The next big step will be a Top 20 public ranking. Former President Stanley set that goal a few years back. SB is just a few spots away from that. The $500M from Simons might close the gap within the next five years. The wild card is whether NYS will have the means to keep funding SUNY at current levels.
Stony Brook is Top 26 Public already so its not too far away.
with how its trending and the things the institution is doing (R&D, philanthropy) I expect it to reach TOP-20 Public status in the next 5 years.
I would like Stony Brook to also increase the size of it's student body. Back when I was in school in 2007-12 I would've expected Stony Brook to clock 30,000 students by now. I'm surprised its still hanging at 25k. Size creates economies of scale and for a public school - increase it's influence. It also ensures that a Stony Brook degree remains accessible to a bit more students. It also goes in line with other land-grant public state universities. Don't let Buffalo run away as the only SUNY with 30K+ students .
Also, does any one think that Stony Brook should consider once again opening a law school? I know SSK really tried hard to do so. I think it would make the University more comprehensive which is never bad (even though STEM is what often runs the show nowadays...) and would also help keep it at pace with Buffalo in all fronts. Lets not forget that Buffalo is now our main competitor for state funds
The problem with increasing enrollment is the acceptance rate usually has to go up, which makes admissions seem less competitive. If SB is to be a “prestigious public,” the acceptance rate has to be among the lowest.