North Carolina State University At Raleigh

North Carolina State University admits 39.9% of applicants, meaning roughly 2 in 5 applicants receive an offer of admission. This places NC State in the selective category, with admission rates significantly more competitive than the peer median of 78.1%.

The 38.2 percentage point difference between NC State's admission rate and typical public research universities highlights the institution's selective admission standards. This level of selectivity indicates that academically qualified students face meaningful competition in the admission process, though acceptance rates remain more accessible than highly selective private institutions.

Students should expect NC State to evaluate applications comprehensively, considering academic preparation, test scores, and other qualifications. The selectivity level suggests that even well-prepared students should treat NC State as a competitive choice requiring strong academic credentials.

For students building balanced college lists, NC State's 39.9% acceptance rate indicates the need for both reach and safety options. The admission landscape at selective public universities like NC State has become increasingly competitive, with strong in-state and out-of-state applicant pools driving selectivity.

North Carolina State University's published cost of attendance is $25,613 per year, including $8,895 in in-state tuition, $13,719 for room and board, and $869 for books and supplies. Out-of-state students face tuition of $31,767.

The average student pays $16,931 after financial aid, representing savings of $8,682 from the sticker price. NC State's net price of $16,931 falls $1,341 below the peer median of $15,590, indicating competitive affordability relative to similar public research universities.

The financial aid system reduces costs significantly for lower-income students while maintaining accessibility for middle-class families. Net prices range from $6,200 for families earning under $30,000 to $24,211 for those earning over $110,000, demonstrating progressive aid targeting.

This cost structure supports the institution's role as a public research university serving diverse economic backgrounds while maintaining quality academic programs. The moderate savings from sticker price reflect typical patterns at selective public institutions where aid concentrates on need-based assistance rather than broad-based discounting.

NC State graduates demonstrate steady earnings growth over time, with median earnings rising from $57,623 six years after enrollment to $65,113 at eight years and $68,758 at ten years, representing 19.3% growth from the six-year mark. These outcomes are based on a ten-year cohort of 5,736 graduates, providing high confidence in the reported figures.

Low-income graduates earn $59,500, indicating solid outcomes for students from lower-income backgrounds despite the institution's Selective Achievers designation. Earnings span from $45,891 at the 25th percentile to $99,809 at the 75th percentile, with the 2.2:1 ratio reflecting meaningful variation across academic programs and career trajectories.

Approximately 24.6% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, indicating strong preparation for both advanced education and workforce entry. The institution ranks modestly below average in earnings beyond expectations, earning $20,587 less than predicted based on student demographics.

NC State offers 20 bachelor's degree programs with sufficient federal earnings data for ranking analysis. Business Administration and Management ranks #33 nationally and #2 in North Carolina, producing 665 graduates with median earnings of $69,742 and a value score of 90.6.

Computer Science ranks #58 nationally and #4 in North Carolina, graduating 232 students with median earnings of $98,925. Chemical Engineering ranks #16 nationally and #1 in North Carolina, with 132 graduates earning $94,710.

Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering ranks #10 nationally and #2 in North Carolina, graduating 128 students with median earnings of $92,574. Agricultural Animal Breeding ranks #8 nationally and #1 in North Carolina, graduating 218 students with median earnings of $43,013.

The institution demonstrates particular strength in engineering disciplines and maintains flagship status across multiple STEM fields.