Overview
North Carolina State University at Raleigh is a moderately selective public four-year institution in Raleigh, North Carolina. The school accepts 47.2% of applicants and enrolls 26,389 students.
Admission Statistics
- Acceptance Rate
- 47.2%
- Average SAT
- 1,370
- SAT Range (25th–75th)
- 1,280–1,460
- ACT Composite (avg)
- 31
- Total Enrollment
- 26,389
Your Chances by SAT Score
Your score is above the 75th percentile. You are a competitive applicant.
Your score falls within the middle 50% of admitted students.
Your score is below the 25th percentile. Other parts of your application will need to stand out.
Admission Guide
NC State prioritizes demonstrated interest, so visit campus, attend virtual information sessions, and engage with admissions representatives at college fairs. The university uses complete review but places heavy weight on course rigor, particularly in STEM subjects if you're applying to the College of Engineering or Sciences.
Your essays should highlight specific programs that draw you to NC State. Mention the Cooperative Education Program if you want hands-on industry experience, the Undergraduate Research Program if you plan to work directly with faculty, or the Entrepreneurship Initiative if you want to start a company. The university's strong industry partnerships with companies like Red Hat, SAS, and major pharmaceutical firms create unique internship and job opportunities you can reference.
Apply to the Honors Program separately if your stats are competitive. This smaller community within the larger university offers priority registration, smaller class sizes, and dedicated housing in Honors Village. The application requires additional essays and is more selective than general admission.
NC State uses rolling admission, so apply early for the best chance at your preferred major and housing. Engineering programs fill quickly and become more competitive as the year progresses. If you're interested in highly competitive majors like Computer Science or Biomedical Engineering, treat your application timeline seriously.
The campus culture blends serious academic focus with strong school spirit. Students here are practical and career-oriented rather than theoretical. You'll fit well if you want to solve real-world problems, enjoy collaborative projects, and can handle the intense workload in technical majors. The student body is largely in-state and includes many first-generation college students.
Pack housing forms include specific questions about your lifestyle preferences and academic interests. Answer these thoughtfully since housing assignments can significantly impact your first-year experience. The university also offers themed communities for engineering students, which can help with networking and study groups.
Don't submit generic essays about wanting to attend a "top research university." Instead, research specific faculty members, labs, or programs and explain how they align with your career goals.
What It Costs If You Get In
- Average Net Price
- $16,931/yr
- Tuition (in-state)
- $8,895
- Tuition (out-of-state)
- $31,767
- Students Receiving Aid
- 19%
After You Graduate
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 84.6%
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $68,758/yr
- Freshman Retention Rate
- 93.4%
Frequently Asked Questions
Does NC State require SAT or ACT scores for admission?
NC State is test-optional, meaning you can apply without submitting SAT or ACT scores. However, submitting strong test scores may help your application.
What is the application deadline for NC State University?
The regular decision deadline is January 15. Early action applications are due October 15 with decisions released in late January.
How competitive is admission to NC State's engineering programs?
Engineering at NC State is more selective than general admission. Students apply directly to the College of Engineering and admission is based on math and science coursework along with overall academic performance.
Can you transfer to NC State from a community college?
Yes, NC State accepts transfer students from community colleges. The university has transfer agreements with North Carolina community colleges that guarantee admission for students who meet specific requirements.