North Carolina State University at Raleigh SAT scores and admissions

Raleigh, NC · Public · Doctoral / R1 research university

SAT middle 50% (historical enrolled scores)
1300–1470
Range midpoint ~1390
Acceptance rate
42%
Enrollment
27,371
ACT middle 50%
28–32

The figures above are the stored federal Scorecard snapshot, imported April 25, 2026. Its fields can cover different reporting years. Current university profiles below can describe a different cohort or applicant group.

How NC State University compares

  • Its SAT rank in the stored federal dataset is #39 of 197 US colleges with published SAT ranges in this snapshot and #3 of 10 in NC.
  • Its 42% acceptance rate is more selective than 78% of the 197 colleges in the same ranked pool.
  • Reported section midpoints skew 20 points toward Math (690 Math vs 670 Reading and Writing).
  • Median earnings 10 years after entry ($68,758) are $5,692 above the $63,066 median across that pool.
  • Out-of-state students pay $24,048 more per year than in-state students ($32,847 vs $8,799).
National SAT rank
#39 of 197
SAT rank in NC
#3 of 10
More selective than
78% of ranked colleges
Earnings vs national median
+$5,692

What the numbers say about NC State University

  • The reported middle 50% spans 170 points, from 1300 to 1470. A planning score near or above 1510 gives you a target above that historical range, not an admission guarantee.
  • The reported section midpoints are 670 Reading and Writing and 690 Math. Use the lower section as the first place to look for recoverable points in your own score split.
  • The Scorecard snapshot reports a 42% acceptance rate. That rate describes a past applicant pool and should not be read as your personal admission probability.
  • Reported outcomes include a 85% completion rate and $68,758 in median earnings 10 years after entry. Compare those figures with cost and program fit, not in isolation.

Tuition and outcomes

Tuition (in-state)
$8,799
Tuition (out-of-state)
$32,847
Median earnings 10 years after entry
$68,758
4-year completion rate (150% time)
85%

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard. Documentation version September 2025; our snapshot imported April 25, 2026. Scorecard fields can come from different reporting years, and this snapshot does not encode one universal data year. SAT totals are rounded to the nearest valid 10 points. Tuition excludes room, board, fees, and books. Read the methodology.

How your SAT score lines up

The Scorecard snapshot places the middle 50% of reported scores between 1300 and 1470. This is descriptive data, not an admission threshold or probability estimate.

  • 1510 SAT planning target: Above the reported middle-50% range, not an admission guarantee.
  • 1470 SAT (reported 75th percentile): At the upper end of the reported middle-50% range.
  • 1390 SAT (range midpoint): Within the reported range; not a measured median.
  • 1300 SAT (reported 25th percentile): At the lower end of the reported middle-50% range.
At or above 1470

Strong relative score

At the upper end of the reported range. Consider submitting if the current policy accepts scores.

1300–1460

Within the reported range

Compare your exact position, section split, and the rest of your academic record.

Below 1300

Below the reported range

Check the current testing policy before deciding whether to withhold the score or retake.

Compare to other colleges →

Colleges with similar SAT scores

Ranked by proximity to NC State University's reported SAT midpoint. Similar scores do not imply similar programs, cost, or admission odds.

Scroll horizontally to view all columns →

CollegeLocationSAT middle 50%Acceptance rate
Bucknell UniversityLewisburg, PA1310–147029%
Trinity CollegeHartford, CT1300–147029%
Ohio State University-Main CampusColumbus, OH1310–148061%
Colorado School of MinesGolden, CO1320–148061%
The University of Texas at AustinAustin, TX1250–151027%
The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and ArtNew York, NY1300–150021%

Questions about NC State University

What SAT score do I need for NC State University?

North Carolina State University at Raleigh's Scorecard snapshot shows a middle-50% SAT range of 1300–1470, rounded to valid 10-point totals. 1510 is a planning target above the reported range, not an admission cutoff.

What is NC State University's acceptance rate?

North Carolina State University at Raleigh's historical College Scorecard snapshot reports approximately 42%. This is a past institution-wide applicant pool, not an individual admission probability.

How much does it cost to attend NC State University?

Historical annual in-state tuition is approximately $8,799 and out-of-state is approximately $32,847. These figures exclude room, board, and fees.

Is NC State University test-optional?

The College Scorecard does not record testing policy, and this page has not checked North Carolina State University at Raleigh's current rule. Confirm whether it is test-optional, test-required, or test-blind on its admissions page before you apply.

Official site: www.ncsu.edu