North Carolina State University Scholarships (2026–2027)
← Back to college scholarships hub • See North Carolina aid & Grants
Last Updated on March 31, 2026- Tuition, housing, and average family net price
- Automatic merit ranges and qualifier benchmarks
- Flagship and hidden-gem awards
- Honors and stacking strategy
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~42%
- Middle 50% ACT: 30
- Middle 50% SAT: 1380
- Average GPA: 4.3
- Below the typical ranges: This is a reach—especially for competitive majors like engineering. Build your list with schools that offer clear automatic merit so you’re not relying on NC State to come through financially.
- In the typical ranges: You’re competitive for admission, but scholarships are not guaranteed. Apply Early Action and plan to complete Pack ASSIST to access most institutional aid.
- Well above the ranges: Strong profile, but don’t expect automatic money. Your upside is competitive programs like Park or Goodnight—but those are highly selective.
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
📌 North Carolina State University at a Glance
- No automatic merit chart: Unlike many schools, NC State does not guarantee scholarships based on GPA/test scores—you must compete for most awards.
- Pack ASSIST is required: If you don’t complete this scholarship portal, you will miss most departmental and institutional opportunities.
- Flagship scholarships are separate: Park and Goodnight require additional applications and timelines beyond standard admission.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes — North Carolina State University is test-optional.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT: 30; SAT: 1380.
Average net price? About $14,860/yearyear after aid.
Does this school use waivers/reciprocity? Yes — participates in none.
Caldwell Fellows—NC State: https://caldwellfellows.ncsu.edu/apply/
Goodnight Scholarships—NC State: https://goodnight.ncsu.edu/apply/
NC State EOSI: https://giving.ncsu.edu/support-our-students/eosi/
NC State—Scholarships: https://studentservices.ncsu.edu/finances/scholarships-and-financial-aid/types-of-financial-aid/scholarships/
Park Scholarships—NC State: https://park.ncsu.edu/apply/
Poole College Undergraduate Scholarships—NC State: https://poole.ncsu.edu/undergraduate/advising/scholarships/
Textiles Scholarships—NC State: https://textiles.ncsu.edu/scholarships/
NC State University Honors Program: https://honors.dasa.ncsu.edu/
Textiles Scholarships—NC State: https://textiles.ncsu.edu/scholarships/scholarship-types/
NC State Latinx Alumni Network: https://latinxalumni.ncsu.edu/scholarship/
Pack ASSIST—NC State Central Scholarship Portal: https://packassist.ncsu.edu/
Office of Undergraduate Research—NC State: https://our.dasa.ncsu.edu/undergraduate-research-grants/
NC State—Pack Promise: https://ncsu.edu/financial-aid/pack-promise/
NC State Study Abroad Scholarships: https://studyabroad.ncsu.edu/funding/
NC State Alumni Association: https://news.giving.ncsu.edu/2020/09/the-black-alumni-societys-clark-witherspoon-scholarships-help-two-legacies-endure/
NC State College of Education: https://ced.ncsu.edu/undergraduate/scholarships-and-financial-aid/
NC State College of Engineering: https://engr.ncsu.edu/academics/undergrad/scholarships/
CollegeScorecard / Admissions: https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/
💰 Cost of Attendance at North Carolina State University 2026-2027
📅 2026–2027 Planning Note: The costs below reflect the most recently published figures (2025–2026). Universities typically finalize the next year’s rates in the spring, and we’ll update this page once official 2026–2027 numbers are released.
Planning tip: At large public universities, tuition, fees, and housing usually increase modestly each year (often in the 2–5% range). For early budgeting, families may want to plan for roughly $1,000–$1,500 more in-state or $2,000–$3,000 more out-of-state in total direct costs once new rates are published.
| Category (2026–2027) | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees (2 semesters) | $9,028 | $33,993 |
| Housing & Meals (typical) | $14,741 | $14,741 |
| Total (Direct Costs) | $23,769 | $48,734 |
Average Federal Net Price: $14,860 — this is what families actually paid after grants and scholarships (no loans), based on the most recent federal data. Your specific cost could be significantly lower or higher depending on your financial aid eligibility and merit scholarships. New to Net Price & SAI? Read our guide.
