Is North Carolina State University at Raleigh Worth It?
Raleigh, NC · Large city · 27,371 students · Data: College Scorecard, June 2026 release
North Carolina State University at Raleigh is a R1 Research University located in large city in Raleigh, NC. It enrolls approximately 27,371 students. The acceptance rate is 42%, making it moderately selective. 85% of students finish within 6 years (150% of normal time) — a strong result. With $68,758 median earnings and $20,121 median debt, median debt equals about 4 months of gross pay (estimate) — a solid ROI. 75% of borrowers are making progress on their loans 3 years after leaving school (College Scorecard).
Liberal-leaning student body
2.46 liberal students for every 1 conservative student (FIRE survey). Free speech rank 18 of 261, grade C.
Full campus politics breakdown →Source: FIRE 2027 College Free Speech Rankings (student survey fielded 2026 by College Pulse)
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