North Carolina State University: Courses, Fees, Rankings, Scholarship & More
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If you want to study in the US at a university that offers both top-quality education and strong job opportunities, North Carolina State University (NC State) is a great choice. It’s located in Raleigh, a growing city known for technology and innovation. The university is part of the famous Research Triangle, where big companies like Cisco, IBM, SAS, and Lenovo have offices.
So students often get internships and jobs right after graduation. In 2025, more than 37,500 students study here, including international students from over 120 countries. NC State is especially known for its strong programs in engineering, computer science, design, and business. Also, Raleigh is more affordable than many other US cities, and the tuition fees are reasonable compared to other top universities. Following are the key details of North Carolina State University (NC State):
| Feature | Details |
| Year of Establishment | 1887 |
| Campus Size | 2,100 acres (one of the largest in North Carolina) |
| QS World University Ranking (2025) | #312 globally |
| Campus Location | Raleigh, North Carolina |
| Placement Rate | Around 94% of students get jobs or go to grad school within 6 months |
| Top Recruiters | IBM, Cisco, Dell, SAS, Lenovo, GlaxoSmithKline |
| Popular Courses for International Students | Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Business Analytics, Architecture |
| English Language Exams Accepted | IELTS (6.5+), TOEFL iBT (79+), Duolingo (110+) |
| North Carolina State University Acceptance Rate | Around 46% (moderately selective) |
| Annual Tuition Fees for International Students | $31,000 – $33,000 |
| Official Website | www.ncsu.edu |
Which Courses Are Popular at North Carolina State University in 2025 and What Are Their Fees and Eligibility?
If you want a university that offers strong career opportunities, North Carolina State University (NC State) is a great choice. In 2025, many international students will choose courses in Engineering, Computer Science, Agriculture, Business, Architecture, and Design because they lead to great jobs and are supported by real-world learning.
NC State offers more than 230 programs that focus on practical skills, industry needs, and future careers. Whether you’re applying for a bachelor’s degree or a master’s program, the university has something for everyone. Plus, the fees are reasonable compared to many other US universities, and the entry requirements are clearly listed. Check out the table below to see which, North Carolina State University courses are popular in 2025, how much they cost for the first year, how long they take, and what qualifications you need to get in:
| Course Name | 1st Year Tuition Fees (INR) | Duration & Eligibility |
| MS | ₹18 L – ₹40 L | 10 months – 3 years; Bachelor’s in a related subject; IELTS 6.5–8; TOEFL 80–106; GRE may be needed |
| B.E. / B.Tech | ₹29 L | 4 years; Class 12 with PCM; IELTS 6.5+; TOEFL 80+; PTE 58–62 |
| B.Sc. | ₹29 L | 4 years; Class 12 in Science; IELTS 6.5+; TOEFL 80+; PTE 62+ |
| MBA/PGDM | ₹24 L – ₹42 L | 1 – 2 years; Bachelor’s + work experience; IELTS 6.5–7.5; TOEFL 80–100; Duolingo 120+ |
| M.Agri. | ₹24 L – ₹27 L | 18 – 24 months; Bachelor’s in Agriculture; IELTS 6.5+ |
| M.A. | ₹21 L – ₹28 L | 1 – 2 years; Bachelor’s degree; IELTS 6.5+; TOEFL 80+; Duolingo 110+ |
| BBA | ₹29 L | 2 – 4 years; Class 12 with Commerce; IELTS 6.5+; TOEFL 80–85; PTE 62+; Duolingo 110+ |
| B.A. | ₹29 L | 4 years; Class 12 in relevant stream; IELTS 6.5+; TOEFL 80+; PTE 62+; Duolingo 110+ |
| B.Agri | ₹29 L | 2 – 4 years; Class 12 in science/agriculture; IELTS 6.5+; TOEFL 80+; PTE 62+ |
| B.Ed | ₹29 L | 4 years; Class 12; IELTS 6.5+; TOEFL 80+; PTE 62+ |
| B.Arch | ₹29 L | 4 years; Class 12 with Math/Architecture; IELTS 6.5+; TOEFL 80+; PTE 62+ |
| B.J.M.C. | ₹29 L | 4 years; Class 12 in media/arts; IELTS 6.5+; TOEFL 80+; PTE 62+ |
| M.Arch | ₹29 L | 2 – 3 years; Bachelor’s in Architecture; IELTS 6.5+; TOEFL 80+; Duolingo 110+ |
Where Does North Carolina State University Rank in 2025?
