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.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $26,425 |
| Tuition and Fees | $32,847 |
| Room and Board | $14,332 |
| Books and Supplies | $876 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$9,122 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $17,303 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $6,382 |
| $30–48k | $8,758 |
| $48–75k | $13,334 |
| $75–110k | $20,087 |
| $110k+ | $24,652 |
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.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
NC State graduates carry a median debt of $20,121, slightly above the peer median of $20,000 but within typical ranges for public research universities. Debt levels range from $8,750 at the 25th percentile to $26,786 at the 75th percentile, indicating meaningful variation in borrowing patterns among students.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.29 suggests manageable debt burdens relative to post-graduation income, falling well below concerning thresholds. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $20,609 with monthly payments of $271, indicating moderate family borrowing to support educational costs.
The combination of median debt slightly above peer levels with strong earnings outcomes creates favorable conditions for debt repayment. Debt levels rank at the 69th percentile nationally, reflecting above-average but not excessive borrowing.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
NC State graduates earn $68,758 ten years after enrollment while carrying median debt of $20,121, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.29 that supports long-term financial stability. Earnings rank at the 85th percentile nationally and exceed the peer median by $8,215, indicating strong return on educational investment.
The institution delivers earnings $20,587 below expectations based on student demographics, ranking in the below-average tier for value-added performance. However, the combination of strong absolute earnings with moderate debt levels creates favorable financial outcomes for most graduates.
Students benefit from selective admission standards that attract academically prepared peers while maintaining public university cost structures. The investment profile reflects NC State's position as a selective public research university where strong outcomes justify moderate borrowing levels.
NC State enrolls 19.1% Pell-eligible students, below the national average but reflecting the institution's selective admission standards and student composition. The $8,682 average savings from sticker price indicates moderate but meaningful financial aid impact.
Aid targeting appears concentrated on students with demonstrated financial need, as evidenced by the substantial net price reductions for families earning under $48,000. The gap between published costs and actual net prices suggests that families should focus on estimated net costs rather than sticker prices when evaluating affordability.
Middle-class families earning $48,000-$110,000 experience modest aid benefits, with net prices closer to published tuition rates. The aid structure reflects typical patterns at selective public universities where need-based assistance provides the primary cost reduction mechanism rather than broad merit-based discounting.
