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.
A directional estimate — not a prediction
Admitted students at NC State typically score between 1300 and 1460 on the SAT, with a median of 1380. SAT Math scores range from 660 to 740, while Verbal scores span 640 to 720, indicating balanced preparation across quantitative and verbal reasoning. ACT scores range from 28 to 32, with a median of 30. These ranges represent the middle 50% of enrolled students, meaning 25% score below the lower bound and 25% score above the upper bound. NC State's SAT median of 1380 significantly exceeds the peer median of 1198 by 182 points, ranking among the highest test score profiles tracked nationally. Students scoring within the 1300-1460 SAT range or 28-32 ACT range are academically competitive for admission, while those scoring below 1300 SAT or 28 ACT face steeper odds but are not automatically excluded. The substantial gap between NC State's test scores and peer institutions reflects the university's ability to attract academically well-prepared students. Students should consider whether their academic profile aligns with these ranges when building their college list, as test scores below the 25th percentile require exceptional strength in other application areas. The high test score profile indicates that admitted students typically demonstrate strong academic preparation for rigorous coursework in STEM and other demanding disciplines.
Understanding institutional priorities and student support
NC State enrolls 19.1% Pell-eligible students and 19.3% first-generation students, indicating moderate enrollment of students from diverse economic backgrounds. While these shares are lower than many public universities, they represent meaningful access for students who may be the first in their families to attend college or who come from lower-income households. The institution also enrolls 21.6% transfer students, indicating pathways for students beginning their college careers at community colleges or other institutions. This enrollment composition suggests that while NC State maintains selective admission standards, the university admits students from varied educational and economic backgrounds. The Pell share of 19.1% indicates that roughly 1 in 5 students receives federal grant aid based on financial need. First-generation students should know that approximately 1 in 5 enrolled students share their background, providing peer community and institutional experience supporting students whose families may be unfamiliar with college processes. Students from lower-income families should consider the 19.1% Pell share when assessing fit, as this indicates institutional experience serving students with financial aid needs. Transfer applicants should note that 21.6% of enrolled students began their college careers elsewhere, suggesting established pathways and support systems for transfer students.
Given NC State's 39.9% acceptance rate and high test score requirements, most applicants face meaningful competition for admission. The alternatives below provide different pathways to strong outcomes.
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96% of NC State freshmen return for sophomore year, well above the peer median of 83.7%, indicating strong institutional support for student success and engagement. The graduation rate of 84.6% also exceeds the peer median of 65.9%, demonstrating consistent degree completion across the student body. Pell-eligible students graduate at 77.2%, creating a 7.4 percentage point gap below the overall completion rate. While this gap indicates some differential outcomes by income level, it remains within the typical range for selective public universities and reflects the additional challenges that lower-income students may face during college. The high retention rate of 96% suggests that students who gain admission typically find the academic and social environment supportive of continued enrollment. Students who gain admission can expect strong institutional support for degree completion, as evidenced by graduation rates well above national averages. Lower-income students should weigh the 7.4 percentage point Pell gap when considering this institution, though the 77.2% completion rate for Pell students still represents solid outcomes. Prospective students should view these retention and completion rates as indicators of the academic environment and support systems they'll experience if admitted.
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