If you’re considering NC State, you’re looking at a university that ranks really well in both the US and around the world. In 2025, it’s especially recognized for its strong programs in engineering, agriculture, and veterinary medicine. Within the U.S., NC State is ranked #58 among all national universities and #26 among public universities, according to U.S. News & World Report.
That means it’s one of the top choices for students across the country. On the global stage, NC State is placed in the #251–300 range by Times Higher Education and at #311 in the QS World University Rankings 2025. Following are the key details of North Carolina State University rankings in 2025:
| Ranking Body / Category | Rank |
| U.S. News & World Report – National Universities | #58 |
| U.S. News – Top Public Universities | #26 |
| Times Higher Education (THE) – World University Rankings 2025 | #251–300 |
| QS World University Rankings 2025 | #311 |
| U.S. News – Best Global Universities | #60 (global) |
| U.S. News – Engineering (undergraduate) | #30 (national) |
| U.S. News – Biological/Agricultural Engineering | #8 (national) |
| U.S. News – Veterinary Medicine | #4 (national) |
| U.S. News – Best Colleges for Veterans | #34 (national) |
How Competitive Is the Acceptance Rate at North Carolina State University in 2025?
If you’re planning to apply to North Carolina State University (NC State) in 2025, be prepared for a moderately selective admissions process. With an overall acceptance rate of around 42%, your chances are decent. especially if you have strong academics and apply early. In-state students have a better shot, with about 50% acceptance, compared to roughly 29% for out-of-state applicants.
NC State also offers an Early Action (EA) round, where students applying by November 1 enjoy similar acceptance rates (~40%) and get a quicker decision. Most successful applicants have strong GPAs, competitive test scores, and often rank in the top 10% of their high school class. Following are the key details of North Carolina State University (NC State) in acceptance rate 2025:
| Metric | Details / Range |
| Overall Acceptance Rate | ~42% |
| In-State Acceptance Rate | ~50% |
| Out-of-State Acceptance Rate | ~29% |
| Early Action Acceptance Rate | ~40% |
| Average GPA (Unweighted) | 3.75 – 4.0+ |
| SAT Score Range | 1250 – 1430 |
| ACT Score Range | 27 – 32 |
| Top 10% High School Rank | ~60% of admitted students |
| Total Applications (approx.) | 36,000+ |
| Total Accepted Students | 15,000 – 16,000 |
Which Scholarships Can International Students Apply for at North Carolina State University in 2025?
If you’re planning to study at North Carolina State University (NC State) as an international student in 2025, there’s good news. NC State offers a range of scholarships, assistantships, and external funding options to make education more affordable. Whether you’re an undergraduate looking for merit-based support or a graduate student aiming for teaching or research assistantships, there are multiple opportunities to ease your financial burden.
Some scholarships are university-funded, while others come from external organizations or specific departments. Graduate students, in particular, can benefit from assistantships that not only cover tuition but also provide a monthly stipend. Additionally, scholarships like Fulbright, COLFUTURO (for Colombian students), and Education Future (for Indian students) offer excellent support for eligible candidates. Here’s a breakdown of the most relevant scholarships international students can explore at NC State in 2025.
| Scholarship / Fellowship | Coverage | Eligibility & Details |
| Fulbright Program | Full out-of-state tuition + stipend + health insurance | For students awarded a Fulbright grant; NC State covers the remaining tuition costs. |
| COLFUTURO (Colombian loan-matching) | Loan converted to scholarship up to full tuition | For Colombian grad students with an admission letter |
| Graduate Assistantships (TA/RA/GSA) | Stipend ~ $8,000/year + tuition waiver + health benefits | Awarded by departments; international students can work up to 20 hrs/week |
| Graduate Fellowships & Grants (GSSP) | Covers tuition and health insurance | Merit-based for top grad applicants; administered by the Graduate School |
| Departmental Merit Scholarships | $500–$10,000/year | For UG & PG students with GPA ~3.0–3.5; applied departmentally |
| PACK Assist Scholarships (UG) | $1,000–$10,000/year | For undergraduate students; apply via MyPack by Feb 15 |
| AAUW International Fellowship | Up to $50,000 support for Masters/PhD | Open to women scholars; highly competitive |
| Education Future International Award | INR 2–10 L (US $2.5–12k) merit awards | For Indian students; external award with July deadline |
| Smooth Movers Scholarship | US $1,000 one-time grant | Open globally, external application |
| Departmental & Corporate Scholarships | Varies (e.g., David A. Dickey scholarship in Stats) | Awarded by colleges/departments for specific majors |
Where Can You Stay While Studying at North Carolina State in 2025?
