by our College Data Analytics TeamIs NC State worth the money? College Factual’s value analysis weighs the quality of education against the cost. Here is the verdict.
NC State is ranked #1,285 out of 3,211 schools for value nationwide, earning a value grade of D. Within North Carolina, it ranks #70 of 124 for value.
Among the majors NC State offers, these rank best for value nationally.
| Major | National Value Rank |
|---|---|
| Environmental Engineering Technology/Environmental Technology | #1 of 4 |
| Environment / Natural Resources | #1 of 4 |
| Environmental Control Technology | #1 of 5 |
| Textile Sciences & Engineering | #1 of 1 |
| Textile Engineering | #1 of 1 |
| Engineering | #1 of 1 |
| Agricultural Mechanization | #4 of 8 |
| Poultry Science | #4 of 8 |
| Wood Science & Wood Products/Pulp & Paper Technology | #4 of 4 |
| Fine & Studio Arts Management | #4 of 18 |
Below is the detailed NC State value breakdown: state and national value rankings, the real cost of a degree, and how the price stacks up against the aid most students receive.
North Carolina State University at Raleigh is ranked #4 out of #128 in North Carolina for quality and #70 out of #124 for North Carolina value.
Live in-state? You may qualify for a reduced price. Check the NC State financial aid page to be sure.
North Carolina State University at Raleigh is ranked #1,285 out of 3,211 for value nationwide.
Based on our analysis of other colleges at similar price points, North Carolina State University at Raleigh is overpriced for the quality of education it provides.
Averaged across all students — those who receive aid and those who pay full price — a year at NC State costs about $21,578. Over a standard four-year bachelor's program, that adds up to an estimated $86,312 for the degree.
| Amount | |
|---|---|
| Sticker Price (before aid) | $26,399 / year |
| Net Price (students receiving aid) | $17,303 / year |
| Average Cost (all students) | $21,578 / year |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $86,312 |
*The average cost weights the net price paid by aid recipients against the sticker price paid by everyone else. The 4-year figure assumes the standard bachelor's length; your actual time to graduate and price may differ.
There are many ways to lower the cost of a college education. Consider in-state tuition, transfer credits, or finishing your degree faster. Learn more about NC State net price and the factors that affect it.
The price you actually pay depends on your circumstances — most students do not pay the full sticker price.
Here is how the estimated 4-year cost of a NC State degree breaks down by aid group, against its national value ranking.
| Nationwide Value by Aid Group | Avg Degree Cost | Value Rank | Value Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students with No Aid | $105,596 | — | — |
| All Students | $86,312 | #1,285 | D |
| Only Students Receiving Aid | $69,212 | — | — |
| In-State Value by Aid Group | Avg Degree Cost | Value Rank | Value Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students with No Aid | $105,596 | — | — |
| All Students | $86,312 | #70 | D+ |
| Only Students Receiving Aid | $69,212 | — | — |
*College Factual publishes a single overall value ranking (the All Students row). The cost rows show what each aid group pays toward the same degree.
You can also see how the average net price at NC State shifts with family income:
| Family Income | Avg Net Price / Year |
|---|---|
| $0–$30K | $6,200 |
| $30K–$48K | $8,670 |
| $48K–$75K | $13,992 |
| $75K–$110K | $20,386 |
| Over $110K | $24,211 |
About 53% of NC State undergraduates receive grant or scholarship aid, averaging $11,592 per year. Get more details on the NC State financial aid you may qualify for.
College Factual calculates value by comparing the average NC State cost of a degree against other schools of a similar quality. If the school is priced fairly for the educational quality it provides, it receives a fair ranking; if it is underpriced, it earns a good or excellent value.
Read the full Best for the Money Ranking Methodology.