NC State
North Carolina State University at Raleigh · Raleigh, North Carolina · Public
NC State admitted 40% of 49,351 applicants (Common Data Set 2025-2026). First-year students who sent the SAT scored 1310–1440 in the middle half. Test scores are optional. 85% of students graduate within six years.
Your chances at NC State
Enter a score to see whether NC State is a reach, target or likely school for you.
Based on the admit rate (40%) alone. Add a score for a sharper read.
A rough read from the admit rate and test scores only. Grades, courses, essays and activities matter as much or more.
Early decision and early action
NC State offers early action but didn’t report its early admit rate.
10,710 students were offered a spot on the waitlist, 4,311 took it, and 476 were admitted from it.
What admissions weighs
How NC State rates each part of an application, from its Common Data Set.
Very important
- Course rigor
- GPA
Important
- Class rank
Considered
- Test scores
- Essay
- Recommendations
- Activities
- Talent or ability
- Character
- First generation
- Where you live
- State residency
- Volunteering
- Work experience
Not considered
- Interview
- Legacy
- Religion
- Showing interest
High school GPA
First-year students averaged a 3.82 GPA. 40% of those who reported a class rank were in the top 10% of their class.
Some colleges report weighted GPAs, so compare loosely.
What it costs
Full price with housing is $26,604 in-state and $49,476 out-of-state a year. After grants, students paid $14,860 on average (in-state).
Average price after grants, by family income, for in-state students:
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