Regional Aid Options: North Carolina does not participate in WUE or ACM for undergraduates. However, NC residents may qualify for the Next NC Scholarship program:
- Next NC Scholarship: Automatic if you file the FAFSA, are an NC resident with family AGI ≤ $80,000, and a Student Aid Index ≤ 7,500. Guarantees at least $5,000 per year at UNC System universities like NC State.
Cost of Attendance FAQ
Who qualifies for the Next NC Scholarship? North Carolina residents with family AGI ≤ $80,000 and a Student Aid Index ≤ 7,500 who submit the FAFSA on time.
How much does it save? At NC State, the award provides at least $5,000 per year toward tuition and fees for eligible families—often more when combined with Pell or institutional aid.
Do I need to apply separately? No — there’s no extra application; eligibility is verified automatically after you file the FAFSA.
https://studentservices.ncsu.edu/finances/estimated-cost-of-attendance/undergraduate-student-estimated-cost-of-attendance/
https://studentservices.ncsu.edu/finances/estimated-cost-of-attendance/
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/colleges/north-carolina-state-university/tuition-and-costs
https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?199193-North-Carolina-State-University-at-Raleigh=
https://www.cfnc.org/pay-for-college/next-nc-scholarship/
https://www.nccommunitycolleges.edu/students/paying-for-college/options-for-paying-for-college/scholarships/nc-scholarship/
✅ The Pack ASSIST Merit System (No Guaranteed Tiers)
Some universities post clear GPA/test score charts for automatic awards. NC State does not. All of its merit scholarships flow through Pack ASSIST, the central scholarship portal, and awards are decided competitively. There are no guaranteed “automatic” tiers tied to GPA or test scores alone.
🧩 How Scholarships Stack at NC State
NC State layering works differently depending on the award.
- Next NC Scholarship: Acts as a baseline for eligible NC families and typically stacks with federal aid and institutional scholarships.
- Pack ASSIST awards: Often stack with federal and state aid, provided total aid does not exceed Cost of Attendance.
- Park Scholarship: Full cost-of-attendance award. Typically replaces most other institutional funding.
- Goodnight Scholars: Major-restricted STEM award for NC residents. If a student leaves an eligible STEM major, funding does not continue.
- Outside scholarships: NC State usually reduces loans/work-study before reducing grant aid, but policies can vary.
Example Scenario:
An in-state student with family AGI of $70,000 may qualify for the Next NC Scholarship ($5,000+), Pell Grant (if eligible), and Pack ASSIST awards layered together.
An out-of-state high-stat student, however, must rely heavily on competitive awards like Park — there is no automatic merit grid.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pack ASSIST Portal Awards | $500–$5,000/yr (some higher) | All admitted undergraduates who complete the Pack ASSIST profile by Feb 15 (priority date). Each award has its own donor, college, merit, or need requirements. | Yes — one central portal application | Varies by award | Students with strong academics, FAFSA on file, and who match fund criteria; many are major/college or need/merit blends. | Feb 15 (priority for new students) |
Note: NC State does not publish guaranteed GPA/test thresholds. All institutional merit aid is competitive within the Pack ASSIST system.
Automatic Scholarships FAQ
Do I need to submit test scores? NC State is test-optional for admission. Some scholarships may consider test scores if submitted, but most review your full academic record, rigor, and activities.
Does NC State superscore? Yes. NC State superscores both the SAT and ACT, combining your student’s best section scores across test dates to maximize their review profile.
How do I apply? Admission plus completing the Pack ASSIST application (by Feb 15 priority) is the only step for most general awards.
Are there clear GPA cutoffs? No — unlike some flagships, NC State does not publish auto-merit charts. Awards are competitive and holistic.
