North Carolina State University at Raleigh
About North Carolina State University at Raleigh
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
NC State is a public research university in Raleigh, North Carolina. It is a leading land-grant university with top programs in engineering, textiles, agriculture, and computer science. NC State anchors the Research Triangle alongside Duke and UNC Chapel Hill.
Founded
1887
Location
Raleigh, North Carolina
Students
37,413
Institution
Public
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
41.7%
Selective
Graduation Rate
84.8%
Above national average
In-State Tuition
$8,799
Out-of-state: $32,847
Avg Net Price
$17,303
After financial aid
SAT Average
1376
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$68,758
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Very Selective
41.7 out of 100 applicants get in
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
$85
Early
Nov 1
Regular
Jan 15
North Carolina State University at Raleigh accepts 41.7% of applicants, with admitted students averaging around 1376 on the SAT. If you're near or above that range, you have a strong chance.
SAT Scores
1376/ 1600
ACT Scores
30/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Above Average
84.8% complete their degree within six years
Retention
94.5%
4-Year Grad
64%
6-Year Grad
85%
Teaching Quality
16:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
87.7%
$/Student
$18.1K
Class Size
Medium
While 64% finish in 4 years, 94.5% of freshmen do return for sophomore year. Many students here may take a bit longer, but they stick with it.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$8,799
In-State
$32,847
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$14,332
Books & Supplies
$876
Total Cost of Attendance
$26,425
After Financial Aid
$17,303
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$6,382
Receive Grants
19.6%
Take Loans
33.5%
The full cost of attendance is about $26,425/yr for in-state students, including $14,332 for room and board. After aid, most pay around $17,303. Out-of-state tuition jumps to $32,847.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at North Carolina State University at Raleigh fund their education.
While in School
19.6%
Get Grants
Free money
33.5%
Take Loans
Must repay
$64,900
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$20,121
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$213/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Only 33.5% of students take out federal loans, and those who do graduate with a median of $20,121. Many students here manage to minimize borrowing.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends North Carolina State University at Raleigh.
Gender
49.9%
Female
50%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
27,371
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
10,042
Graduates
19.3%
First-Gen
20 yrs
Avg Age
4.5%
Age 25+
The campus has a balanced gender split (50% women, 50% men). 19.3% are first-generation college students.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
City: Large
Campus Quick Facts
27,371
Students
public
Institution
Large
Campus Size
R1 Research
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
No
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
No
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
What Students Say
Pros
- +Raleigh and Research Triangle offer great careers
- +Strong engineering and tech programs at affordable tuition
- +Growing, modern campus with new facilities
- +Wolfpack athletics and tailgating culture
Cons
- -Large university can feel impersonal
- -Lives in the shadow of UNC and Duke nearby
- -Hot and humid North Carolina summers
- -Parking is limited and frustrating
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
North Carolina State University at Raleigh fields 12 varsity teams with 664 student athletes, about 2% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division I-FBS
Conference
Atlantic Coast
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
12
Biggest: Track & Cross Country
Student Athletes
664
2% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
60% / 40%
399
Men
265
Women
9
Men's Teams
9
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of North Carolina State University at Raleighearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$68,758
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Business Administration, Management and Operations
$57K
918 grads
1yr Earnings
Biology, General
$36K
436 grads
1yr Earnings
Psychology, General
$30K
296 grads
1yr Earnings
Computer Science
$86K
287 grads
1yr Earnings
Mechanical Engineering
$69K
250 grads
1yr Earnings
Animal Sciences
$33K
233 grads
1yr Earnings
Earnings grow steadily here: $58K at six years, $51K at eight, and $69K by ten. Well above average at every stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about North Carolina State University at Raleigh
What is the acceptance rate at North Carolina State University at Raleigh?▾
How much does North Carolina State University at Raleigh cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at North Carolina State University at Raleigh?▾
How much do North Carolina State University at Raleigh graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.