🎓 North Carolina State University Scholarships (2026–2027)
← Back to the College & University Scholarships hub • See North Carolina state aid
Last Updated on March 1, 2026- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic merit and competitive scholarship options
- Hidden-gem awards parents often overlook
- Honors programs and ways to stack aid smartly
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~43%
- Middle 50% SAT: 1290–1430
- Middle 50% ACT: 27–31
- Average GPA (Weighted): 4.3
Source: NC State Undergraduate Admissions & Common Data Set (2024–25 cycle). Middle 50% = the range where half of enrolling students fall.
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
⚠️ Top 5 NC State Scholarship Traps Parents Miss
- No automatic GPA chart. Merit is competitive through Pack ASSIST — not guaranteed.
- Pack ASSIST isn’t “set and forget.” After submitting, log back in weekly. Some departmental awards only appear later and require short essays.
- Park & Goodnight have separate timelines. Early Action alone does not automatically cover these programs.
- Test-optional ≠ test-irrelevant. Strong SAT/ACT scores can still help in competitive scholarship review — and NC State superscores.
- Next NC requires FAFSA on time. If you miss the FAFSA window, you can miss at least $5,000 per year.
NC State at a Glance
🧭 NC State Scholarship Game Plan (Senior Year)
- Apply Early Action by Nov 1. This positions your student for merit and competitive scholarship consideration.
- Submit the FAFSA as early as possible. The Next NC Scholarship (for eligible NC families) triggers automatically with a completed FAFSA.
- Complete the Pack ASSIST profile by Feb 15. There is no automatic merit grid at NC State. If you skip this, you skip institutional scholarships.
- Track Park & Goodnight timelines separately. These flagship awards require additional materials beyond general admission.
Admissions & Scholarships FAQ
Is NC State test-optional? Yes. Students can apply with or without SAT/ACT scores, but high-achieving test scores may still help for competitive scholarships.
What scholarships require separate applications? The Park Scholarship, Goodnight Scholars, and most college-specific awards via Pack ASSIST require extra materials or essays.
When should families apply to maximize aid? Submit both the application and FAFSA by November 1 for early consideration of scholarships and aid.
https://admissions.ncsu.edu/
https://admissions.ncsu.edu/apply/freshman/
https://admissions.ncsu.edu/facts-and-figures/
https://park.ncsu.edu/
https://goodnight.ncsu.edu/
https://financialaid.dasa.ncsu.edu/scholarships/pack-assist/
https://honors.dasa.ncsu.edu/
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/colleges/north-carolina-state-university/admissions
https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?199193-North-Carolina-State-University-at-Raleigh=
💰 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 the university releases official 2026–2027 numbers.
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.
Below is the 2025–2026 estimated Cost of Attendance for full-time, first-year undergraduates living on campus in Raleigh. These figures reflect direct costs billed by the university (tuition, required fees, housing, and meals).
| Category (2025–26) | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees | $9,028 | $33,993 |
| Room & Board (on-campus average) | $14,741 | $14,741 |
| Estimated Total (Before Indirect Costs) | $23,769 | $48,734 |
Note: Additional estimated expenses (not billed by NC State) include: books & supplies (~$624), personal costs (~$1,602), transportation (~$1,692), and average loan fees (~$56). These can vary by student and are excluded here to show only direct university charges.
💡 Who NC State Is a Strong Money Fit For
- In-state families under $80,000 AGI (Next NC eligible).
- Strong STEM students targeting competitive programs like Engineering.
- First-generation NC residents applying for Goodnight Scholars.
- Students competitive for elite awards like Park Scholarships.
Average Federal Net Price: $14,860 – $16,931 — what first-time, full-time undergraduates actually paid on average after grants and scholarships (no loans), based on federal data.
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