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NC State 101

Welcome to one of the world's leading public research universities.

NC State University is based in Raleigh, North Carolina, about halfway down the East Coast of the United States. Since 1887, we’ve strived to offer world-class teaching and research. Today, we’re ranked in the top 1% of universities on the planet.

NC State is a land-grant institution, which means we have a duty to open the doors of education for everyone. We’re a Research 1 university, recognized worldwide for our big ideas and bigger impact. And we’re a public university — one that believes in community, equity, sharing what we learn and serving the greater good.

Top 1% of Universities Worldwide

NC State is among the best globally, says the Center for World University Rankings.

#2 Public College in North Carolina

According to Money magazine, we’re one of the smartest investments around.

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Start Your Journey

At NC State, you get all the opportunities and resources you’d expect from the largest university in North Carolina — without sacrificing the attention and care of a smaller school. And we’re consistently ranked as one of the best-value colleges in the country.

When you start here, you can’t be stopped.

Student at graduation

Education for Everyone

NC State excels in science, technology, engineering and math. We’re also at the forefront of teaching and research in agriculture, business, design, education, humanities and social sciences, natural resources, textiles, and veterinary medicine.

This is a comprehensive research university, consisting of 12 colleges and 68 departments, and we’re open to lifelong learners from all around the world.

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Bright Ideas, Brought to Life

NC State is a vibrant hub for discovery, innovation and partnership. We help talented people join forces to tackle the challenges facing our world. It’s what we were built to do.

Our award-winning Centennial Campus is one of the premier public-private research parks in North America. And NC State is one of just a handful of universities ranked in the top 15 for both undergraduate and graduate entrepreneurship by the Princeton Review and Entrepreneur magazine — making us the No. 1 entrepreneurship program in the Southeast in 2022.

190+ Startups and Spinoffs

NC State research creates new companies, products, services and jobs.

One Wolfpack

Above all, NC State is a place that cherishes people and their potential.

As a public university, we’re committed to the pursuit and application of knowledge for everyone’s benefit. Together, we work to improve our communities — big and small, global and local — through teaching, research and outreach.

Hunt Library reading room