College Comparison
North Carolina State University at Raleigh vs Purdue 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
West Lafayette, IN
Total Enrollment
38,464
58,658
Undergrad Enrollment
28,422
44,819
Student-Faculty Ratio
15:1
14:1
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
41.7%
49.9%
Average GPA
3.89
3.90
SAT Range
1300–1470
1200–1480
ACT Range
28–32
27–34
Test Policy
Optional
Required
Application Fee
$85
$60
Total Applicants
44,047
78,745
Cost & Value
Sticker Price
$20,867
$22,533
Avg Net Price
$14,860
$12,421
Tuition (In-State)
$6,535
$9,718
Tuition (Out-of-State)
$28,276
$28,520
Room & Board
$14,332
$12,815
% Receiving Aid
51.0%
40.0%
Avg Grant Amount
$11,675
$11,294
Outcomes
6-Year Grad Rate
85.0%
77.0%
4-Year Grad Rate
68.0%
58.0%
Retention Rate
94.0%
93.0%
Median Earnings (10yr)
$68,758
$72,424
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Explore by Location
North Carolina State at Raleigh is in Raleigh, NC
Purdue is in West Lafayette, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
The average net price at North Carolina State University at Raleigh is $14,860 per year, compared to $12,421 at Purdue University-Main Campus. Purdue University-Main Campus is $2,439 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 Purdue University-Main Campus, the typical SAT range is 1200-1480. 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 Purdue University-Main Campus has a graduation rate of 77%. North Carolina State University at Raleigh 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 Purdue University-Main Campus has a ratio of 14:1. Purdue University-Main Campus 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 Purdue University-Main Campus, 40% of students receive aid with an average grant of $11,294.
The median earnings for North Carolina State University at Raleigh graduates 10 years after enrollment is $68,758, compared to $72,424 for Purdue University-Main Campus graduates. Graduates from Purdue University-Main Campus 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. Purdue University-Main Campus is located in West Lafayette, IN in a city: small setting.

