Public

Large

Atlantic Coast Conference

North Carolina State University SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements

SAT Range1290 to 1440

ACT Range25 to 32

Average GPA3.83

Acceptance Rate41.7%

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.

Data 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

Quick Facts

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.

Location

Raleigh, NC

Undergrad Enrollment28,422

Freshman Retention93%

SettingUrban

Student to Faculty Ratio15:1

Graduation Rate85%

Test PolicyTest-optional

How do your scores compare at NC State?

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Key North Carolina State University application dates

Key dates

Application deadlines

Regular Decision

June 1

Early Action

November 1

Early Decision

Not offered

Priority Deadline

—

Financial aid deadlines

Financial Aid Priority

March 1

Test dates

SAT 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

ACT test dates

September 19, 2026

Registration deadline: August 14, 2026

October 17, 2026

Registration deadline: September 11, 2026

December 12, 2026

Registration deadline: November 6, 2026

Take tests early for the best outcomes

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.

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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.

In-State Tuition$6,535

Out-of-State Tuition$30,583

Room and Board$14,332

Average Merit Award$5,908

Application Fee$85

Students on Aid45%

Average Aid Package$14,720

Average Debt at Grad$25,344

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.