CAMPUS · RALEIGH, NC · PUBLIC

North Carolina State University

North Carolina State University at Raleigh

39.9%

01Acceptance 02Tuition 03Transfer 04ROI 05AP Credit 06Majors 07Housing 08International

FIT

MATCH

North Carolina State University is a match for most applicants.

Score reflects acceptance odds × cost × outcome quality.

ACCEPTANCE

39.9%

of 40,049 applicants

SALARY · 10-YR

$68,758

across all majors

North Carolina State University at a Glance

39.9%

Acceptance Rate

1380

Average SAT

Average ACT

40,544

Total Enrollment

$68,758

Median Salary (10yr)

$20,121

Median Debt

19.0%

Pell Grant Rate

Average SAT & ACT Scores for North Carolina State University

Test	25th Percentile	75th Percentile	Midpoint
SAT Reading	640	720	680
SAT Math	660	740	700
SAT Total	1300	1460	1380
ACT Composite	28	32	30

Admissions Funnel

Applications Received	40,049
Students Admitted	15,958
Students Enrolled	5,728
Yield Rate	35.9%

North Carolina State University Rankings

Ranking	2025	Year
US News National Universities	#60	2025

North Carolina State University Overview

North Carolina State University at Raleigh is a public university in Raleigh, NC with 40,544 students. At 39.9% acceptance, it's selective but accessible to students who meet the academic benchmarks. The most popular majors are Engineering, Business/Marketing, and Biological Sciences. Graduates earn a median of $68,758 ten years after enrollment.

Full Name	North Carolina State University at Raleigh
Location	Raleigh, NC 27695-7001
Type	Public
Website	ncsu.edu/
Total Enrollment	40,544
Undergrad Enrollment	28,867
Female Students	49.7%

North Carolina State University Graduate Earnings Overview

$57,623

Median Salary (6yr)

$68,758

Median Salary (10yr)

$20,121

Median Debt

3.4x

Earnings / Debt

North Carolina State University graduates earn a median of $68,758 ten years after enrollment against median debt of $20,121. Actual outcomes depend heavily on your chosen major.

Most Popular Majors at North Carolina State University

What students actually study — percentage of degrees awarded by field.

Engineering

23.5%

Business/Marketing

18.0%

Biological Sciences

10.0%

Agriculture

8.1%

Social Sciences

5.0%

Psychology

4.6%

Computer Science

4.5%

Natural Resources

3.5%

Communication

3.1%

Multidisciplinary

2.7%

Education

2.7%

Parks/Recreation

2.4%

Mathematics/Statistics

2.3%

Visual/Performing Arts

2.0%

Is North Carolina State University Worth It? The ROI Verdict

North Carolina State University delivers strong financial returns for most graduates.

DeepColleges ROI Score: 82/100

Based on earnings relative to net cost across income brackets.

North Carolina State University True Cost by Family Income

Sticker price doesn't tell the full story at NC State. Families earning $0-30k pay around $6,382 per year after aid, while those in the $110k+ bracket pay about $24,652. 19% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating NC State enrolls a meaningful share of lower-income students. Median debt at graduation is $20,121, which is reasonable against the $57,623 typical early-career salary.

Family Income	Annual Net Price	4-Year Total
$0-30k	$6,382	$25,528
$30-48k	$8,758	$35,032
$48-75k	$13,334	$53,336
$75-110k	$20,087	$80,348
$110k+	$24,652	$98,608

Cost Breakdown

Room & Board	$13,719
Total Cost of Attendance	$26,425

Student Demographics

White

66.1%

Black/African American

6.1%

Hispanic/Latino

8.0%

Asian

9.3%

International

3.1%

How to Get Into North Carolina State University

NC State is a Match school for students with solid academics. If your GPA and test scores are at or above the school median, you have good odds of admission. Focus your energy on the application essay and making a genuine case for why NC State fits your goals.

1380

Target SAT Score

Target ACT Score

39.9%

Acceptance Rate

40,049

Total Applicants

What North Carolina State University Values Most in Applicants

Admission factor importance from the Common Data Set — what the school officially says matters.

Factor	Importance
Academic Gpa	Very Important
Rigor Of Secondary School Record	Very Important
Class Rank	Considered
Standardized Test Scores	Important
Application Essay	Important
Recommendation	Considered
Extracurricular Activities	Important
Talent Ability	Important
Character Personal Qualities	Considered
First Generation	Considered
Alumni Relation	Not Considered
Interview	Not Considered
Work Experience	Considered
Volunteer Work	Considered

GPA Profile of Admitted Students at North Carolina State University

High school GPA distribution of enrolled freshmen, from the Common Data Set.

3.75+

76.72%

3.50–3.74

19.43%

3.25–3.49

2.78%

3.00–3.24

0.68%

2.50–2.99

0.35%

2.00–2.49

0.04%

North Carolina State University Application Deadlines & Requirements

Key dates for the North Carolina State University Regular admission cycle. Mark these on your calendar — missing a deadline means waiting another year.

Deadline	Date
Regular Decision	Jan 15
Financial Aid (FAFSA/CSS)	Mar 1

Financial Aid & Student Debt

19.0%

Pell Grant Recipients

Students from low-income families

$20,121

Median Debt at Graduation

Federal loans only

$57,623

Median Earnings (6yr)

6 years after enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions About North Carolina State University

What is NC State's acceptance rate?

NC State has an acceptance rate of 39.9%, making it moderately selective. This rate reflects freshman applicants for the most recent admissions cycle.

What SAT score do I need for NC State?

The middle 50% SAT range at NC State is 1300-1460. For the ACT, the middle 50% range is 28-32. Scoring above the 75th percentile puts you in a strong position, but scores alone don't determine admission.

What are the most popular majors at NC State?

The most popular majors at NC State by degrees awarded are: Engineering (23.5%), Business/Marketing (18.0%), Biological Sciences (10.0%), Agriculture (8.1%), Social Sciences (5.0%). These percentages reflect undergraduate degrees conferred in the most recent reporting year.

How much do NC State graduates earn?

NC State graduates earn a median salary of $68,758 ten years after enrollment, based on federal data. Actual earnings vary significantly by major — STEM and business graduates typically earn more, while arts and education graduates earn less.

Is NC State worth the cost?

With median earnings of $68,758 (10yr post-enrollment) and median debt of $20,121, The earning potential strongly outweighs the typical debt, making NC State a solid investment for most students. Always compare the net price (after aid) to expected earnings in your intended field.