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Appalachian State University vs North Carolina State University at Raleigh

Appalachian State University is a public university in Boone, NC, and North Carolina State University at Raleigh is a public university in Raleigh, NC. North Carolina State University at Raleigh is the more selective of the two, admitting about 42% of applicants against 90% at Appalachian State University. Appalachian State University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $16,836 a year against $17,303 at North Carolina State University at Raleigh. About 85% of students graduate at North Carolina State University at Raleigh, compared with 74% at Appalachian State University. Ten years after enrolling, North Carolina State University at Raleigh alumni earn a median of about $68,758, against $51,836 for Appalachian State University.

Appalachian State University

Boone, NC · Public

North Carolina State University at Raleigh

Raleigh, NC · Public
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Boone, NC
Raleigh, NC
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
19,444
27,371
Acceptance rate
90%
42%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.32–3.82
~3.83 avg
SAT (middle 50%)
1120–1280
1300–1470
ACT (middle 50%)
21–27
28–32
Test policy
Test optional
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$16,836
$17,303
Full cost / yr
$23,169
$26,425
In-state tuition
$7,579
$8,799
Out-of-state tuition
$25,212
$32,847
Application fee
$65
$85
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$9,325
$6,382
$30k - $48k
$11,600
$8,758
$48k - $75k
$15,204
$13,334
$75k - $110k
$20,840
$20,087
Over $110k
$22,382
$24,652
Outcomes
Graduation rate
74%
85%
Freshman retention
84%
94%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$43,663
$57,623
Median earnings (10 yr)
$51,836
$68,758
Median debt at graduation
$20,231
$20,121
Student body
Pell grant recipients
26%
20%
First-generation students
25%
19%
International students
0%
2%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Nov 1
Regular decision
Rolling
Jan 15

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Appalachian State University or North Carolina State University at Raleigh harder to get into?
North Carolina State University at Raleigh is harder to get into. It admits about 42% of applicants, compared with 90% at Appalachian State University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Appalachian State University or North Carolina State University at Raleigh?
Appalachian State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $16,836 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $17,303 at North Carolina State University at Raleigh. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Appalachian State University and North Carolina State University at Raleigh?
Before aid, Appalachian State University costs about $23,169 a year and North Carolina State University at Raleigh about $26,425. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Appalachian State University or North Carolina State University at Raleigh?
North Carolina State University at Raleigh. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $6,382 there, against about $9,325 at Appalachian State University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Appalachian State University or North Carolina State University at Raleigh?
North Carolina State University at Raleigh is the larger of the two, with about 27,371 undergraduates against 19,444 at Appalachian State University.
Does Appalachian State University or North Carolina State University at Raleigh have a better graduation rate?
North Carolina State University at Raleigh has the higher graduation rate, at about 85% against 74% at Appalachian State University.
Do graduates of Appalachian State University or North Carolina State University at Raleigh earn more?
North Carolina State University at Raleigh alumni earn more on average: a median of about $68,758 ten years after enrolling, against about $51,836 for Appalachian State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Appalachian State University and North Carolina State University at Raleigh require SAT or ACT scores?
Appalachian State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. North Carolina State University at Raleigh considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
What SAT scores do Appalachian State University and North Carolina State University at Raleigh look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1120–1280 at Appalachian State University and 1300–1470 at North Carolina State University at Raleigh. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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