North Carolina State University at Raleigh

  • 8/10 Overall Rating
  • 4 Year
  • Raleigh, NC
  • 5.0 4 reviews
#23 Best Public Universities in America

Overview

Total enrollment

38,464
North Carolina State University at Raleigh overview
North Carolina State University at Raleigh overview
  • Size Large
  • Status Non-profit
  • Housing Yes
  • Level of Study Undergrad/Graduate

North Carolina State University, located in Raleigh, North Carolina's capital city, operates as the state's largest university across a 2,000-acre main campus characterized by brick buildings and modern research facilities. Established in 1887 as a land-grant institution focusing on agriculture and engineering, NC State has evolved into a comprehensive research university while maintaining its traditional strengths in STEM fields. The university is particularly known for its College of Engineering, College of Veterinary Medicine, and programs in textiles, design, and agriculture, with research partnerships in the nearby Research Triangle Park. Students primarily reside in campus housing during their first year, with many upper-level students living in the surrounding Raleigh area. The NC State Wolfpack competes in the Atlantic Coast Conference, with notable programs in basketball and football.

Ratings

NC State is rated within the top 23% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 8 out of 10.

  • Overall Rating
    8 out of 10
  • Academics
    10 out of 10
  • Resources
    7 out of 10
  • Outcomes
    9 out of 10
  • Value
    9 out of 10

Admissions

Admission Standards

Very High
North Carolina State University at Raleigh admission standards
  • SAT (enrolled mid-50) 1300/1470
  • ACT (enrolled mid-50) 28/32
  • GPA 3.83

Acceptance Rate

41.7%
North Carolina State University at Raleigh applications overview
  • Applications Due Jan 15, 2027
  • Enrollment Rate 31.8%
  • Application Fee $85

Applicant Competition Average

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Annual Cost to Attend

North Carolina Resident Tuition

$8,799

Out of State Resident Tuition

$32,847

Breakdown

In State Costs for North Carolina State University at Raleigh
  • Tuition $8,799
  • Books and Supplies $876
  • Other Fees $2,264
  • Room and Board $14,332
  • Budget for Other Expenses $3,230
  • Total One Year Cost $29,501

Student Outcomes

Average Salary After 10 Years

$57,200 per year

Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate

72% within 6 years

Popular Areas of Study

Popular majors at North Carolina State University at Raleigh are Engineering, Business, and Biology. 22% of students major in Engineering, 13% in Business, and 11% in Biology.

  • Engineering 22%
  • Business 13%
  • Biology 11%
  • Agriculture 9%
  • Social Sciences 5%

More Colleges to Consider

Students considering North Carolina State University at Raleigh are frequently interested in these similar colleges.

Data source: NCES / IPEDS https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=199193.

GPA calculator: North Carolina State University at Raleigh GPA calculator.

Last updated: August 2026