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North Carolina State University acceptance rate, GPA needed and real cost

Also known as NC State, NCSU

North Carolina State University accepts 42% of applicants. It is a public university in Raleigh, North Carolina, with about 27,371 undergraduates. The sticker price is $23,556 a year for state residents, but after aid the average family pays $16,486.

42%Acceptance rate
1300–1470Middle 50% SAT
28–32Middle 50% ACT
$16,486Average cost after aid / year
85%Graduation rate
$62,499Typical early-career earnings

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.

What GPA do you need for NC State?

Admitly estimates a typical North Carolina resident needs about a 4.0 unweighted GPA for a better-than-even chance; with a 4.0 the estimate is about 51%.

The U.S. Department of Education does not collect high school GPAs, so Admitly does not publish an "average GPA" figure. Colleges that report one do so in their own Common Data Set.

Chances of getting into North Carolina State University by GPA

Assumes an SAT of 1355, the middle score for admitted students (tests are optional here). A higher or lower score moves these numbers. GPA is unweighted, on a 4.0 scale.

GPANorth Carolina residentOut-of-state
3.010% Reach3% Reach
3.310% Reach3% Reach
3.518% Reach6% Reach
3.729% Reach11% Reach
3.943% Target18% Reach
4.051% Target23% Reach

Likely = 80% or higher, Target = 30–80%, Reach = under 30%. Course rigour, class rank, activities and AP scores all change the estimate.

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What families actually pay at North Carolina State University

Yearly cost after need-based grants, by household income. Sticker price is $23,556 a year for state residents including room and board.

Family incomeIn-stateOut-of-state
Under $50k$6,100$27,400
$50k – $100k$10,300$31,500
$100k – $150k$18,200$39,400
$150k – $250k$23,556$48,500
Over $250k$23,556$48,500

Out-of-state figures add most of the tuition difference, since state grants rarely follow students across state lines.

Outcomes

85%Finish their degree
94%Return for second year
$62,499Median earnings, early career

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.

Common questions about North Carolina State University

What is the acceptance rate at North Carolina State University?

North Carolina State University admits 42% of applicants, according to the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.

What GPA do you need to get into North Carolina State University?

Admitly estimates a typical North Carolina resident needs about a 4.0 unweighted GPA for a better-than-even chance; with a 4.0 the estimate is about 51%. This is an estimate from Admitly's admission model, not an official cutoff: course rigour, test scores, activities and essays all matter.

What SAT or ACT score do you need for North Carolina State University?

The middle 50% of admitted students scored 1300–1470 on the SAT and 28–32 on the ACT. Submitting scores is optional.

How much does North Carolina State University cost after financial aid?

The sticker price is $23,556 a year for state residents including room and board, but the average family pays $16,486 after grants. Families earning under $50k pay about $6,100 in-state.

What is the graduation rate at North Carolina State University?

85% of students finish their degree, and 94% return for a second year.

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