College Comparison
North Carolina State University at Raleigh vs Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
Compare acceptance rates, costs, test scores, graduation rates, and more to find your best fit.
At a Glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Raleigh, NC
University Park, PA
Total Enrollment
38,464
50,737
Undergrad Enrollment
28,422
42,604
Student-Faculty Ratio
15:1
16:1
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
41.7%
60.6%
Average GPA
3.89
3.87
SAT Range
1300–1470
1240–1420
ACT Range
28–32
27–32
Test Policy
Optional
Optional
Application Fee
$85
$65
Total Applicants
44,047
88,478
Cost & Value
Sticker Price
$20,867
$34,330
Avg Net Price
$14,860
$27,450
Tuition (In-State)
$6,535
$19,286
Tuition (Out-of-State)
$28,276
$38,102
Room & Board
$14,332
$15,044
% Receiving Aid
51.0%
37.0%
Avg Grant Amount
$11,675
$11,336
Outcomes
6-Year Grad Rate
85.0%
86.0%
4-Year Grad Rate
68.0%
71.0%
Retention Rate
94.0%
93.0%
Median Earnings (10yr)
$68,758
$63,435
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Explore by Location
North Carolina State at Raleigh is in Raleigh, NC
Penn State is in University Park, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
The average net price at North Carolina State University at Raleigh is $14,860 per year, compared to $27,450 at Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus. North Carolina State University at Raleigh is $12,590 less expensive on average after financial aid.
Admitted students at North Carolina State University at Raleigh typically score between 1300-1470 on the SAT (25th-75th percentile). At Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus, the typical SAT range is 1240-1420. Scoring within or above these ranges will make you a competitive applicant.
North Carolina State University at Raleigh has a graduation rate of 85%, while Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus has a graduation rate of 86%. Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus has the higher graduation rate, indicating strong student support and retention.
North Carolina State University at Raleigh has a student-to-faculty ratio of 15:1, while Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus has a ratio of 16:1. North Carolina State University at Raleigh offers smaller class sizes on average, which typically means more individual attention from professors.
At North Carolina State University at Raleigh, 51% of students receive financial aid with an average grant of $11,675. At Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus, 37% of students receive aid with an average grant of $11,336.
The median earnings for North Carolina State University at Raleigh graduates 10 years after enrollment is $68,758, compared to $63,435 for Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus graduates. Graduates from North Carolina State University at Raleigh tend to earn more on average, though individual outcomes vary by major and career path.
North Carolina State University at Raleigh is located in Raleigh, NC in a city: large setting. Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus is located in University Park, PA in a city: small setting.