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, living on campus.
| 2009-10 Expense | Per Semester | Per Year |
| In-State Tuition and Fees | $2,764 | $5,527 |
| Out-of-State Tuition and Fees | $9,006 | $18,012 |
| Books and Supplies2 | $475 | $950 |
| Room Rent1 | $2,399 | $4,798 |
| Meals1 | $1,584 | $3,168 |
| Other Personal Expenses2 | $725 | $1,450 |
| Travel Expenses2 | $437 | $874 |
| Total In-State Expenses | $8,384 | $16,767 |
| Total Out-of-State Expenses | $14,889 | $29,778 |
Here's how the numbers stack up for NC State graduate students with a full-time course load.3
| 2009-10 Expense | Per Semester | Per Year |
| In-State Tuition and Fees | $2,997 | $ 5,993 |
| Out-of-State Tuition and Fees | $9,021 | $18,041 |
| Books and Supplies | $412 | $824 |
| Living Allowance | $5,827 | $11,654 |
| Personal/Travel Expenses | $2,178 | $4,356 |
| Total In-State Expenses | $11,414 | $22,817 |
| Total Out-of-State Expenses | $17,438 | $34,875 |
Notes:
1The cost for room and board is based on a standard, double room in main-campus university housing.
2Books and supplies, other personal expenses, and transportation are estimates.
3Students enrolled in the MBA and MAC programs pay additional incremental tuition amounts.