About North Carolina State University at Raleigh
NC State builds engineers, researchers, and problem-solvers who live by the motto "Think and Do." The university enrolls 26,389 students in Raleigh, where strong engineering and agriculture programs anchor a major research mission. Notable graduates include NFL quarterback Philip Rivers and legendary basketball coach Jim Valvano, who embodied the Wolfpack spirit of determination.
Students pay an average net price of $16,931 after financial aid, making this research university surprisingly affordable. Graduates earn a median of $68,758 ten years after graduation, while typical debt loads hit $20,121. The math works in students' favor, with monthly loan payments averaging just $213. In-state students get an strong deal at $8,895 in tuition, though out-of-state costs jump to $31,767.
The student body splits almost evenly between men and women, with 87% coming from North Carolina. Campus houses 10,291 students in residence halls, creating a college town atmosphere in the state capital. The Wolfpack competes in 18 Division I sports in the Atlantic Coast Conference, with the historic rivalry against UNC Chapel Hill defining campus culture. A 93% retention rate and 85% graduation rate show students stick around and finish what they start.
Students pay an average net price of $16,931 after financial aid, making this research university surprisingly affordable. Graduates earn a median of $68,758 ten years after graduation, while typical debt loads hit $20,121. The math works in students' favor, with monthly loan payments averaging just $213. In-state students get an strong deal at $8,895 in tuition, though out-of-state costs jump to $31,767.
The student body splits almost evenly between men and women, with 87% coming from North Carolina. Campus houses 10,291 students in residence halls, creating a college town atmosphere in the state capital. The Wolfpack competes in 18 Division I sports in the Atlantic Coast Conference, with the historic rivalry against UNC Chapel Hill defining campus culture. A 93% retention rate and 85% graduation rate show students stick around and finish what they start.
Academics & Faculty
NC State operates as a major research university where engineering reigns supreme alongside nationally recognized agriculture and veterinary programs. The student-faculty ratio of 15:1 provides solid access to professors despite the large enrollment of 26,389 students. Students benefit from the university's "Think and Do" philosophy that emphasizes hands-on learning and real-world application. The 85% graduation rate reflects strong institutional support for degree completion. Engineering students particularly thrive here, with programs consistently ranking among the nation's best public options. The university's research focus means undergraduates can participate in modern projects across disciplines from textile innovation to biotechnology. Students earn a median of $68,758 ten years after graduation, demonstrating the value of NC State's practical approach to education.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 15:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 87.2%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 84.6%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 84.6%
- Retention Rate
- 93.4%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $68,758
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral University (R1)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Software and Media Applications. | Master | $103,078 |
| Computer Science. | Master | $97,071 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Master | $82,440 |
| Civil Engineering. | Master | $81,702 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $74,200 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $70,710 |
| Industrial Engineering. | Bachelor | $70,253 |
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $70,057 |
| Chemical Engineering. | Bachelor | $69,757 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $69,140 |
Campus Life
The Raleigh campus sprawls across the heart of North Carolina's capital city, where 39% of students live on campus among the red brick buildings and tree-lined quads. You'll need both a winter coat and plenty of sunscreen here, as temperatures swing from humid 90-degree summers to occasional snow in January. The Research Triangle location puts you minutes from downtown Raleigh's music venues and food trucks, with Charlotte just two hours south.
Weekends revolve around Carter-Finley Stadium, where the Wolfpack's 18 varsity teams compete in the ACC. With 87% of students from North Carolina, the campus feels like a gathering of the state's brightest. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio means you'll actually know your professors in those engineering labs and agricultural research facilities. Students balance rigorous coursework with traditions like the Krispy Kreme Challenge and late-night study sessions in the Hunt Library. The "Think and Do" motto isn't just words here - with a 95.9% employment rate and median earnings of $68,758 ten years out, graduates turn classroom theory into real-world success.
Weekends revolve around Carter-Finley Stadium, where the Wolfpack's 18 varsity teams compete in the ACC. With 87% of students from North Carolina, the campus feels like a gathering of the state's brightest. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio means you'll actually know your professors in those engineering labs and agricultural research facilities. Students balance rigorous coursework with traditions like the Krispy Kreme Challenge and late-night study sessions in the Hunt Library. The "Think and Do" motto isn't just words here - with a 95.9% employment rate and median earnings of $68,758 ten years out, graduates turn classroom theory into real-world success.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 10,291 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
Campus Safety (2023)
141 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stalking | 39 | 12 | 0 | 1 |
| Rape | 11 | 10 | 1 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 11 | 7 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 11 | 6 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 8 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 4 | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Arson | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 31°–51°F
- July Avg
- 70°–90°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 49.4"
- Annual Snowfall
- 4.5"
Student Demographics
NC State draws overwhelmingly from North Carolina, with 87% of students coming from in-state. The engineering powerhouse attracts a nearly perfect gender split that reflects its diverse STEM and liberal arts offerings. About one in five students receives Pell Grants, showing the university serves working-class families across the state. The student body is predominantly white but includes growing Asian and Hispanic populations. This mix creates a grounded, practical campus culture where students embody the "Think and Do" motto through hands-on research and real-world problem solving.
- Men
- 50.2%
- Women
- 49.8%
- White
- 67.5%
- Black
- 5.8%
- Hispanic
- 8.5%
- Asian
- 9.6%
- In-State Students
- 87.1%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 19.1%
Location
NC State sits in Raleigh, the state capital and part of the Research Triangle alongside Durham and Chapel Hill. The city has grown into a major tech center with over 460,000 residents. Students get both college town energy and big city opportunities, with internships at companies like Red Hat and SAS just minutes from campus. The Research Triangle Park, one of the largest research parks in the world, sits 20 minutes away and employs over 50,000 people in science and technology. The area offers mild winters and hot summers, with the Blue Ridge Mountains two hours west and Atlantic beaches three hours east. Students considering colleges in North Carolina may also compare NC State with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Raleigh, North Carolina 27695-7001
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $68,758
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $71,503
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $45,000
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 75.5%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $213/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $20,121
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at North Carolina State University at Raleigh?
NC State accepts 47.17% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1370. The university attracts strong students interested in engineering and research, maintaining a 93.42% retention rate once students enroll.
How much does North Carolina State University at Raleigh cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $16,931 annually, with in-state tuition at $8,895. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay just $6,200 after aid, making this research university accessible to North Carolina residents.
What is North Carolina State University at Raleigh known for academically?
NC State operates as a major research university with top-ranked engineering and agriculture programs. The school maintains a 15:1 student-faculty ratio and follows the motto "Think and Do," emphasizing hands-on learning and innovation.
What do graduates of North Carolina State University at Raleigh earn after college?
NC State graduates earn a median salary of $68,758 ten years after graduation with 84.60% completing their degree within six years. The strong employment rate of 95.9% reflects the university's focus on practical skills and industry connections.
Where do students live at North Carolina State University at Raleigh?
The university houses 10,291 students on campus with 26,389 total enrollment, creating a active residential community. Located in Raleigh, students benefit from internships and job opportunities in North Carolina's Research Triangle region.
How competitive are athletics at North Carolina State University at Raleigh?
The Wolfpack compete in NCAA Division I as part of the Atlantic Coast Conference with 18 varsity sports and 551 total athletes. The university awards $11,427,412 in athletic scholarships and maintains fierce rivalries with UNC Chapel Hill and Duke University.
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