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Raleigh , NC
North Carolina State University (NC State) is a public research university located in Raleigh, North Carolina. Founded in 1887, it is the largest university in the state and a member of the prestigious University of North Carolina system. NC State offers over 160 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in a wide range of fields, including engineering, agriculture, textiles, business, computer science, and the natural sciences. The university is renowned for its strong commitment to research, innovation, and engagement with industry and government partners.
NC State is home to a diverse and vibrant community of students from all 100 counties in North Carolina, as well as from all 50 states and over 100 countries. With a total enrollment of more than 36,000 students, the university offers a stimulating and dynamic environment for learning, collaboration, and personal growth. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities, including research labs, libraries, performance spaces, and athletic facilities, all designed to enhance the academic and social experience of students.
One of the defining characteristics of NC State is its close ties with industry and government. The university encourages its students to apply their knowledge and skills to real-world challenges through experiential learning opportunities, internships, and co-op programs. NC State's Centennial Campus, a 1,334-acre research park, serves as a hub for innovation and collaboration between academia and industry, fostering entrepreneurship and economic development in the region. Additionally, the university is a major contributor to the state's agricultural sector through its college of agriculture and life sciences, providing essential research, education, and extension services to support North Carolina's farming communities.
Located in Raleigh, NC and set in an urban environment, North Carolina State University is a public university. This school follows a semester-based calendar. It has an acceptance rate of 41%. The freshman retention rate at North Carolina State University is 93% and the six-year graduation rate is 85%.
The freshmen application deadline for this school is June 1. For transfer students, the application deadline is June 1.
To find out more about what North Carolina State University has to offer to its students, read on for the latest data reported by this school.
Quick Facts
28,422
Total Number of Undergraduate Students
15:1
Student to Faculty Ratio
85%
Graduation Rate
Admissions
In order to increase your chances of getting admitted, you need to know as much as possible about the university's criteria for admission. Learn some important information about admission policy and requirements at North Carolina State University.
According to the most recent information reported, this school uses standardized test scores for admission and it admitted 18,382 in 2025. North Carolina State University has an official test-optional admission policy but considers standardized test scores if the applicant chooses to submit them. Looking at entrance difficulty level for all or most incoming freshmen, based on data self-reported by the institution this school is moderately difficult to get into.
Test Scores
Out of the number of those who submitted test scores, the percentage of first-time, first-year degree-seeking students who submitted SAT scores was 24.86% and ACT scores 41.34%. 40% of the new students submitted SAT composite scores between 1,400 and 1,600, 51% between 1,200 and 1,399, 8% between 1,000 and 1,199, and 1% between 800 and 999. The percent of first-year students who submitted ACT Composite scores in the range between 30-36 was 44.8, 39.8 between 24-29, 14.4 in the range between 18-23, and 1 between 12-17.
The ACT composite average score for all the accepted students in 2025 was 29 while the average GPA was 3.83. That means that you need a GPA that's above average in order to get into North Carolina State University; the same goes for your ACT score.
The new students had an average SAT Critical Reading score of 680 and an average SAT Math score of 680.
Deadlines
The last day for submitting applications to this school is June 1. If you are applying for a transfer, the application deadline is June 1.
Retention Rate
The percentage of new students at a college or university who stay on for their second year is known as the freshman retention rate. That information can tell you if the majority of new students liked their first year enough to come back.
The freshman retention rate for North Carolina State University was 93% in 2025, which is an excellent retention rate only the most prestigious institutions have.
The graduation rate is another indicator to take into account. It reflects the proportion of students who obtain their degrees within the expected timeframe. This academic institution has the six-year graduation rate of 85%, which is considered an above-average graduation rate.
Student Body
It is always challenging to figure out which school is best for you. Knowing more about the student population can help you get a better understanding of the school's culture and life.
Main Student Body
In 2025, the school enrolled 38,464 students.
That year, the institution had an out-of-state student body percentage of 11. There was a total of 28,422 students pursuing undergraduate degrees, including 514 international students. 1,574 students enrolled as transfer students.
Student Population Gender Ratio
With a coeducational student body, the school had 15,943 male and 15,925 female full-time students in 2025.
Student Population Diversity
Higer Education is committed to focusing on the diversity of its student body and improving students' sense of inclusion and belonging. In a diverse learning space, you will be exposed to people from different backgrounds, which promotes the feeling of inclusion and acceptance. Learn more about all the ethnic communities you might encounter at this institution.
In 2025, out of the total number of students enrolled at the institution, the number of Asian students was 2,128, while the number of Afro-American students was 1,291. 2,008 undergrads at this school identified as Hispanic/Latino and 1,065 identified with more than one race. The school also had 15 students who declared as Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, and 73 American Indian or Alaska Native students. There were also 211 students whose ethnicity is unknown.
Cost
The financial aspect is one of the most important things to consider before applying to any college or university. The latest information on the expenses that most students at this school incur are detailed below.
Tuition and Fees
Wondering about tuition at North Carolina State University? Here is what you need to know.
