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56.4%Acceptance
$6,748Tuition
11,925Students
55%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$44,440Earnings
#14 in North CarolinaPublic4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalResearch UniversityNCAA Division IStudy AbroadData: 2023-24HBCU

About North Carolina A & T State University

The Aggies have built their reputation as North Carolina's largest historically black university, with 11,925 students calling this Greensboro campus home. Engineering is the crown jewel program among HBCUs, producing graduates like astronaut Ronald McNair and civil rights leader Jesse Jackson. Students compete for admission with a 56% acceptance rate and average SAT scores around 1050. The university's "deed not word" motto reflects a hands-on approach to education that emphasizes practical achievement over empty promises.

Money matters tell a promising story here. Students pay an average net price of $10,980 after aid, while graduates earn a median of $44,440 ten years out. That creates a manageable debt load with typical monthly payments of $286 on $27,000 borrowed. Low-income families pay just $7,314 net price, making this education accessible to first-generation college students. Half of all students receive Pell Grants, showing the university's commitment to economic mobility.

The student body reflects the school's mission, with 86% Black enrollment and nearly two-thirds women. Retention sits at 80%, suggesting students find their community here despite a 20:1 student-faculty ratio. Division I athletics compete in 13 sports with $2.4 million in scholarships available.

Academics & Faculty

North Carolina A&T is the largest HBCU in North Carolina and has built a national reputation for engineering excellence. The university produces more African American engineers than any other institution in the country. With a 20:1 student-faculty ratio, students get reasonable access to professors despite the large enrollment of 11,925. The 55% graduation rate reflects the challenges many students face but also shows the university's commitment to supporting first-generation college students. Agriculture remains strong given the school's land-grant heritage. Business and nursing programs also draw significant enrollment. The engineering school's prestige attracts students nationwide who want rigorous STEM education in a supportive HBCU environment.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
20:1
Full-Time Faculty
59.5%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
55.9%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
55.3%
Retention Rate
79.5%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$44,440
Carnegie Classification
Doctoral University (R2)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Computer Science. Bachelor $68,666
Mechanical Engineering. Bachelor $68,666
Industrial Engineering. Bachelor $66,541
Chemical Engineering. Bachelor $61,064
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Bachelor $59,042
Civil Engineering. Bachelor $55,964
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Master $55,964
Marketing. Bachelor $54,661
Engineering Technologies/Technicians, Other. Bachelor $54,035
Architectural Engineering. Bachelor $53,810

View all 113 programs →

Campus Life

The Aggie campus sits in Greensboro, North Carolina's third-largest city with 295,000 residents. About 50% of the 11,925 students live in campus housing that accommodates 6,010 residents. You'll need both winter coats and sunscreen here - North Carolina's piedmont region sees snowy January lows around 30°F and humid July highs reaching 85°F.

Weekend life revolves around the legendary Aggie Pride traditions that make this the largest HBCU in North Carolina. Football games draw massive crowds as the Aggies compete in NCAA Division I with 363 total athletes across 13 sports. The Greatest Homecoming on Earth brings alumni from across the country back to campus each fall. Students frequent the bustling downtown Greensboro scene just minutes away, with its restaurants, music venues, and internship opportunities. The 20:1 student-faculty ratio means you'll get to know professors personally, especially in the well-known engineering programs that have produced astronauts like Ronald McNair. With 85.58% of students being Black, the campus culture celebrates African American heritage while fostering the "Deed not word" motto through community service and academic excellence.
Setting
City-Large
Housing Capacity
6,010 beds
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available

Campus Safety (2023)

111 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Burglary 24 19 0 0
Dating Violence 12 8 0 0
Stalking 14 4 0 0
Rape 6 6 0 0
Fondling 3 2 0 0
Motor Vehicle Theft 4 0 0 1
Robbery 3 2 0 0
Domestic Violence 1 1 0 0
Aggravated Assault 1 0 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
29°–50°F
July Avg
70°–88°F
Annual Precipitation
45.9"
Annual Snowfall
7.1"

Student Demographics

This historically black university draws students primarily from North Carolina, with 71% coming from in-state. Women make up nearly two-thirds of the student body, reflecting strong programs in health sciences and education alongside the school's well-known engineering offerings. Half of all students receive Pell Grants, showing N.C. A&T's commitment to serving first-generation college students from working-class families. The student body is 86% Black, maintaining the university's identity as the largest HBCU in North Carolina while creating a supportive environment for African American students pursuing STEM degrees and other professional fields.
Men
37.4%
Women
62.6%
White
3.4%
Black
85.6%
Hispanic
4.6%
Asian
0.4%
In-State Students
71.3%
Pell Grant Recipients
50.7%

Location

North Carolina A&T sits in Greensboro, a city of 300,000 in the heart of North Carolina's Piedmont region. The campus lies 90 miles northeast of Charlotte and 80 miles west of Raleigh-Durham, placing students within reach of major job markets. Greensboro anchors the Triad metropolitan area alongside Winston-Salem and High Point. The city blends college town energy with urban amenities, hosting five universities including UNC Greensboro just miles away. Historic downtown Greensboro played a pivotal role in the civil rights movement, where A&T students led the famous Woolworth lunch counter sit-ins in 1960. Students considering colleges in North Carolina may also compare North Carolina A&T with similar schools in the region.
Address
Greensboro, North Carolina 27411
John O. Crosby
John O. Crosby

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years)
$44,440
Median Earnings (5 years)
$49,710
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$31,700
Loan Repayment Rate
27.4%
Monthly Loan Payment
$286/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at North Carolina A & T State University?

North Carolina A & T accepts 56.39% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1050. As the largest HBCU in North Carolina, the university maintains selective admissions while serving a diverse student body of nearly 12,000 students.

How much does North Carolina A & T State University cost after financial aid?

The average net price is $10,980, though students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $7,314 on average. With 50.66% of students receiving Pell Grants, the university keeps education affordable for working-class families.

What is North Carolina A & T State University known for academically?

The university leads among HBCUs in engineering education with a 20:1 student-faculty ratio. Students graduate with median debt of $27,000 and earn a median salary of $44,440 ten years after graduation.

What are the graduation outcomes at North Carolina A & T State University?

The six-year graduation rate stands at 55.30% with a strong 79.51% retention rate for first-year students. Graduates maintain a 95.3% employment rate, reflecting the university's reputation for producing job-ready professionals.

Where do students live at North Carolina A & T State University?

Campus housing accommodates 6,010 students at $8,832 per year for room and board. The university sits in Greensboro, a large city setting that offers internship and job opportunities for the 71.30% of students who come from in-state.

Is North Carolina A & T State University competitive in athletics?

The Aggies compete in NCAA Division I with 13 varsity sports and 363 total athletes. The athletic program receives $2,362,046 in scholarship funding and competes in the Coastal Athletic Association.