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North Carolina State University at Raleigh

Raleigh, NC·Public·26,389 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who want a large campus community and in-state North Carolina residents. no major red flags in the data. solid earnings of $59,500 within 10 years; strong 85% graduation rate.

40%
Accept
26,389
Students
$16,931
Net Price
85%
Grad Rate
$59,500
Earnings
10 yr
$17,320
Debt

About This School

North Carolina State University at Raleigh is a public institution located in Raleigh, North Carolina with approximately 26,389 undergraduate students enrolled. The school is moderately selective, accepting approximately 40% of applicants. The average net price after financial aid is $16,931 per year. The graduation rate is 85%, and the typical graduate earns $59,500 within 10 years of enrollment.

North Carolina State University is a public land-grant research university in Raleigh, North Carolina, United States. Founded in 1887 and part of the University of North Carolina system, it is the largest university in the Carolinas. The university forms one of the corners of the Research Triangle together with Duke University in Durham and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. It is classified among "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity".

This is a strong option for students drawn to STEM, engineering, or business, especially given the impressive value: an average net price of just $16,931/year, an 85% graduation rate, and median earnings of $59,500 a decade out — with graduates carrying only $17,320 in debt. Sitting inside the Research Triangle alongside Duke and UNC-Chapel Hill gives students real access to internships, industry connections, and job opportunities that many large public universities simply can't match. The 40% acceptance rate means it's selective but accessible, making it a realistic target for solid students who want a research university experience without the elite-school price tag.

Founded
1887
Setting
Large city
Conference
Atlantic Coast Conference

Popular Programs

Engineering23%
Business & Marketing18%
Biological Sciences10%
Social Sciences5%
Psychology5%
Computer Science4%
Communications3%
Education3%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Zach GalifianakisChristina KochJohn EdwardsCharlotte FlairRajendra K. PachauriJoan Benoit SamuelsonHesham QandilAbdurrahim El-KeibSpud WebbRussell WilsonGladys Kalema-ZikusokaCullen Jones

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite1380
Reading 75th %ile720
Math 75th %ile740

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite30

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$8,895
Out-of-State Tuition
$31,767
Avg Net Price
$16,931
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants19%
Median debt at graduation$17,320

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
85%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
93%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$59,500
after enrollment
Median Debt
$17,320
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$17,320
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$45,000
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$59,500
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 3.4x

Strong return. Graduates earn well above their debt load.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White67%
Black6%
Hispanic/Latino9%
Asian10%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (26,389 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

North Carolina State University at Raleigh

2101 Hillsborough Street

Raleigh, NC 27695-7001

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in North Carolina

Browse all North Carolina schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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