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North Carolina State University vs Texas A&M 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
63.0% Texas A&M acceptance
$36,332 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
Texas A&M
College Station, Texas
Public
Founded
1876
Enrollment
74,829
Setting
Suburban

At a Glance

Tuition NC State saves $8,829
NC State
$31,258
Texas A&M
$40,087
Acceptance Rate NC State more selective
NC State
47.0%
Texas A&M
63.0%
Graduation Rate Texas A&M higher
NC State
82%
Texas A&M
83%
Avg SAT Score NC State higher
NC State
1360
Texas A&M
1290
Starting Salary NC State higher
NC State
$67,100
Texas A&M
$66,300

Detailed Comparison

Metric NC State Texas A&M Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$31,258$40,087NC State
Tuition (In-State)$9,125$12,413NC State
Room & Board$12,684$12,938NC State
Acceptance Rate47.0%63.0%NC State
Graduation Rate82%83%Texas A&M
Average SAT13601290NC State
Student-Faculty Ratio14:119:1NC State
Enrollment38,05874,829-
Avg Financial Aid$12,800$13,700Texas A&M
Starting Salary$67,100$66,300NC State
Endowment$1.8B$17.1BTexas A&M
Campus Size2,110 acres5,200 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

NC State
$175,768
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
Texas A&M
$212,100
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: NC State = $124,568 | Texas A&M = $157,300. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

NC State Top Majors

EngineeringBusinessComputer ScienceBiologyAgriculture

Texas A&M Top Majors

EngineeringBusinessBiologyAgricultureBiomedical Science

Campus & Student Life

Setting
NC StateUrban
Texas A&MSuburban
Campus Size
NC State2,110 ac
Texas A&M5,200 ac
Athletics
NC StateNCAA D1
Texas A&MNCAA D1
Region
NC StateSouth
Texas A&MSouth
Founded
NC State1887
Texas A&M1876
Enrollment
NC State38,058
Texas A&M74,829

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is NC State or Texas A&M harder to get into?+
NC State is more selective with an acceptance rate of 47.0% compared to 63.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, NC State or Texas A&M?+
At sticker price, NC State costs less over 4 years ($175,768 vs $212,100). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. NC State offers an average of $12,800/year in aid while Texas A&M offers $13,700/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for NC State and Texas A&M?+
The average SAT score at NC State is 1360 and at Texas A&M it is 1290. 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 Texas A&M graduates earn more?+
Graduates of NC State have a higher average starting salary ($67,100 vs $66,300). 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 Texas A&M has 19:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do NC State and Texas A&M compare for campus life?+
NC State is located in Raleigh, North Carolina (urban setting) with a 2,110-acre campus. Texas A&M is in College Station, Texas (suburban setting) with 5,200 acres. NC State competes in NCAA D1 athletics and Texas A&M in NCAA D1.