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North Carolina State University vs Penn State University

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

47.0% NC State acceptance
54.0% Penn State acceptance
$32,784 NC State cheaper over 4 years
Updated 2026 · Data: NCES, College Scorecard, IPEDS All figures in USD unless noted

School Overview

NC State
Raleigh, North Carolina
Public
Founded
1887
Enrollment
38,058
Setting
Urban
Penn State
State College, Pennsylvania
Public
Founded
1855
Enrollment
88,211
Setting
Rural

At a Glance

Tuition NC State saves $7,566
NC State
$31,258
Penn State
$38,824
Acceptance Rate NC State more selective
NC State
47.0%
Penn State
54.0%
Graduation Rate Penn State higher
NC State
82%
Penn State
86%
Avg SAT Score NC State higher
NC State
1360
Penn State
1300
Starting Salary NC State higher
NC State
$67,100
Penn State
$65,400

Detailed Comparison

Metric NC State Penn State Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$31,258$38,824NC State
Tuition (In-State)$9,125$19,286NC State
Room & Board$12,684$13,314NC State
Acceptance Rate47.0%54.0%NC State
Graduation Rate82%86%Penn State
Average SAT13601300NC State
Student-Faculty Ratio14:115:1NC State
Enrollment38,05888,211-
Avg Financial Aid$12,800$12,670NC State
Starting Salary$67,100$65,400NC State
Endowment$1.8B$4.6BPenn State
Campus Size2,110 acres5,000 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

NC State
$175,768
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
Penn State
$208,552
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: NC State = $124,568 | Penn State = $157,872. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

NC State Top Majors

EngineeringBusinessComputer ScienceBiologyAgriculture

Penn State Top Majors

EngineeringBusinessBiologyKinesiologyInformation Sciences

Campus & Student Life

Setting
NC StateUrban
Penn StateRural
Campus Size
NC State2,110 ac
Penn State5,000 ac
Athletics
NC StateNCAA D1
Penn StateNCAA D1
Region
NC StateSouth
Penn StateNortheast
Founded
NC State1887
Penn State1855
Enrollment
NC State38,058
Penn State88,211

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is NC State or Penn State harder to get into?+
NC State is more selective with an acceptance rate of 47.0% compared to 54.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, NC State or Penn State?+
At sticker price, NC State costs less over 4 years ($175,768 vs $208,552). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. NC State offers an average of $12,800/year in aid while Penn State offers $12,670/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for NC State and Penn State?+
The average SAT score at NC State is 1360 and at Penn State it is 1300. 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 NC State or Penn State graduates earn more?+
Graduates of NC State have a higher average starting salary ($67,100 vs $65,400). 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?+
NC State has a 14:1 student-to-faculty ratio while Penn State has 15:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do NC State and Penn State compare for campus life?+
NC State is located in Raleigh, North Carolina (urban setting) with a 2,110-acre campus. Penn State is in State College, Pennsylvania (rural setting) with 5,000 acres. NC State competes in NCAA D1 athletics and Penn State in NCAA D1.