Can Pack ASSIST awards stack with state or federal aid? Yes. Most can stack with Pell, SEAA grants, and the Next NC Scholarship. Each donor fund lists any “cannot combine with” notes.
https://packassist.ncsu.edu/
https://financialaid.ncsu.edu/types-of-aid/scholarships/
https://admissions.ncsu.edu/apply/freshman/requirements/
https://registrar.ncsu.edu/faq/#superscore
🏆 Competitive Scholarships
NC State’s most prestigious awards are selective and require separate applications, essays, or interviews. These aren’t automatic — they’re highly competitive, with small cohorts and rigorous review. Families should pay close attention to deadlines: Park Scholarships open in early fall, while Goodnight Scholarships and others run their own application cycles.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Park Scholarships | Full Cost of Attendance (~$124,000 in-state over 4 years) Includes tuition/fees, housing, meals, books, travel, computer stipend, enrichment funds |
In-state & out-of-state admits; must show exceptional academics, leadership, service, and character | Yes — Park application separate; fall deadline | Yes — 4 years if standards met | ~35–40/class; admits with GPA usually 4.4+ weighted and SAT 1450+/ACT 32+*, plus extraordinary service/leadership | Nov 1 (NC State app) Nov 1 (School nomination due) Nov 1 (Park app due) |
| Goodnight Scholarships | $23,000–$24,000/yr for up to 4 years (first-years) or 3 years (transfers) | NC residents pursuing STEM or STEM education majors; high academic ability and service | Yes — separate application & interview | Yes — must maintain standards | Selective: admits show weighted GPA ~4.2+, SAT 1350+/ACT 29+*, and service | Jan 1 (priority app), Jan 15 (final) |
| Wilson College of Textiles — Centennial Scholarship | Covers significant tuition plus enrichment; 4 yrs | HS seniors admitted to Textiles; GPA, rigor, and leadership required | Yes — textiles/college-run app | Yes | National; strong GPA (weighted 4.0+); leadership, interest in industry | Dec 1 |
| Caldwell Fellows | Scholarship + leadership & enrichment funding | Current NC State first-years (apply spring of first year) | Yes — separate application | Yes — for program duration | FY students with ~3.5+ GPA & proven service/leadership; few selected | Feb 1 (FY app) |
| Poole College Dean’s Scholars | $10,000/year for 4 years | High-achieving business admits with leadership/service | Yes — by Poole College invitation/app | Yes | Top 5–10 business admits; GPA ~4.2+*; leadership | Feb 1 |
*GPA/test score ranges are estimates based on past cohorts; actual thresholds change yearly per pool strength.
Competitive Scholarships FAQ
How many Park Scholars are selected? About 35–40 per class; it’s among the most selective in the UNC System.
Is Goodnight only for STEM majors? Yes—applicants must be NC residents and choose a STEM or STEM education major.
Are these awards stackable? Full cost-of-attendance (like Park) replaces NC State merit. Others often stack with other aid unless fund rules say otherwise.
Where do I apply? Park, Goodnight, Centennial, and Caldwell each have their own app—Pack ASSIST is not used for these flagship awards.
https://park.ncsu.edu/apply/
https://goodnight.ncsu.edu/apply/
https://textiles.ncsu.edu/admissions/cost-scholarships/
https://caldwellfellows.ncsu.edu/apply/
https://poole.ncsu.edu/undergraduate/advising/scholarships/
https://financialaid.ncsu.edu/types-of-aid/scholarships/
🎖️ University Honors Program (NC State)
NC State runs a University Honors Program (separate from University Scholars). Admission is by self-application after applying to NC State, not by automatic invite. It’s selective but designed to expand opportunities for motivated students — smaller classes, research, and unique seminars. Applications typically open in the fall with a priority window around the admissions deadlines.
Weighted GPA: 4.3–4.6* • SAT 1350–1500* • ACT 30–33* • Strong AP/IB/AICE rigor • Documented leadership and service
*Estimates based on published student profiles and past cohorts; NC State does not publish firm cutoffs.
