
Where is NCSU Located?
North Carolina State University, commonly referred to as NC State, is a public research university located at 101 Lampe Dr, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA. Situated in the heart of North Carolina’s capital city, the university is part of the famed Research Triangle, along with Duke University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. NC State is renowned for its programs in engineering, agriculture, and veterinary medicine, among others.
Nearby Attractions:
- PNC Arena: Home to concerts, family events, and the Carolina Hurricanes NHL team.
- Pullen Park: One of the oldest amusement parks in the United States, offering recreational opportunities like boating, a carousel, and playgrounds.
- William B. Umstead State Park: A peaceful getaway for hiking, biking, and fishing.
- North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences and North Carolina Museum of History: Both museums offer educational and engaging experiences for all ages.
Is NCSU an Ivy League School?
NCSU is not part of the Ivy League. The Ivy League is an athletic conference consisting of eight private institutions in the Northeastern United States
The Ivy League schools are:
- Brown University
- Columbia University
- Cornell University
- Dartmouth College
- Harvard University
- University of Pennsylvania
- Princeton University
- Yale University
Admission Requirements for NCSU
To seek admission to North Carolina State University, you have multiple routes: you can apply as a first-year student, a transfer student, or as an international student. For those completing high school or who have not yet attended college, the first-year student application is appropriate. If you’ve already finished high school and started college elsewhere, you’d apply as a transfer student. Non-U.S. citizens or permanent residents should use the international application process.
Here’s a quick guide to the application process:
- Complete an online application, choosing between the Common App or Coalition on Scoir.
- Pay a non-refundable $85 application fee.
- Indicate your preference for up to two majors.
- Optionally submit standardized test scores. Note: For the Spring and Fall of 2024, NC State is test-optional, meaning submitting test scores like the SAT or ACT is not mandatory. The UNC System has not yet confirmed whether this policy will extend beyond the 2024 cycles.
- Submit the application by the respective deadline—Early Action is due by November 1, and Regular Decision by January 15. For studio-based majors like Architecture and Graphic & Experience Design, the only deadline is November 1 and additional materials like a 10-piece portfolio and a design essay are required.
For more specific admission requirements, it’s advisable to consult North Carolina State University’s official website.

Application Process for NCSU
If you’re considering applying to North Carolina State University, there are three primary categories of applicants: first-year students, transfer students, and international students. You’ll fall under the first-year category if you’re currently in high school or have never attended college. On the other hand, if you’ve already completed high school and have some college experience, you’ll be a transfer applicant. Non-U.S. citizens or permanent residents will need to apply as international students.
The steps for submitting an application are as follows:
- Complete your online application using either the Common App or Coalition on Scoir.
- Remit the $85 non-refundable application fee.
- Choose up to two majors that align with your academic interests.
- Optionally, you can self-report your standardized test scores. Note that for the Spring and Fall of 2024, submitting test scores is optional. While the UNC System hasn’t confirmed whether this policy will be extended, for now, standardized test scores are not mandatory.
- Adhere to the submission deadlines: Early Action applications are due by November 1, while Regular Decision is by January 15. Note that for studio-based majors, November 1 is the sole deadline for application submission.
For tailored admission criteria based on specific programs, it’s recommended to visit the university’s official website.

Standardized Tests: What Tests Are Required for NCSU
For the Spring and Fall semesters of 2024, NC State, a member of the UNC System, has made standardized tests like the SAT or ACT optional for first-year applicants. While the UNC System hasn’t decided whether this test-optional policy will continue beyond the 2024 cycles, it’s advisable for prospective students to still prepare for and take a standardized test. However, as it stands, submitting test scores is not obligatory for a complete application.
Keep in mind that different programs may have unique admission prerequisites. For detailed information on program-specific requirements, it’s recommended to consult North Carolina State University’s official website.

Scholarships and Financial Aid at NCSU
North Carolina State University provides a variety of financial aid options to assist students in maximizing their educational investment. Administered by the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid (OSFA), these options include scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study opportunities for those who qualify.
To be considered for financial aid, you must first complete an online application via either the Common App or the Coalition on Scoir, accompanied by an $85 application fee.
Your eligibility for financial assistance is determined by several variables, such as anticipated expenses, your family’s expected financial contribution, your demonstrated financial need, and specific conditions tied to each type of aid.

Top Undergraduate Programs at NCSU
North Carolina State University provides an extensive array of undergraduate courses in multiple disciplines. According to U.S. News Best Colleges, the university excels particularly in the following undergraduate programs, most of which also offer doctoral degrees:
- Biological and Agricultural Engineering (tie)
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Science
- Electrical, Electronic, and Communications Engineering
- Environmental and Environmental Health Engineering
- Industrial, Manufacturing, and Systems Engineering
- Materials Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering