First kid to get to the college decision phase, and we’re just unsure what an advise to give… extremely frustrating…
It was a pain till he decided on studying Mechanical Engineering, but now it seems like that was the “easy” decision! what school to choose is even harder! The kid was accepted to SUNY Stony Brook as well as to Hofstra HONORS and now we’re just not sure what would be the better choice for him 
Non of the on-line resources really gives a true guidance of the pros and cons of both schools (their Engineering school). Also - would it be better to study in Hofstra Honors vs. Stony Brook? Seems like Stony Brook has its good name, but not sure specifically to its Engineering school. How are the teachers in Stony Brook? classes? their size? maybe Hofstra would have smaller classes? but how are their teachers? ANY help / advise would be HIGHLY appreciated!!!
Is money going to be a factor? I would not pay additional money for Hofstra (which is 2X the cost of SUNY), when Stony Brook is a better school.
Is your son a NYS resident?
If yes, what is his rank? If he knows that he wants to study stem and he is in the top 10% he could get free tuition at Stony Brook through the HESC STEM Incentive
Is he attending accepted students" days?
Hi and thank you so much for your input! Hofstra offered him a scholarship of 29k which means it would be about 8-10k / year more expensive. It is a sum of money, but not that a big difference for the overall 4 year expenses. We’re from NY and Stonybrook will be apx 1 hour further away from us. Stony Brook also offered him a scholarship but for a sum of $3500… What would be a better choice? How is the Hofstra school of engineering? how is their degree considered in the market / industry? Are they reputable? same / less / more than Stony Brook? is there any consideration to put into their offer for the “honors” school?
I would try to attend both accepted student days. I believe that Stony Brook has the better reputation for engineering and given the lower price tag I would probably go that route unless there is something on the visit that pushes him towards Hofstra.
At the accepted student days, he (and you) can visit the department and ask questions. It can be enormously helpful.
Along with the dry kind of info on the program, classes, faculty, outcome etc. these days also give a chance for your son to get the "vibe"of the places, which I think can be really key for some kids.
I personally would not spend an additional amount of money to send my kid to Hofstra if I had Stonybrook as an instate option.
But that’s my opinion.
I would pay MORE for Stonybrook vs. Hofstra- but like Thumper, that’s my opinion.
I didn’t even know that Hofstra had an engineering program. I work in an engineering field and SUNY Stonybrook would be my choice.
Thank you everybody! inputs are much appreciated and considered 
definitely got me with some different point of view with our concerns! and will share it with my kid… at the end - it’s his decision and loan
No…it will be YOUR loan. As an example…for freshman year, your kiddo can only take $5500 in federally funded loans in his name. Anything additional will either need to be cosigned by you…or taken out by you.
If loans are part of the equation that would IMO make Stony Brook the better choice without a doubt.
Stony Brook has a slightly higher graduation rate 67% to Hofstra’s 61%. Stony Brook has a better national ranking.
We’re NYS residents and I’d choose Stony Brook over Hofstra too. Is Stony Brook affordable? The cost of attendance is ~$22k. If your son works summers he can probably raise ~$3k/year. He can take the ~$5500/year federal student loan and he has the $3500/year scholarship. That leaves a $10k gap. Can you pay that without taking out a parent loan? If not, I’d wait for a more affordable option or start at a community college. Does he qualify for the tuition scholarship in post #1? If so, that would cover nearly all the gap.
Stony Brook Engineering is highly regarded. Hofstra is not known for engineering. Unless there is a very compelling reason to choose Hofstra, SBU would the better choice. As far as teaching is concerned, engineering (or any STEM field for that matter) is usually a mixed bag of professors. STEM students need a high degree of DIY work ethic, because of the need to self study much of the material.
For class sizes - check out the “Schedule of classes” for each university for the Spring 2017 semester. I know Stony Brook’s is accessible to the public. Don’t know about Hofstra.
Tip: Many college websites are hopelessly disorganized - use a Google search with specific terms to get to the webpage you are looking for.
Stony Brook. Great rep for scienes etc. Better reputation. Cheaper. Definitely go to an accepted students day event. It is a bit isolated as no real college town. Your son may still get invited to SB honors program too. I remember those invites came separately and later when my kids applied (2014). It’s a much smaller Honors College at SB, too. Ask how big Honors College is at Hofstra and what benefits it affords. At some schools it is more exclusive and has more perks than others. Congrats to your son. Are you still waiting to hear from others?
StonyBrook for sure.
I also am an engineer and only knew Hofstra had engineering because my son applied to engineering schools last year. Looked at Hofstra as a safety and ended up not applying. Stony Brook definitely has a better reputation for engineering.
Agree that your s should visit, but also agree that Stonybrook is the better choice. Is there anything that makes Hofstra a higher priority, other than its closer to home? That shouldnt be an issue, IMO.