North Carolina State University 2025 Admission Statistics

NC State University Admission Guide — Class of 2030 (Applying 2025‑26)

“Think and do. That motto sums up the Wolfpack mindset: roll‑up‑your‑sleeves research, real‑world impact, and a campus culture that backs daring with data.” — NC State admissions counselor, March 2025

Why read this?

You’re a high‑school junior who will click submit in the 2025‑26 admission cycle.
NC State’s brand‑new 2024‑25 Common Data Set unlocks concrete numbers on admit rates, test scores, costs, and aid. Instead of wading through PDFs, use this narrative cheat‑sheet—no tables, no fluff—to benchmark your profile, plan every deadline, and shape an application that feels unmistakably Wolfpack.

The Admission Landscape — Numbers in Plain English

• 44 043 first‑year applications last cycle; 18 381 offers → overall admit rate ≈ 42 %.
• Early Action (non‑binding, reviewed by Oct 15) admitted closer to 48 %; Regular Decision hovered near 38 %.
• 5 412 freshmen enrolled, driving a 29 % yield that keeps classes full but not overcrowded.
• Wait‑list reality. More than 10 000 accepted a spot, yet <5 % received an offer—treat WL as unlikely.
• Persistence. First‑year retention 93 %; six‑year graduation 80 %—solid for a large public research campus.

Academic Profile of the 2024‑25 Admitted Class

• Testing optional—but high if submitted.
  • SAT middle 50 %: 1290 – 1440 composite.
  • ACT middle 50 %: 25 – 32 composite.
  • Submit only if you’re above 1290 SAT / 28 ACT.
• GPA gravity. Average incoming unweighted GPA 3.83; 94 % ranked in the top quarter of their class.
• Course rigor rules. AP Calc (BC preferred for engineering), calculus‑based physics, chemistry, and a rigorous English/social‑science slate show readiness.
• Holistic extras. Essays, recommendations, extracurricular impact, and talent are all in the “very important” bucket—NC State isn’t numbers‑only.

What NC State Values (and How to Show It)

• Problem‑solver mindset. Show projects that do something: Arduino‑monitored greenhouse, FFA agronomy app, FTC robotics outreach.
• Collaboration & grit. Essays that own iteration and failure resonate with a “Think and Do” culture.
• Impact at scale. Quantify outcomes—“reduced cafeteria waste 28 %,” “2 000 users on my open‑source extension.”
• Fit with the Research Triangle. Reference Raleigh’s tech corridor, Centennial Campus start‑ups, or co‑ops at SAS and Lenovo to prove you get the ecosystem.
• Demonstrated interest. Attend a virtual Pack Preview or on‑campus tour, open the applicant portal often, and engage in live chats—metrics are tracked.

The Money Question

• Sticker price 2025‑26 (per year):
  • In‑state: $6 535 tuition + $1 225 fees + $14 332 housing/meal → ≈ $22 100 all‑in.
  • Out‑of‑state: $30 583 tuition + fees + housing/meal → ≈ $46 100.
• Aid picture. NC State meets about 72 % of demonstrated need on average; typical first‑year need‑based grant package ~$14 700, loans ~$3 100.
• Merit money. Park Scholars (full cost) and Goodnight Scholars (tuition/fees) target top North Carolina students with STEM or first‑gen focus. Competition is fierce but automatic once you apply by Nov 1.
• Financial‑aid deadlines. FAFSA + CSS Profile priority March 1 2026; absolute last call June 1.
• Net Price Calculator. Run it early—especially if you’re out‑of‑state—before deciding on Early Action.

Anticipated Timeline for Class of 2030

Spring  2025

• Lock senior schedule: AP Calc BC, AP Chem or Physics C, and an advanced humanities elective.
• Decide on August SAT/ACT only if trending above 1290/28.

Summer  2025

• Draft the Common App essay and NC State’s two short‑response prompts (why major + community impact).
• Deepen a flagship project—research, engineering build, or community initiative—and collect metrics.

Early Fall  2025

• October  15  2025 — Early Action deadline (all majors).
• Tour campus or join a Wolfpack One virtual session to log demonstrated interest.

Winter  2026

• January  15  2026 — Regular Decision deadline; last SAT/ACT scores due Jan 31.
• Merit finalists for Park and Goodnight notified late January.

Spring  2026

• Early Action decisions Jan  30  2026; Regular by Mar  30  2026.
• Compare aid offers; appeal if finances changed.
• May  1  2026 — Enrollment deposit and housing contract due.

Life on the Brickyard

• 14 : 1 student‑faculty ratio; most upper‑division classes under 30 students.
• Residential vibe. 97 % of freshmen live on campus—legacy dorms on North Campus or suite‑style in Wolf Village.
• Traditions that pop. Painting the Free Expression Tunnel, “Tuffies” on Talley steps, Krispy Kreme Challenge, and the Hallowed Places photo quest.
• Raleigh advantage. Walkable downtown, internships at Red Hat, IBM, the State Legislature, and Research Triangle Park; beaches and mountains both within three hours.
• Wolfpack spirit. ACC athletics, 900+ clubs, eSports arena, and the Howling Cow creamery that turns campus dairy milk into legendary ice cream.

How to Decide If NC State Fits

1. Do you thrive in large public‑research settings balanced by small project teams?
2. Will a “Think and Do” ethos (hands‑on, industry‑linked) accelerate your goals?
3. Can you leverage Raleigh’s tech, policy, or art scenes for co‑ops and culture?
4. Does the price—especially for out‑of‑state—align with your budget after aid?

If three answers are “yes,” NC State deserves a spot on your Early Action list.

Quick‑Hit Checklist

• [ ] Target GPA 3.8+ with max rigor.
• [ ] Submit SAT ≥ 1290 or ACT ≥ 28 only if above mid‑range.
• [ ] Finish an impact project by September—quantify it.
• [ ] Hit Early Action Oct 15 or Regular Jan 15.
• [ ] File FAFSA + CSS by Mar 1 2026.
• [ ] Mention a Pack tradition (Free Expression Tunnel, Howling Cow) in your supplement.
• [ ] Budget realistically: $22 K in‑state, $46 K out‑of‑state before aid.

Final Word

NC State fuses flagship‑university scale with a roll‑up‑your‑sleeves culture that turns research into real‑world results—whether in precision agriculture, bio‑manufacturing, or game design. Admission is competitive but transparent: academics + impact + why NC State authenticity. Nail those, respect the timeline, and you could soon be crossing the Brickyard on the way to a Labcorp internship—or a celebratory scoop of Howling Cow.

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