Brookhaven National Laboratory
- Acceptance Rate
- 65.0%
- SAT Range
- 1050–1250
- ACT Range
- N/A
- Avg GPA
- 3.25
- Size
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- Type
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- Student:Faculty
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- Setting
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- Graduation Rate
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- Retention Rate
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- Tuition (In-State)
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- Tuition (Int'l)
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Student Life & Environment
Graduate students and postdoctoral researchers at Brookhaven join a vibrant intellectual community of scientists addressing some of the most challenging questions in modern science. The laboratory's collaborative culture encourages interaction across disciplines, with seminar series, workshops, and informal gatherings facilitating exchange of ideas. BNL provides housing accommodations on site, creating a convenient and community-oriented living environment. Recreational facilities include athletic fields, tennis courts, and an on-site pool. The laboratory's location on Long Island provides access to beaches, nature preserves, and the cultural attractions of New York City, about 60 miles west. The laboratory hosts numerous programs connecting researchers across career stages and institutional affiliations. Summer internships bring undergraduate and graduate students for intensive research experiences. Visiting scientist programs enable extended collaborations with researchers from partner institutions worldwide. These programs create networks that span careers and continents.
Location & Surroundings
Brookhaven National Laboratory occupies a 5,300-acre site in Upton, New York, in the central part of Long Island. The campus-like setting features research buildings, experimental facilities, housing, and natural areas providing a pleasant working environment removed from urban congestion. Long Island's location provides diverse lifestyle options. The laboratory is approximately 60 miles from Manhattan, accessible for occasional visits while avoiding daily commute challenges. Closer to hand, Long Island offers suburban communities, historic villages, vineyards, and extensive beaches on both the Long Island Sound and Atlantic Ocean shores. The climate features four distinct seasons: warm, humid summers; colorful autumns; cold winters with occasional snow; and pleasant springs. The proximity to New York City provides access to unparalleled cultural resources, international travel through three major airports, and professional opportunities in the nation's largest metropolitan area.
Costs & Career Outcomes
Brookhaven provides competitive compensation packages for graduate students and postdoctoral researchers. Graduate student support varies by arrangement with home institutions, with many students supported by research assistantships through BNL projects. Postdoctoral salaries are competitive with other national laboratories and universities, reflecting BNL's commitment to attracting top early-career talent. Benefits include health insurance, retirement plans, and access to laboratory facilities and housing. The Department of Energy and BNL fund professional development activities including conference travel and training programs. The laboratory's proximity to New York City creates cost of living considerations, though Long Island communities vary in affordability. Career outcomes for BNL alumni are excellent, reflecting both the quality of research training and the laboratory's extensive professional networks. Many pursue academic careers at research universities, with BNL experience valued for its rigor and facility access. Others remain in the national laboratory system, advancing to staff scientist and leadership positions. Industry positions span technology companies, energy firms, and specialized research organizations. The diverse research environment and interdisciplinary exposure prepare graduates for careers across the scientific and technical landscape.
Campus Location
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