North Carolina State University--Raleigh

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Quick Stats
Box 7001

Raleigh, NC 27695

[map]
Phone: (919) 515-2011
2011-2012 Tuition
$7,018
in-state
$19,853
out-of-state
Students
25,246
enrolled
56%
male /
44%
female
Admissions
Feb. 1
application deadline
53.9%
accepted

More Information

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U.S. News Rankings

Ranking score and category
U.S. News rank Category Name
#101 National Universities

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Summary

North Carolina State University--Raleigh is a public institution that was founded in 1887. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 25,246, its setting is urban, and the campus size is 2,200 acres. It utilizes a semester-based academic calendar. North Carolina State University--Raleigh's ranking in the 2012 edition of Best Colleges is National Universities, 101. Its in-state tuition and fees are $7,018 (2011-12); out-of-state tuition and fees are $19,853 (2011-12).

North Carolina State University, also known as NC State, is the largest four-year college in the state. As such, students have a surplus of choices, from more than 100 programs to major in to more than 400 clubs and organizations to join. The university has a large Greek community that fields more than 20 percent of the student body. For other extracurricular activities, students can check out annual events in Raleigh, such as the North Carolina State Fair and Winterfest. Freshmen are not required to live on campus, though about 80 percent choose to. On the sports fields, NC State is known as The Wolfpack and competes in the NCAA Division I Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).

NC State has a variety of academic departments that serve graduate students, too, including a highly ranked engineering school that’s particularly well known for its nuclear and biological/agricultural engineering programs; an education program; and the Jenkins Graduate School of Management. Notable NC State graduates include former White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs and Olympic swimmer and gold medalist Cullen Jones.

School mission (as provided by the school):

Nationally and internationally ranked for its academic programs, innovative research and value, North Carolina State University is a leader in education with more than 31,000 students from nearly 100 countries. Upon graduation, NC State students are equipped to solve the world's most pressing challenges; whether they are related to science and technology, the environment, human and animal health, the economy, education, social sciences or pressing global issues such as energy and sustainability; with an education and approach founded on collaboration and creativity. In fact, more corporate and government entities recruit graduates from NC State than from any other university in North Carolina. With bachelor and masters degree programs in 110 fields, NC State has the following 10 colleges: Agriculture and Life Sciences, Design, Education, Engineering, Humanities and Social Sciences, Management, Natural Resources, Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Textiles, and Veterinary Medicine. The university offers PhDs in over 60 fields, including a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. The First Year College provides incoming students who are undecided about their major a year of intense, personal advising and guided exploration, accompanied by major and career guidance. NC State offers incoming students a range of financial aid assistance and scholarship opportunities. NC State offers competitive scholarships for entering freshmen in an effort to recognize and encourage exceptional academic ability and talent, exemplary character, and exceptional potential in leadership and service. Pack Promise affirms the university's mission and proven historical record of access, affordability and student success, ensuring that the neediest students will receive 100 percent of financial-aid requirements through a combination of scholarships, grants, federal work-study employment and need-based loans. Mentoring and counseling, academic support and advising, undergraduate research opportunities, and financial aid counseling ensures student success and timely graduation. NC State University recently signed academic and faculty exchange agreements with a Chilean and five Chinese universities. Nearly 700 NCSU students each year study abroad in International programs in countries ranging from Japan to Botswana. These international agreements and study-abroad programs create new opportunities for students to grow and contribute as citizens of a global society. As one of the country's foremost land-grant institutions, NC State is focused on research and engagement throughout the state, nation and world. The university leverages its core strengths in math, science and technology and a spirit of entrepreneurship to launch companies (currently more than 60) and create jobs (over 13,000 jobs created based on faculty research.) A national model for government, business and university partnerships, the NC State Centennial Campus is 1,120 acres of research, learning, leadership, and economic development. The campus includes the 214-acre Centennial Biomedical Campus; as well as the 90,000-plus square-foot Biomanufacturing Training and Education Center, offering NC State student's hands-on training and experience at one of the nation's largest university-based facilities in the biomanufacturing and biopharmaceutical industries. NC State University is located in Raleigh, the state's capitol. Raleigh is consistently ranked among the nation's top places to live and work and is also home to many Fortune 500 companies, and close to world-renowned Research Triangle Park. From NCAA Division I athletic programs, service-learning activities, cooperative education, intramural sports, study abroad and student organizations, NC State graduates have many opportunities to develop as well-rounded individuals, armed with the critical-thinking skills and education that reflects the needs of the world in which students will live and work.

General Information

School type public, coed college
Year founded 1887
Religious affiliation N/A
Academic calendar semester
Setting urban
2010 Endowment $503,110,000

Applying

When applying to North Carolina State University--Raleigh, it's important to note the application deadline is February 1, and the early action deadline is November 1. Scores for either the ACT or SAT test are due February 1. The application fee at North Carolina State University--Raleigh is $70. It is more selective, with an acceptance rate of 53.9 percent.

