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Georgia Tech vs North Carolina State University

A comprehensive side-by-side comparison of academics, cost, admissions, campus life and career outcomes to help you choose.

16.0% Georgia Tech acceptance
47.0% NC State acceptance
$9,976 NC State cheaper over 4 years
Updated 2026 · Data: NCES, College Scorecard, IPEDS All figures in USD unless noted

School Overview

Georgia Tech
Atlanta, Georgia
Public
Founded
1885
Enrollment
47,285
Setting
Urban
NC State
Raleigh, North Carolina
Public
Founded
1887
Enrollment
38,058
Setting
Urban

At a Glance

Tuition NC State saves $2,536
Georgia Tech
$33,794
NC State
$31,258
Acceptance Rate Georgia Tech more selective
Georgia Tech
16.0%
NC State
47.0%
Graduation Rate Georgia Tech higher
Georgia Tech
90%
NC State
82%
Avg SAT Score Georgia Tech higher
Georgia Tech
1450
NC State
1360
Starting Salary Georgia Tech higher
Georgia Tech
$83,600
NC State
$67,100

Detailed Comparison

Metric Georgia Tech NC State Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$33,794$31,258NC State
Tuition (In-State)$12,682$9,125NC State
Room & Board$12,642$12,684Georgia Tech
Acceptance Rate16.0%47.0%Georgia Tech
Graduation Rate90%82%Georgia Tech
Average SAT14501360Georgia Tech
Student-Faculty Ratio15:114:1NC State
Enrollment47,28538,058-
Avg Financial Aid$16,280$12,800Georgia Tech
Starting Salary$83,600$67,100Georgia Tech
Endowment$4.2B$1.8BGeorgia Tech
Campus Size400 acres2,110 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

Georgia Tech
$185,744
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
NC State
$175,768
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Georgia Tech = $120,624 | NC State = $124,568. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

Georgia Tech Top Majors

Computer ScienceEngineeringBusinessIndustrial EngineeringBiology

NC State Top Majors

EngineeringBusinessComputer ScienceBiologyAgriculture

Campus & Student Life

Setting
Georgia TechUrban
NC StateUrban
Campus Size
Georgia Tech400 ac
NC State2,110 ac
Athletics
Georgia TechNCAA D1
NC StateNCAA D1
Region
Georgia TechSouth
NC StateSouth
Founded
Georgia Tech1885
NC State1887
Enrollment
Georgia Tech47,285
NC State38,058

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Georgia Tech or NC State harder to get into?+
Georgia Tech is more selective with an acceptance rate of 16.0% compared to 47.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Georgia Tech or NC State?+
At sticker price, NC State costs less over 4 years ($175,768 vs $185,744). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Georgia Tech offers an average of $16,280/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 Georgia Tech and NC State?+
The average SAT score at Georgia Tech is 1450 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 Georgia Tech or NC State graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Georgia Tech have a higher average starting salary ($83,600 vs $67,100). 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?+
Georgia Tech has a 15:1 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 Georgia Tech and NC State compare for campus life?+
Georgia Tech is located in Atlanta, Georgia (urban setting) with a 400-acre campus. NC State is in Raleigh, North Carolina (urban setting) with 2,110 acres. Georgia Tech competes in NCAA D1 athletics and NC State in NCAA D1.