Can I Afford It?

College is more than an investment of your time - probably four to five years of it - it's also a major financial commitment. But at NC State, we believe you'll get a significant return on your investment - a first-rate education from a comprehensive university. We're not the only ones who think so: In 2006, Princeton Review ranked NC State as the second-best value among the nation's public colleges and universities. The same year, U.S. News & World Report ranked NC State 5th in Best Overall University Value among public universities. In 2007, Kiplinger's Personal Finance placed NC State as the 12th best value among the nation's colleges and universities.

Paying for college might seem like a challenging task, but it doesn't have to be. As one of the nation's leading land-grant institutions, founded on the principal of helping others help themselves, educational parity is not just our commitment, it's our promise. That's why we have several payment programs available to you and your family to give you options. Whether you're an undergrad or graduate student, if you want to pursue higher education, we are here to help make it happen.

How much does it cost?

Here's an estimated look at your financial responsibilities as a full-time NC State undergraduate student.

Estimated annual expenses for full time undergraduate students living on or off campus:

2013-14
NC Residents
Out of State Residents
Tuition & Fees $8,206 $21,661
Books & Supplies $1,058 $1,058
Room rent $6,034 $6,034
Meals $3,400 $3,400
Personal Expenses $1,270 $1,270
Transportation $786 $786
Health Insurance $1,376 $1,376
Loan Fees $54 $54
TOTAL $22,184 $35,639

Estimated annual expenses for full-time undergraduate students living with parents or other relatives:

2013-14
NC Residents
Out of State Residents
Tuition & Fees $8,206 $21,661
Books & Supplies $1,058 $1,058
Living Allowance $3,400 $3,400
Personal Expenses $1,270 $1,270
Transportation $786 $786
Health Insurance $1,376 $1,376
Loan Fees $54 $54
TOTAL $16,150 $29,605

Here's how the numbers stack up for NC State graduate students. 

Estimated annual expenses for full time graduate students:

2013-14
NC Residents
Out of State Residents
Tuition & Fees $9,352 $21,690
Books & Supplies $837 $837
Living Allowance $12,348 $12,348
Personal Expenses/Travel $3,659 $3,659
Health Insurance $1,376 $1,376
Loan Fees $218 $218
TOTAL $27,790 $40,128

Notes:

Students enrolled in the MBA and MAC programs pay additional incremental tuition amounts. See the University Cashier's Office for details.