North Carolina State University at Raleigh vs Carolina University
North Carolina State University at Raleigh is a public university in Raleigh, NC, and Carolina University is a private university in Winston-Salem, NC. Carolina University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 40% of applicants against 42% at North Carolina State University at Raleigh. North Carolina State University at Raleigh is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $17,303 a year against $20,828 at Carolina University. About 85% of students graduate at North Carolina State University at Raleigh, compared with 24% at Carolina University. Ten years after enrolling, North Carolina State University at Raleigh alumni earn a median of about $68,758, against $32,864 for Carolina University.
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Raleigh, NC
Winston-Salem, NC
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
27,371
460
Acceptance rate
42%
40%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
~3.83 avg
3.24–3.94
SAT (middle 50%)
1300–1470
840–1060
ACT (middle 50%)
28–32
16–21
Test policy
Considered
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$17,303
$20,828
Full cost / yr
$26,425
$32,680
In-state tuition
$8,799
$17,575
Out-of-state tuition
$32,847
$17,575
Application fee
$85
$25
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$6,382
$17,738
$30k - $48k
$8,758
$17,560
$48k - $75k
$13,334
$22,993
$75k - $110k
$20,087
$23,597
Over $110k
$24,652
$24,152
Outcomes
Graduation rate
85%
24%
Freshman retention
94%
56%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$57,623
$30,657
Median earnings (10 yr)
$68,758
$32,864
Median debt at graduation
$20,121
$20,287
Student body
Pell grant recipients
20%
37%
First-generation students
19%
33%
International students
2%
33%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Nov 1
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 15
Jul 1
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.
- Is North Carolina State University at Raleigh or Carolina University harder to get into?
- Carolina University is harder to get into. It admits about 40% of applicants, compared with 42% 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.
- Which is cheaper, North Carolina State University at Raleigh or Carolina University?
- North Carolina State University at Raleigh is cheaper on average. Students pay about $17,303 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $20,828 at Carolina University. 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 North Carolina State University at Raleigh and Carolina University?
- Before aid, North Carolina State University at Raleigh costs about $26,425 a year and Carolina University about $32,680. 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, North Carolina State University at Raleigh or Carolina University?
- North Carolina State University at Raleigh. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $6,382 there, against about $17,738 at Carolina University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, North Carolina State University at Raleigh or Carolina University?
- North Carolina State University at Raleigh is the larger of the two, with about 27,371 undergraduates against 460 at Carolina University.
- Does North Carolina State University at Raleigh or Carolina University have a better graduation rate?
- North Carolina State University at Raleigh has the higher graduation rate, at about 85% against 24% at Carolina University.
- Do graduates of North Carolina State University at Raleigh or Carolina University 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 $32,864 for Carolina University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do North Carolina State University at Raleigh and Carolina University require SAT or ACT scores?
- North Carolina State University at Raleigh considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them. Carolina University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do North Carolina State University at Raleigh and Carolina University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1300–1470 at North Carolina State University at Raleigh and 840–1060 at Carolina University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
North Carolina State University at Raleigh vs University of North Carolina at Chapel HillNorth Carolina State University at Raleigh vs University of North Carolina at CharlotteNorth Carolina State University at Raleigh vs East Carolina UniversityCarolina University vs University of North Carolina School of the ArtsCarolina University vs Saint Augustine's UniversityCarolina University vs Brevard College
Which of these is the better fit for you?
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