- Priority registration and smaller, discussion-based classes
- Dedicated Honors advising and peer mentor networks
- Undergraduate research support and thesis opportunities
- Honors housing in Living-Learning Villages with community events
- Global seminars, study abroad stipends, and interdisciplinary courses
Honors-Linked Scholarships
| Scholarship (Honors) | Award Amount | Eligibility & Notes | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honors Enrichment Grants | $500–$2,000 | Honors students pursuing study abroad, research, or service projects | Yes — internal Honors app | No (one-time per project) | Students with faculty-backed proposals and clear goals | Fall and Spring cycles |
| Village Honors Scholarships (LLC-linked) | $1,000–$3,000 | Active Honors Living-Learning community participants | No — considered with Honors housing | Yes (annual if engaged) | Students deeply involved in Honors Village culture | Matched at start of academic year |
| Honors Program Travel Awards | $500–$1,500 | Honors students accepted into global seminars or short study abroad | Yes — apply via program | No (trip-based) | Active Honors students ready for faculty-led travel | Programs set deadlines (spring/fall) |
Honors FAQ
Is admission automatic? No — you must apply separately to the Honors Program after your NC State application.
Does Honors add time to your degree? No — Honors integrates with your major and is designed to finish in four years.
What’s the difference between Honors and Scholars? Honors focuses on advanced classes, research, and enrichment; Scholars is about leadership/cultural programming.
Are there dedicated scholarships? Yes — mostly project- or village-based, ranging from $500–$3,000 for research, global learning, or high engagement.
https://honors.dasa.ncsu.edu/
https://scholars.dasa.ncsu.edu/
https://financialaid.ncsu.edu/types-of-aid/scholarships/
https://packassist.ncsu.edu/
https://studyabroad.ncsu.edu/funding/
⭐ College Specialty
North Carolina State University (NC State) is one of the South’s premier public research universities and a proud member of the Research Triangle alongside UNC–Chapel Hill and Duke. It’s widely known for hands-on STEM programs, strong industry partnerships, and a culture that blends research with real-world application. Families often recognize NC State for engineering, but the university’s strengths extend into agriculture, textiles, analytics, and design — programs built around solving practical problems and preparing students for immediate career impact.
College of Engineering — consistently ranked among the top public engineering schools in the country, with nationally recognized strength in mechanical, electrical, civil, and nuclear engineering. NC State’s engineering students benefit from strong co-op programs, corporate recruiting pipelines, and research partnerships throughout the Research Triangle.
- Textiles & Fashion (Wilson College of Textiles): One of the only standalone textile colleges in the U.S., nationally respected for textile engineering, fashion development, and supply chain innovation.
- Agriculture & Life Sciences: A land-grant powerhouse with nationally ranked programs in animal science, plant sciences, biological sciences, and agricultural business.
- Computer Science & Analytics: Strong employer pipelines in data science, cybersecurity, and software development, supported by proximity to major tech employers in Raleigh and the broader Triangle region.
- Design (College of Design): Well-regarded architecture, industrial design, and graphic design programs with a practical, portfolio-driven focus.
🔗 Official North Carolina State University Links
Use NC State’s official university resources below to verify admissions requirements, scholarship policies, costs, deadlines, and academic program details. Always rely on these pages for final award terms and application timelines.
-
Undergraduate Admissions:
https://admissions.ncsu.edu/ -
Application Deadlines:
https://admissions.ncsu.edu/apply/deadlines/ -
Scholarships & Institutional Financial Aid:
https://studentservices.ncsu.edu/finances/scholarships-and-financial-aid/ -
Tuition, Fees & Cost of Attendance:
https://studentservices.ncsu.edu/finances/tuition-and-fees/ -
Net Price Calculator:
https://studentservices.ncsu.edu/net-price-calculator/ -
Common Data Set:
Common Data Set