When it comes to finding a place to live near North Carolina State University (NC State), students have a wide range of options that cater to different budgets and lifestyle needs. Whether you prefer to live on-campus, rent a shared flat with friends, or move into fully furnished co-living spaces, Raleigh offers plenty of affordable choices. On-campus housing is ideal for first-year students who want to be close to classes and student activities.
For those who prefer more flexibility or privacy, the city of Raleigh is full of off-campus apartments, shared flats, and student-specific private housing near the university. Areas like Hillsborough Street, Mission Valley, and Avent Ferry Road are especially popular among NC State students. Here’s a breakdown of the most common accommodation types and what to expect in 2025:
| Housing Option | Cost Range | Details |
| On-campus Residence Halls | ~$3,650–5,000/semester + fees | Shared or single rooms; includes tech & streaming fees (~$188 total); best for first-years. |
| University Apartments (Wolf Village, etc.) | ~$4,050–4,800/semester | Suite-style units with kitchens and private bathrooms; often preferred by sophomores and grads. |
| Off-campus Shared Apartments | ~$300–600/month per person | Common in areas like Hillsborough St. and Lake Park; utility costs may vary. |
| Private Studios / 1-BR Units | ~$600–1,500/month (total) | Offers more independence and privacy; utilities usually extra. |
| Co-living / Serviced Housing | ~$750–1,200/month (all-inclusive) | Fully furnished, includes Wi-Fi, electricity, and amenities; great for international students. |
Conclusion
If you’re an international student dreaming of a balanced academic experience in the US, with high-quality education, great career support, and an affordable lifestyle, North Carolina State University (NC State) should definitely be on your shortlist. From its globally ranked programs in engineering, design, and business to its well-structured support for international applicants, NC State mixes academic strength with real-world relevance.
Need help finding trusted student accommodation near NC State? Explore verified listings, compare amenities, and book your perfect home abroad with University Living.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is North Carolina State University a good university?
Absolutely. North Carolina State University (NC State) is one of the top public research institutions in the U.S, based in Raleigh, part of the country’s famous Research Triangle. It’s globally recognized for its programs in engineering, science, agriculture, and business. In the QS World University Rankings 2025, NC State holds a solid global position at #311, reflecting its academic reputation and industry relevance.
What GPA do you need to get into NC State?
To be considered a competitive applicant at NC State, you’ll typically need an unweighted GPA of around 3.9. Most admitted students are among the top in their high school class. Taking advanced courses like AP or IB is highly recommended to boost your profile and show you’re ready for college-level academics.
Is North Carolina State University expensive for students?
NC State offers quality education at a relatively affordable cost, especially for North Carolina residents. Here’s a quick breakdown of estimated total annual expenses:
1. In-state students: Around $26,930/year
2. Out-of-state students: Approximately $49,801/year
This includes tuition, housing, meals, books, transportation, and personal expenses.
How is NC State ranked in 2025?
NC State performs strongly in both national and global rankings:
#58 in National Universities (U.S. News & World Report, 2025)
#26 in Top Public Universities (U.S. News & World Report)
#311 in QS World University Rankings 2025
It also has a large, active campus with over 27,000 undergraduate students and a wide range of programs built around real-world outcomes.
What is the acceptance rate for international students at NC State?
The acceptance rate for international students at NC State in 2025 is around 47%. While the university is moderately selective, having a strong academic background and meeting English language requirements will improve your chances significantly.
What is NC State best known for?
NC State is widely respected for its excellence in STEM fields—especially engineering, computer science, and biotechnology. It’s also a national leader in agricultural sciences, textile engineering, design, and natural resource management. Beyond academics, NC State is deeply connected with major employers like IBM, Cisco, and SAS, making it a top choice for students focused on career development.
