Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)
Estimated sticker price before financial aid.
NC State
$175,768
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
UNC
$204,304
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: NC State = $124,568 | UNC = $130,824. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.
NC State Top Majors
EngineeringBusinessComputer ScienceBiologyAgricultureUNC Top Majors
BiologyBusinessComputer ScienceEconomicsPsychology
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is NC State or UNC harder to get into?+
UNC is more selective with an acceptance rate of 16.8% compared to 47.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, NC State or UNC?+
At sticker price, NC State costs less over 4 years ($175,768 vs $204,304). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. NC State offers an average of $12,800/year in aid while UNC offers $18,370/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for NC State and UNC?+
The average SAT score at NC State is 1360 and at UNC it is 1400. 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 UNC graduates earn more?+
Graduates of NC State have a higher average starting salary ($67,100 vs $64,800). 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?+
NC State has a 14:1 student-to-faculty ratio while UNC has 13:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do NC State and UNC compare for campus life?+
NC State is located in Raleigh, North Carolina (urban setting) with a 2,110-acre campus. UNC is in Chapel Hill, North Carolina (suburban setting) with 729 acres. NC State competes in NCAA D1 athletics and UNC in NCAA D1.