Chances of Getting Into North Carolina State University
Raleigh, North Carolina • Public University • #60 National • Founded 1887
NC State Admissions Statistics 2025–2026
NC State SAT & ACT Scores
SAT Scores (Middle 50%)
ACT Scores (Middle 50%)
About North Carolina State University
NC State is North Carolina's largest university and a powerhouse in engineering, computer science, and agriculture. Located in Raleigh's Research Triangle (alongside Duke and UNC), NC State students benefit from one of the strongest tech job markets in the Southeast.
Top Programs
What Makes NC State Unique
- Research Triangle location — surrounded by tech companies and startups
- Centennial Campus — 1,300-acre research park integrated with campus
- Top-ranked engineering and computer science at public prices
- Only university with its own nuclear reactor on campus
- Wilson College of Textiles — one of a kind in the US
NC State Cost & Financial Aid
Cost of Attendance
Financial Aid
NC State Application Deadlines
How to Get Into NC State: Admission Tips
EA deadline November 1 is strongly recommended
Engineering and CS are very competitive — apply with strong STEM credentials
Research Triangle job market is a major selling point
In-state students have a significant advantage
Poole College of Management is growing in reputation — mention it
The Brutal Truth About NC State Admissions
The numbers are brutal. With a 47% acceptance rate, NC State rejected over 20,140 applicants in the most recent cycle. Many of those rejected students had perfect GPAs and 1550+ SATs.
Stats are table stakes, not differentiators. At NC State, having a 3.78 GPA and 1365 SAT puts you at average — not above average. What separates admitted students from rejected ones is everything else: essays, activities, recommendations, and authentic passion.
The biggest mistake applicants make: Treating their application like a résumé. NC State doesn't want a list of accomplishments — they want to understand who you are as a person and what you'll contribute to their community.
Bottom line: Apply if NC State genuinely excites you — but build a balanced college list. Don't put all your eggs in one 47%-acceptance-rate basket.
NC State Admissions FAQ
What is the acceptance rate at North Carolina State University?
North Carolina State University has an acceptance rate of 47% as of the most recent admissions cycle. Out of 38,000+ applicants, approximately 5,200 students were admitted to the incoming class.
What GPA do I need to get into NC State?
The average GPA of admitted students at North Carolina State University is 3.78. Most successful applicants have GPAs above 3.63, with many in the top 5-10% of their high school class.
What SAT score do I need for NC State?
The middle 50% SAT range for admitted NC State students is 1290-1440. The average SAT score is 1365. For ACT, the range is 29-33 with an average of 31.
Is NC State hard to get into?
Yes, North Carolina State University is selective with an acceptance rate of just 47%. Even students with perfect GPAs and test scores are not guaranteed admission. Holistic review means essays, extracurriculars, and recommendations all play critical roles.
How much does NC State cost?
Tuition at North Carolina State University is $9,128 per year, with total cost of attendance at $26,400. However, 50% of students receive financial aid, with the average aid package exceeding $12,000+.
What are my chances of getting into NC State?
Your chances of getting into North Carolina State University depend on your GPA, test scores, extracurricular activities, essays, and more. With a 47% overall acceptance rate, admissions are highly competitive. Use AdmitOdds to get a personalized assessment of your chances based on your actual profile.
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Popular Majors at NC State
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