Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)
Estimated sticker price before financial aid.
FSU
$134,892
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
NC State
$175,768
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: FSU = $85,292 | NC State = $124,568. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.
FSU Top Majors
BusinessPsychologyBiologyCriminologyEngineeringNC State Top Majors
EngineeringBusinessComputer ScienceBiologyAgriculture
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is FSU or NC State harder to get into?+
FSU is more selective with an acceptance rate of 25.0% compared to 47.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, FSU or NC State?+
At sticker price, FSU costs less over 4 years ($134,892 vs $175,768). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. FSU offers an average of $12,400/year in aid while NC State offers $12,800/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for FSU and NC State?+
The average SAT score at FSU is 1310 and at NC State it is 1360. Keep in mind that admitted students often score across a range, and many schools practice holistic admissions where test scores are just one factor.
Do FSU or NC State graduates earn more?+
Graduates of NC State have a higher average starting salary ($67,100 vs $59,800). Salary outcomes vary significantly by major, industry, and location — so this is a general average across all graduates.
What is the student-to-faculty ratio at each school?+
FSU has a 21:1 student-to-faculty ratio while NC State has 14:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do FSU and NC State compare for campus life?+
FSU is located in Tallahassee, Florida (urban setting) with a 1,427-acre campus. NC State is in Raleigh, North Carolina (urban setting) with 2,110 acres. FSU competes in NCAA D1 athletics and NC State in NCAA D1.