For more information about the tests, essays, interviews, and admissions process, visit the Applying to College knowledge center.

Selectivity more selective
Fall 2010 acceptance rate 54%
Application deadline February 1
SAT/ACT scores must be received by February 1

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Academic Life

The student-faculty ratio at North Carolina State University--Raleigh is 18:1, and the school has 30.2 percent of its classes with fewer than 20 students. The most popular majors at North Carolina State University--Raleigh include: Engineering, General; Business/Commerce, General; Biology/Biological Sciences, General; Agriculture, Agriculture Operations, and Related Sciences; and Social Sciences, General. The average freshman retention rate, an indicator of student satisfaction, is 90.0 percent.

Class sizes
Class sizes
Student-faculty ratio 18:1
4-year graduation rate N/A
Five most popular majors for 2010 graduates
Engineering, General 24%
Business/Commerce, General 14%
Biology/Biological Sciences, General 11%
Agriculture, Agriculture Operations, and Related Sciences 7%
Social Sciences, General 6%

More About Academic Life

Student Life

North Carolina State University--Raleigh has a total undergraduate enrollment of 25,246, with a gender distribution of 56.3 percent male students and 43.7 percent female students. 32.0 percent of the students live in college-owned, -operated, or -affiliated housing and 68.0 percent of students live off campus. North Carolina State University--Raleigh is part of the NCAA I athletic conference.

See what students are saying about life at North Carolina State University--Raleigh.

Total enrollment 34,376
Student gender distribution
Student gender distribution
Undergraduate men who are members of a fraternity
Undergraduate men who are members of a fraternity
Undergraduate women who are members of a sorority
Undergraduate women who are members of a sorority
Collegiate athletic association NCAA I

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Campus Info & Services

North Carolina State University--Raleigh offers a number of student services including nonremedial tutoring, women's center, placement service, and health service. North Carolina State University--Raleigh also offers campus safety and security services like 24-hour foot and vehicle patrols, late night transport/escort service, 24-hour emergency telephones, lighted pathways/sidewalks, student patrols, and controlled dormitory access (key, security card, etc). Of the students at North Carolina State University--Raleigh, 33 percent have cars on campus. Alcohol is permitted for students of legal age at North Carolina State University--Raleigh.

Students who have cars on campus 33% - Low
Health insurance offered No
Students required to own/lease a computer No

More About Campus Info & Services

Paying for School

At North Carolina State University--Raleigh, 48.4 percent of full-time undergraduates receive some kind of need-based financial aid and the average need-based scholarship or grant award is $9,658.

Paying for college doesn't have to be difficult or devastating. Go to the Paying for College knowledge center to get advice on raising cash and reducing costs.

In-state tuition and fees $7,018 (2011-12)
Out-of-state tuition and fees $19,853 (2011-12)
Room and board $8,536 (2011-12) - Medium
Financial aid statistics
Financial aid statistics

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Student Reviews

NCSU is in the heart of Raleigh, in the research triangle of universities. It's also the biggest public college in the state (though you still see people you know around campus regularly). Nearly every building on campus is made of red brick, so it's not exactly attractive... but you grow to like it. We have a rivalry with UNC (Chapel Hill) which they try to claim isn't real, even though it's been going on since before Duke was even established. There is a ton of school pride in regards to sports, and we consistently have the best college football fans in the state. We also typically have the best football team in the state, though that's not saying much at all. Our basketball program is traditionally good, though right now it's struggling.

Steven Sophomore

The best thing about NCSU is that it is a place you can feel welcome. I visited many other campuses before NCSU, and the big difference between NCSU and the other colleges was that I felt I could truly find my place at NC State. The environment is welcoming, the student body is diverse enough to fit any lifestyle, and the opportunities are huge. However, NCSU may not be for those who do not like big schools. NCSU has an enormous population, which is a positive for me. However, it may not be for others seeking smaller schools. I spend most of my time on campus in the library. My major is one which requires constant studying, and most of my free time is spent in the library doing such. Another great thing about NCSU is its intense school pride. While there are many students who choose not to participate in school spirit, the majority of the population constantly shows a school spirit that cannot be matched. Having a student body that is so invested in their school makes the atmosphere much more enjoyable for those who love having school pride.

Jenifer Sophomore

Condsidering I have wanted to attend NCSU since I was in 3rd grade, I had some pretty high expectations when I got there. Fortunately, NCSU met & even surpassed all of my expectations. The location is amazing! The campus sits right outside of downtown Raleigh and there are plenty of places to go hang out & have a laid back dinner with friends. Also, we have an unbelievable amount of school spirit. If you aren't wearing red, singing the fight song and screaming your heart out at our sporting events, then we know you must not be a part of the pack!

Caitlin Sophomore

More student reviews

* Overview details based on 2010 data

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