North Carolina State University at Raleigh North Carolina State University, founded in 1887, is a preeminent public research university and the largest institution in the UNC system. As North Carolina's land-grant university, NC State excels in engineering, agriculture, textiles, and veterinary medicine. The 2,100-acre campus in Raleigh features cutting-edge facilities including the James B. Hunt Jr. Library and the Fitts-Woolard Hall for engineering. NC State is classified as an R1 research university with over $500 million in annual research expenditures. The university's athletic teams, the Wolfpack, compete in NCAA Division I as members of the Atlantic Coast Conference.
NC State takes pride in its 'Think and Do' philosophy that combines academic excellence with real-world problem solving. The campus maintains a 15:1 student-faculty ratio while offering the resources of a major research institution. Recent additions include the Plant Sciences Initiative complex and the new Sciences Building. NC State's Centennial Campus is a national model for university-industry partnerships. The university's combination of academic rigor, research impact, and spirited campus life makes it a powerhouse in higher education and economic development for North Carolina.
North Carolina State University at Raleigh Acceptance Rate
North Carolina State University at Raleigh is a well-known institution. It has a selective admission process. The acceptance rate of North Carolina State University at Raleigh is 39.85%. This means that 40 out of every 100 applicants get admitted.
Admissions Guidelines
- Selective Enrollment: Applicants need a solid GPA and proof of academic growth.
- Holistic Balance: Strong recommendations and community involvement are highly valued.
If your GPA is slightly below the institutional average, you can remain competitive by scoring well on standardized tests and showcasing leadership in co-curricular activities.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem .
North Carolina State University at Raleigh Admission Requirements
NC State University | NC State | N C State University | N C State | GPA Requirement
The average GPA of the admitted students at NC State University | NC State | N C State University | N C State | is 3.83. This indicates extreme selectivity in admissions.
To have strong chances, you must aim for straight A’s in all courses.
Note: This is an unweighted GPA on a 4.0 scale. Students with AP or IB courses will typically have a weighted GPA of 4.03-4.23 for this same academic profile.
If your GPA is between 3.53 and 3.83, then you need a high SAT or ACT score to compensate.
NC State University | NC State | N C State University | N C State | GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Highly selective; GPA is within the typical admitted range.
Recommended Strategy: Standardized Test Scores (SAT/ACT) in the top 5th percentile.
Admissions at NC State University | NC State | N C State University | N C State | utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.83, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
| Candidate GPA Range | Admission Category | Strategic Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| 3.83 – 4.00 | Competitive Reach | Maintain Rigor & High Testing |
| 3.63 – 3.82 | Competitive Match | Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation |
| 3.43 – 3.62 | Secondary Reach | Personal Statement & Impact |
| Below 3.42 | Institutional Reach | Requires Significant Contextual Factors |
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- The Rigor Metric: At NC State University | NC State | N C State University | N C State | , a slightly lower GPA (e.g., 3.8) in a transcript featuring multiple AP or IB courses is often prioritized over a 4.0 in a standard curriculum.
- The Upward Trend: If your early high school grades were lower, an upward trajectory in 11th and 12th grade demonstrates Academic Resilience.
Data Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Calculated via College Portal’s Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards.
Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
North Carolina State University at Raleigh (NC State University | NC State | N C State University | N C State | ) Test Requirements
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2025 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
North Carolina State University at Raleigh Average SAT Score: 1380
The average SAT score of the admitted students at North Carolina State University at Raleigh is 1380 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
This score makes it Competitive for SAT scores. You need to do well to score 1380 on the SAT.
