undergraduate nursing majorHighly competitive; specific rate not publicly disclosed
Graduate nursing programs (MSN/DNP)Competitive based on cohort and track

School of Nursing – Stony Brook University Application Requirements

Prospective students for the undergraduate nursing programs must first gain admission to the university and then complete a supplemental nursing application. Applicants are required to submit official transcripts demonstrating completion of prerequisite coursework, meet minimum GPA thresholds, provide a personal statement expressing interest in nursing and service, and submit letters of recommendation where specified. For the Accelerated Baccalaureate program, prior bachelor’s degree in a non‑nursing discipline is required. Additional requirements common to nursing applicants include certification in Basic Life Support for Health Care Providers, evidence of health insurance, proof of malpractice/ liability insurance for clinical activities (where applicable), and compliance with technical standards for nursing practice. Meeting minimum criteria does not guarantee admission due to competitive nature of the programs. stonybrook.edu+1

Application Process

  • Submit the university application for admission (first‑year/transfer) or the graduate program application
  • Ensure completion and submission of prerequisite coursework and transcripts
  • Complete the School of Nursing supplemental application by program deadline
  • Provide required certifications, essays, letters of recommendation or resume (for graduate applicants)
  • Participate in an interview or screening process where required
  • Await decision; if admitted, complete enrollment, orientation and any pre‑clinical screening requirements

School of Nursing – Stony Brook University Application Deadlines / Important Dates

ProgramDeadline Approximation
Accelerated Baccalaureate (ABP)October 8 for summer entry stonybrook.edu
Basic Baccalaureate (BBP)January 8 for Fall entry stonybrook.edu
Registered Nurse to Baccalaureate (RNB)March 21 for Fall entry stonybrook.edu

Essay Prompt

Applicants to the School of Nursing are typically asked to compose a personal statement that reflects on their motivations for nursing, experiences in healthcare or community service, demonstration of leadership and collaboration, ethical considerations in patient care, and how they envision contributing to population health and nursing practice in a diverse and evolving healthcare environment.

School of Nursing – Stony Brook University Scholarships

The School of Nursing offers scholarships and awards based on academic merit, leadership in nursing, commitment to underserved populations, and financial need. In addition, students may access institutional, state and federal financial aid opportunities through Stony Brook University, including grants, work‑study programs and loan forgiveness options for nursing students entering high‑need areas or service commitments.

School of Nursing – Stony Brook University Tuition Fee (Costs)

Program LevelEstimated Tuition / Fees
Undergraduate in‑state (SUNY)Approx. $7,070 tuition + ~$3,938 fees ─ annual stonybrook.edu+1
Undergraduate out‑of‑stateApprox. $31,046 tuition + fees annual stonybrook.edu
Accelerated BSN (12‑month)Estimated total direct cost ~ $10,560 tuition/fees for residents absnprograms.org

Student Profile and Demographics

Student Demographics

Within the School of Nursing at Stony Brook University, diversity is a key focus and the student population reflects a range of backgrounds. According to available data, the nursing school has an undergraduate cohort where approximately 89 % are female and about 10 % male. Ethnic breakdown from one dataset indicates approximately 55 % White, 11.6 % Black or African American, 11.3 % Hispanic/Latino, about 9.2 % Asian, roughly 2.1 % two or more races, and 9.7 % unknown/other. petersons.com

Low‑Income Students / Students with Disabilities

The School of Nursing at Stony Brook University supports students from low‑income backgrounds and those with disabilities through the university’s broader services and specific nursing‑program supports. These may include financial assistance, adaptive learning technologies, academic advising and accommodations in labs and clinical settings. Prospective students are encouraged to engage early with accessibility and student success services to ensure seamless integration and support throughout rigorous coursework and clinical experiences.

Student Body

CategoryValue (approx.)
Total Students in School of NursingNot publicly detailed
Undergraduate Nursing EnrolleesSignificant portion of undergraduate health‑science population
Graduate Nursing StudentsIncludes MSN, DNP, certificate cohorts

University Diversity

The School of Nursing at Stony Brook University is committed to cultivating a diverse, inclusive and culturally competent learning environment. It recognizes that nursing care is delivered in increasingly varied and global contexts, prompting intentional efforts to recruit students from different racial, ethnic, socioeconomic and experiential backgrounds. Diverse faculty and student cohorts enrich class discussions, clinical simulations and community engagements, enabling learners to develop sensitivity to varied patient populations, health inequities and systemic determinants of health. Through collaborations with healthcare institutions across Long Island, New York City and wider regions, students gain exposure to underserved populations, bilingual practice settings, and multi‑disciplinary teams. The school also emphasises leadership, social justice and community health, aligning with the university’s mission to prepare nurse professionals who can advocate for inclusive health systems and culturally responsive care.

Average Earnings

Graduates of the School of Nursing at Stony Brook University enter a robust job market enhanced by the surrounding healthcare ecosystem of Long Island and the greater New York region. While specific median earnings for all nursing graduates are not publicly detailed, data from institutional outcomes show that the undergraduate nursing program has achieved very high employment/retention outcomes, suggesting strong market alignment and readiness for licensure and practice. For example, one class cohort reported a 100 % employment rate at completion. The strong integration with clinical partners, simulation training, and graduate degree pathways further support upward mobility into advanced practice, leadership roles and specialized nursing fields where salary potential is higher. These structural supports indicate that graduates are well positioned for competitive compensation and career growth.

Faculty and Staff of School of Nursing – Stony Brook University

Teachers and Staff

The faculty and staff of the School of Nursing at Stony Brook University include full‑time professors, clinical faculty, adjunct practitioners, simulation specialists, academic advisors and administrative support teams. The student‑faculty ratio is favourable for nursing education, enabling mentorship, direct supervision in clinical environments and robust support for student progression. Staff manage a range of services including student success, simulation center operations, clinical placement coordination and research administration.

Faculty Profiles

Faculty members at the School of Nursing at Stony Brook University are recognized for scholarship, teaching innovation and clinical leadership. For instance, nursing faculty have been awarded national fellowships in simulation, health equity research and education effectiveness. Faculty contribute to peer‑reviewed publications, lead healthcare collaborations, mentor student research, and support advanced practice and leadership development. Their active involvement in healthcare systems and community partnerships ensures that students are taught by professionals who bridge theory, research and practice. The school’s recognition in national rankings for its online master’s program and simulation centre capabilities further reflects faculty expertise and institutional commitment to excellence.

Campus and Student Life of School of Nursing – Stony Brook University

Campus Life / Housing

The School of Nursing is located within the Health Sciences Center of Stony Brook University’s campus, offering students access to modern facilities including simulation labs, nursing research spaces and clinical partnerships. Housing options are available on the main campus, broadly accessible to nursing students, with typical residence hall costs aligned with university rates for Long Island. On‑campus living facilitates immersion in health‑science student communities, peer collaboration and convenient access to clinical and academic resources. Student life includes involvement in nursing student associations, global health initiatives, service‑learning projects, simulation competitions and interdisciplinary events with other health‑science disciplines, enhancing both professional and personal development within the campus environment.

Transportation

Stony Brook University is accessible via the Long Island Rail Road (Stony Brook station) and regional bus services, which enable commuting from broader Long Island and New York metropolitan region. On‑campus parking permits are available and campus shuttles assist mobility among academic and health‑science buildings. The university encourages sustainable transportation options and provides infrastructure for pedestrians and bicycles. For nursing students engaged in clinical placements across affiliated hospitals and community health settings, access to major roadways, public transit links and flexible scheduling support efficient travel and professional integration.