Average SAT & ACT Scores for North Carolina State University
Test
25th Percentile
75th Percentile
Midpoint
SAT Reading
640
720
680
SAT Math
660
740
700
SAT Total
1300
1460
1380
ACT Composite
28
32
30
Admissions Funnel
Applications Received
40,049
Students Admitted
15,958
Students Enrolled
5,728
Yield Rate
35.9%
North Carolina State University Rankings
Ranking
2025
Year
US News National Universities
#60
2025
North Carolina State University Overview
North Carolina State University at Raleigh is a public university in Raleigh, NC with 40,544 students. At 39.9% acceptance, it's selective but accessible to students who meet the academic benchmarks. The most popular majors are Engineering, Business/Marketing, and Biological Sciences. Graduates earn a median of $68,758 ten years after enrollment.
Is North Carolina State University a Reach, Match, or Safety?
With a 39.9% acceptance rate, North Carolina State University is a Match for students who meet the academic profile. If your GPA and test scores are at or above the school average, you have reasonable odds.
Your Profile
North Carolina State University Is...
What to Do
Meet academic requirements
Safety
Strong odds — apply with confidence
Slightly below average
Match
Apply — still realistic
North Carolina State University True Cost by Family Income
Sticker price doesn't tell the full story at NC State. Families earning $0-30k pay around $6,382 per year after aid, while those in the $110k+ bracket pay about $24,652. 19% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating NC State enrolls a meaningful share of lower-income students. Median debt at graduation is $20,121, which is reasonable against the $57,623 typical early-career salary.
Family Income
Annual Net Price
4-Year Total
$0-30k
$6,382
$25,528
$30-48k
$8,758
$35,032
$48-75k
$13,334
$53,336
$75-110k
$20,087
$80,348
$110k+
$24,652
$98,608
Cost Breakdown
Room & Board
$13,719
Total Cost of Attendance
$26,425
Popular Majors at North Carolina State University
Percentage of degrees awarded by field.
Engineering
23.5%
Business/Marketing
18.0%
Biological Sciences
10.0%
Agriculture
8.1%
Social Sciences
5.0%
Psychology
4.6%
Computer Science
4.5%
Natural Resources
3.5%
Communication
3.1%
Multidisciplinary
2.7%
Education
2.7%
Parks/Recreation
2.4%
Mathematics/Statistics
2.3%
Visual/Performing Arts
2.0%
Student Demographics
White
66.1%
Black/African American
6.1%
Hispanic/Latino
8.0%
Asian
9.3%
International
3.1%
How to Get Into North Carolina State University
NC State is a Match school for students with solid academics. If your GPA and test scores are at or above the school median, you have good odds of admission. Focus your energy on the application essay and making a genuine case for why NC State fits your goals.
1380
Target SAT Score
30
Target ACT Score
39.9%
Acceptance Rate
40,049
Total Applicants
What North Carolina State University Values Most in Applicants
Admission factor importance from the Common Data Set — what the school officially says matters.
Factor
Importance
Academic Gpa
Very Important
Rigor Of Secondary School Record
Very Important
Class Rank
Considered
Standardized Test Scores
Important
Application Essay
Important
Recommendation
Considered
Extracurricular Activities
Important
Talent Ability
Important
Character Personal Qualities
Considered
First Generation
Considered
Alumni Relation
Not Considered
Interview
Not Considered
Work Experience
Considered
Volunteer Work
Considered
North Carolina State University Application Deadlines & Requirements
Key dates for the North Carolina State University Regular admission cycle. Mark these on your calendar — missing a deadline means waiting another year.
Deadline
Date
Regular Decision
Jan 15
Financial Aid (FAFSA/CSS)
Mar 1
Financial Aid & Student Debt
19.0%
Pell Grant Recipients
Students from low-income families
$20,121
Median Debt at Graduation
Federal loans only
$57,623
Median Earnings (6yr)
6 years after enrollment
Frequently Asked Questions About North Carolina State University
What is NC State's acceptance rate?
NC State has an acceptance rate of 39.9%, making it moderately selective. This rate reflects freshman applicants for the most recent admissions cycle.
What SAT score do I need for NC State?
The middle 50% SAT range at NC State is 1300-1460. For the ACT, the middle 50% range is 28-32. Scoring above the 75th percentile puts you in a strong position, but scores alone don't determine admission.
What are the most popular majors at NC State?
The most popular majors at NC State by degrees awarded are: Engineering (23.5%), Business/Marketing (18.0%), Biological Sciences (10.0%), Agriculture (8.1%), Social Sciences (5.0%). These percentages reflect undergraduate degrees conferred in the most recent reporting year.
How much do NC State graduates earn?
NC State graduates earn a median salary of $68,758 ten years after enrollment, based on federal data. Actual earnings vary significantly by major — STEM and business graduates typically earn more, while arts and education graduates earn less.
Is NC State worth the cost?
With median earnings of $68,758 (10yr post-enrollment) and median debt of $20,121, The earning potential strongly outweighs the typical debt, making NC State a solid investment for most students. Always compare the net price (after aid) to expected earnings in your intended field.
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