Key Insight:Aim for the 75th percentile (1460 SAT or 32 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. North Carolina State University at Raleigh allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 1300, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at NC State University | NC State | N C State University | N C State | .Retaking the test multiple times is completely normal, most competitive applicants take the SAT two or three times to achieve their best score. There is no official limit on attempts.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 700 | 660 | 740 |
| SAT Reading | 680 | 640 | 720 |
| SAT Composite | 1380 | 1300 | 1460 |
It means that if you have scored less than 1300 then you are below most of the admitted students at NC State University | NC State | N C State University | N C State | and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1460 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students. View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1400
Can I get into North Carolina State University at Raleigh (NC State University | NC State | N C State University | N C State | ) with a 1450 SAT?
With a 1450 SAT Score, your chances of admission at North Carolina State University at Raleigh (NC State University | NC State | N C State University | N C State | ) are good but the admission staff at NC State University | NC State | N C State University | N C State | tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
North Carolina State University at Raleigh (NC State University | NC State | N C State University | N C State | ) ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at NC State University | NC State | N C State University | N C State | is 30.
ACT Competitiveness
This score makes North Carolina State University at Raleigh very Competitive for ACT scores. You need to do very well to score 30 on the ACT.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 29 | 26 | 31 |
| ACT English | 30 | 26 | 33 |
| ACT Composite | 30 | 28 | 32 |
Can I get into North Carolina State University at Raleigh with a 32 ACT?
A 32 ACT places you at the 75th percentile of admitted students at North Carolina State University at Raleigh — meaning you score higher than 75% of students who were accepted. This is a strong position, but the ACT is just one dimension of your application. Admissions officers at North Carolina State University at Raleigh use the ACT as a benchmark to validate your academic readiness, not as a standalone admission ticket.
Unlike the SAT, the ACT measures four distinct subject areas — English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science — each scored on a 1–36 scale. If one of your section scores is significantly lower than the others, admissions staff will notice the imbalance. For example, a weak ACT Science score at a STEM-focused institution carries more weight than the same weakness at a liberal arts college. It is worth reviewing your section-level scores and addressing any outliers before applying.
One important advantage the ACT has over the SAT is that North Carolina State University at Raleigh — like most US universities — accepts Superscoring for the ACT, meaning they take your highest section scores across multiple test attempts and combine them into a new composite. If you have taken the ACT more than once, confirm whether North Carolina State University at Raleigh uses Superscoring, as this could meaningfully improve your effective composite beyond what any single sitting shows.
Beyond your score, what ultimately determines admission at this level is the strength of your overall profile. Your unweighted GPA, course rigor (AP, IB, or dual enrollment), extracurricular depth, letters of recommendation, and personal essays all carry significant weight. A 32 ACT gets your application through the first filter — but your essays and activities are what move it forward from there.
View a list of all colleges with an average ACT score of 30.NC State University | NC State | N C State University | N C State | Profile
Name: North Carolina State University at Raleigh (NC State University | NC State | N C State University | N C State | )
Accredited by: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
Can I Get Into NC State University | NC State | N C State University | N C State | Without SAT Or ACT?: North Carolina State University at Raleigh considers admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process but does not require them. Although it is not strictly a requirement, the test scores are considered for admission decisions. Hence, it is advisable to prepare well for the test and submit the best scores. Normally, students may appear in the test 2 to 3 times to improve their scores. Hence you are required to plan early and appear in upcoming SAT / ACT tests. Check the schedule of the test and plan accordingly. It is advisable to appear multiple times in the test unless you score well above the average SAT / ACT score of the admitted students, as given below.
Is a NC State University | NC State | N C State University | N C State | degree Worth It?
Getting into NC State University | NC State | N C State University | N C State | can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. NC State University | NC State | N C State University | N C State | offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision. Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at NC State University | NC State | N C State University | N C State | is $64,200 and unemployment rate is 3.05%.
How much does a degree from NC State University | NC State | N C State University | N C State | Cost?The average annual cost of the degree at North Carolina State University at Raleigh is $25,613. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at North Carolina State University at Raleigh is $16,931
19.1% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 33.99 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to NC State University | NC State | N C State University | N C State | and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At North Carolina State University at Raleigh, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist NC State University | NC State | N C State University | N C State | as your choice in the form.
