North Carolina State University at Raleigh
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.
About This School
North Carolina State University at Raleigh is a public institution located in Raleigh, North Carolina with approximately 27,371 undergraduate students enrolled. The school is moderately selective, accepting approximately 42% of applicants. The average net price after financial aid is $17,303 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.
Popular Programs
Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.
Notable Alumni
Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.
Admissions
SAT Scores
ACT Scores
What This School Looks For
From the school's most recent Common Data Set (2024-25). What the admissions office actually weighs:
Early vs. Regular Decision
Cost & Financial Aid
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual cost after grants/scholarships, by household income. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Financial Aid
Full Cost
After Graduation
Earnings 6 Years After Enrollment, by Gender
Gap: 20% less for female graduates. National avg ~16%.
Will This School Pay Off?
Solid return. Earnings outpace debt, though major choice matters.
Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.
Student Body
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (27,371 undergraduates).
In the Classroom & On Campus
Class size distribution
Source: North Carolina State University at Raleigh Common Data Set (2024-25).
Contact & Location
Address
North Carolina State University at Raleigh
2101 Hillsborough Street
Raleigh, NC 27695-7001
Official Links
Other Schools in North Carolina
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Charlotte, NC · Public
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, NC · Public
East Carolina University
Greenville, NC · Public
Wake Technical Community College
Raleigh, NC · Public
Appalachian State University
Boone, NC · Public
Central Piedmont Community College
Charlotte, NC · Public
Sources & Methodology
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.
School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.
- 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.
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