North Carolina State University SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
NC State is test-optional, but scores still play a real role: 41% submitted ACT results, so a score near the top of its 25–32 range can strengthen your application. With a 3.83 average GPA and 41.7% acceptance rate, aim to pair strong grades with a clear testing advantage.
⬡ LangSmith5f2d4250-022f-4f42-9ccc-cb6ce48cad93Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
North Carolina State University facts and stats
North Carolina State University enrolls 28,422 undergraduate students in an urban campus setting. NC State has a 93% freshman retention rate, well above the national average of roughly 70%, and an 85% six-year graduation rate. The student-to-faculty ratio is 15:1.
⬡ LangSmithe767e69a-d52b-489c-b7b4-d71659fe90afRaleigh, NC
How do your scores compare at NC State?
Key North Carolina State University application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
June 1
Early Action
November 1
Early Decision
Not offered
Priority Deadline
—
Financial Aid Priority
March 1
Test dates
August 22, 2026
Registration deadline: August 7, 2026
September 12, 2026
Registration deadline: August 28, 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration deadline: September 18, 2026
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
If you choose to submit scores to test-optional NC State, plan to take your first SAT or ACT by the spring of junior year. Reserve the summer before senior year for retakes and superscoring opportunities, with September ACT or October SAT as the last likely tests to arrive in time for the November 1 Early Action deadline.
⬡ LangSmithcf21c14a-f3ea-4dd6-a993-757827b747f2Want to improve your scores and unlock scholarships at North Carolina State University?
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What you'll actually pay
NC State, an Atlantic Coast Conference public university, lists in-state tuition at $6,535 and out-of-state tuition at $30,583. About 45% of students receive aid, with an average merit award of $5,908. Submit the FAFSA by the March 1 priority deadline.
⬡ LangSmithe1770027-a51f-455b-b26c-2847c16227bf
For out-of-state students, NC State’s tuition is $30,583, while in-state tuition is $6,535, with room and board adding $14,332. About 45% of students receive aid, and the average aid package is $14,720, which can meaningfully reduce the billed cost for eligible families. Merit awards average $5,908. Graduates leave with an average debt of $25,344.
⬡ LangSmithfcc97a2e-b61d-4853-af72-9f325c8fe068Student life at North Carolina State University
38% of undergrads live on campus
Fraternities and sororities are active on campus. 15% of men join fraternities, and 18% of women join sororities.
Similar schools
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, NCAcceptance rate: 15.3%
SAT: 1400–1530
ACT: 28–34
University of North Carolina Wilmington
Wilmington, NCAcceptance rate: 64.2%
SAT: 1230–1340
ACT: 24–29
Clemson University
Clemson, SCAcceptance rate: 38.3%
SAT: 1250–1400
ACT: 28–32
Acceptance rate: 51.2%
SAT: 1020–1180
ACT: 17–23
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