How much does a NC State University | NC State | N C State University | N C State | Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is $68,758. An average NC State University | NC State | N C State University | N C State | graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4-6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is $40,595
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than North Carolina State University at Raleigh. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hendrix College | Hendrix College, AR | 1336 | 29 |
| Chapman University | Chapman University, CA | 1353 | 30 |
| Pepperdine University | Pepperdine University, CA | 1367 | 29 |
| Westmont College | Westmont College, CA | 1367 | 32 |
| University of Colorado Boulder | University of Colorado Boulder, CO | 1353 | 31 |
| University of Denver | University of Denver, CO | 1344 | 31 |
| United States Air Force Academy | United States Air Force Academy, CO | 1362 | 30 |
| University of Connecticut | University of Connecticut, CT | 1338 | 31 |
| Wheaton College | Wheaton College, IL | 1363 | 30 |
| Centre College | Centre College, KY | 1345 | 29 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as North Carolina State University at Raleigh. If your SAT or ACT score are competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology | Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, IN | 1389 | 32 |
| St. John's College | St. John's College, MD | 1381 | 31 |
| St Olaf College | St Olaf College, MN | 1373 | 30 |
| Rutgers University-New Brunswick | Rutgers University-New Brunswick, NJ | 1383 | 31 |
| Bard College | Bard College, NY | 1387 | 31 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than North Carolina State University at Raleigh. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Clara University | Santa Clara University, CA | 1417 | 32 |
| Colorado College | Colorado College, CO | 1445 | 33 |
| Connecticut College | Connecticut College, CT | 1412 | 32 |
| George Washington University | George Washington University, DC | 1433 | 33 |
| University of Miami | University of Miami, FL | 1416 | 32 |
Degree Programs
Bachelor Degree Programs
- Accounting and Related Services
- Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering
- Agricultural Business and Management
- Agricultural Engineering
- Agricultural Mechanization
- Agricultural Production Operations
- Agricultural Public Services
- Agriculture, General
- Animal Sciences
- Anthropology
Frequently Asked Questions About North Carolina State University at Raleigh Admissions
Answer: Graduates of this university typically earn a moderate salary, $68,758 annually, with some fluctuation based on the field.
Question: What is the tuition fee?
Answer: The tuition fee at this university is relatively low, around $25,613 per year, making it more affordable for many students.
Question: What are my chances of getting a scholarship ?
Answer: 19.1% of students receive a Pell Grant here, which is below the national average of around 35%. This institution serves a higher proportion of higher-income students. Merit-based scholarships may still be available regardless of financial need — check the institution's official financial aid page for details.
Question: What is the acceptance rate?
Answer: The acceptance rate of North Carolina State University at Raleigh is 39.85% which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
Question: What is the average GPA of admitted students?
Answer: The average GPA of admitted students is 3.83. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
Question: What is the minimum GPA required for admission?
Answer: While there is no single 'cutoff' that guarantees a rejection, admission staff uses your GPA to determine if you are a best fit. If you have at least a 3.53, you're in the standard pool. If you are below a 3.53, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
Question: What are my chances with a 3.53 GPA?
Answer: If your GPA is 3.43 or less, it may makes admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays. But this does not mean that you must not apply, or you do not have any chances. With additional AP courses, you can increase your chances even with this GPA.
Question: Can I apply to North Carolina State University at Raleigh if my GPA is below 3.53
Answer: While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.83, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Question: How competitive is the SAT score requirement
Answer: Admission to North Carolina State University at Raleigh is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1380 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1300-1460
Question: Is it possible to transfer from another university?
Answer: Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
Question: How can I improve my chances of getting Admissions?
Answer: To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.
Full list of All degree programs offered by North Carolina State University at Raleigh.
Last Updated: Wednesday March 18, 2026
Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard's latest data as provided in November 2025, US Department of Education's latest statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.