For the students who live in the area, the tuition cost was $6,535, as reported by public county or municipal institutions. Tuition fees were $31,500 for students coming from out of state. For international students, tuition fees at this school stood at $31,500, as well. Full-time students in 2025 had to pay additional fees in the amount of $2,492.5.
| Category | Tuition | Fees | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Out-of-State | $31,500 | $2,493 | $33,992 |
| In-State | $6,535 | $2,493 | $9,027 |
Books and Supplies
When you try to estimate the cost of attendance for a college or university, you need to take into account the cost of books and supplies you're going to need. The estimated expense of books and supplies for full-time students of this school is $624.
Boarding
Besides tuition, another cost to consider is the price of housing in the dorms and eating at the school cafeteria. What do schools typically charge for room and board?
At North Carolina State University, the 2025 annual cost of room and board (on campus) was $14,741. If you only needed a room on the campus, you had to pay $8,335 for the 2025 academic year. The estimated expense of room-only (on campus) for commuters not living at home was $9,522.
| Expense Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $ 6,535 |
| Room and Board | $ 14,741 |
| Book and Supplies | $ 624 |
| Total Expense | $ 21,900 |
Financial Aid
Be it a grant, loan, scholarship, or work-study program, any type of financial help can be a great deal for a number of students. Check out some recent data to get the information about need-based and non-need-based aid available at North Carolina State University.
The most recent records show that 2,614 freshmen received some sort of financial help. The average financial aid package awarded to students amounted to $14,899.
Need-based
Need-based financial aid is exactly what it sounds like — it’s awarded based on the determined financial need.
There were 10,162 students who got need-based financial aid of any kind. The overall number of students (including freshmen) who were determined to have financial need ended up being 10,899. The amount of federal need-based scholarships/grants awarded to the students at this institution reached $30,564,092, and state $20,759,168. The students of North Carolina State University received the -institutional need-based aid in the amount of $70,492,033, and external in the amount of $6,837,022.
$5,697
Average Amount of Aid Received
Non-Need Based
Non-need-based financial aid is any type of financial aid provided to a student who does not meet the criteria for need-based aid. The most popular forms of non-need-based financial aid for students are loans and grants, like Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans, Graduate PLUS Loans, Parent PLUS Loans, and the Teacher Education Access for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant.
Institutional non-need-based scholarships or grants were given to 840 students overall (including freshmen) at North Carolina State University in 2025. Institutional help in the form of non-need-based scholarships or grants was given to 214 full-time freshmen. Federal non-need-based scholarships and grants totaled $30,564,092 for students at this institution, while state aid came to $30,678. The total amount of institutional scholarships and awards that were not based on financial need was $13,324,675. This includes endowment, alumni, other institutional awards, and also external funds awarded by the institution, but doesn't include athletic aid and tuition waivers. $6,393,908 was the amount that the students at this institution got from external sources (like Kiwanis and National Merit).
Majors
Faculty
15:1
Student to Faculty Ratio
Getting information about the faculty at a school can help you estimate the quality of education you will receive there.
According to the most recent data, the student-faculty ratio at North Carolina State University was 15:1: that means 15 students per one teacher. The total number of faculty teaching at the institution is 2,285. Out of that number, there were 1,314 male and 971 female faculty members.
Student Population Diversity Graph
Campus Life
Knowing what to expect out of campus life at a college or university can set you up for success. Check out some info about social life at North Carolina State University.
Its campus spans 2,140 acres.
Student Organizations
Exploring a variety of student organizations can contribute to a more vibrant and rewarding educational experience.
This number includes sororities and fraternities. The student organization that attracts the greatest number of students is Spanish Club at NCSU, followed by Pre-Veterinary Medical Association at NCSU and Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. Other popular organizations at North Carolina State University are Pre-Health Club and Student Alumni Association.
Students interested in music can join the North Carolina State University band or chorus. For those drawn to acting, there is a drama club where you can participate. For students looking to explore media and communication, North Carolina State University publishes its own newspaper and has its own radio station.
Student Services
North Carolina State University offers a number of services important for a pleasant and secure life on campus.
There are emergency phone and alarm devices available around the clock. The dormitory entrances are electronically operated. There is a security patrol that operates around the clock. Theer is a nighttime transportation/escort service.
There is a health clinic with personal/psychological counseling. In addition, other services like Legal Services, Veteran's Affairs and Women's Center are available to the students of North Carolina State University.
All in all, campus life at North Carolina State University is rich and vibrant and provides all you need for a comfortable stay.
Career Services
Having career services at a college or university can mean a great deal for your career planning, so find out what you can expect at North Carolina State University.
Career Counselling
At North Carolina State University, there is both group career counseling for all students and individual career counseling for all students. There is campus employer recruitment for all the students. Individual job placement is available to all students at this school.
FAQ
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North Carolina State University is located in Raleigh, NC.
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This school has an official test-optional admission policy but makes use of SAT, SAT Subject Tests, ACT, or other standardized test scores in admission decisions for the candidates who choose to submit them.
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The most recent data indicate that the acceptance rate for North Carolina State University is 41%.
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The most recent reported freshman retention rate for North Carolina State University is 93%.
Contact Information
North Carolina State University
1210 Varsity Drive
Raleigh , NC
27695-7001
919 515-2434
Data Source: IPEDS and Peterson's Databases © 2023 Peterson's LLC All rights reserved. Portions of this content were co-written with OpenAI's GPT-3.5 model.
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Data Source: IPEDS and Peterson's Databases © 2023 Peterson's LLC All rights reserved.
Portions of this content were co-written with OpenAI's GPT-3.5 model.
