Federal
Federal Pell Grant
Up to $7,395 a year (2026–27)
Who qualifies: undergraduates with financial need, based on the FAFSA. It never has to be repaid.
How: file the FAFSA.
Official rules →Paying for college · Raleigh, NC
How students pay for NC State University
Sticker price $27,073 a year. After grants, the average student pays $16,486, and what you pay depends on your family's income: anywhere from $6,149 to $25,674.
- 42%admitted
- 27,371undergraduates
- 85%graduate
- 48%get a grant from the school
What it costs, by family income
Average yearly net price for first-time, full-time students who received federal aid, paying in-state tuition. Tap your bracket.
Out-of-state tuition is $33,780 a year versus $8,815 for North Carolina residents, so non-residents usually pay far more than these figures.
Where the money comes from
Share of first-year students receiving each type of aid, and the average amount.
48%grant from NC State Universityavg $8,224
18%Federal Pell Grantavg $5,443
19%state grantavg $4,683
40%federal student loanavg $5,105
Scholarships from NC State University
Awards the school itself offers, as published on its own website (checked 2026-10-28). Amounts and deadlines change: confirm on the linked page.
- PACK ASSIST university-wide scholarshipsVaries
Admitted undergraduates; no GPA or test cutoffs, selection uses the whole application.
- Park Scholarships
Incoming freshmen who also apply for early action admission.
- Goodnight Scholarships
Incoming freshmen (who apply for early action) and transfer students.
- Shelton Scholars Program
Incoming freshmen who also apply for early action admission.
- Caldwell Fellows
Transfer and current NC State students.
- NC State Need-Based Grant
Undergraduates with financial need shown on the FAFSA.
Priority FAFSA deadline: March 1 (first consideration for university need-based grants).
Grants and scholarships you can apply for
State grant · North Carolina
Next NC Scholarship
At least $5,000 a year at a UNC System university ($3,000 at community colleges)
Who qualifies: North Carolina residents from families with an adjusted gross income of $80,000 or less and a Student Aid Index of 7,500 or less, taking at least 6 credit hours.
How: Automatic once you file the FAFSA. Priority date: 1 June for UNC System universities.
Official rules →State grants follow your home state, not the school's: check your own state's programs if you are coming from elsewhere.
Living in Raleigh
| Studio | $1,530/mo |
|---|---|
| One-bedroom | $1,590/mo |
| Two-bedroom, shared | $865/mo each |
HUD FY2027 Fair Market Rents, campus ZIP 27695. Campus housing is often cheaper in the first year.
Working while you study
$7.25/hour minimum wage in North Carolina
15 hours a week over a 30-week academic year ≈ $3,262 before tax. That covers about 4 months of a shared room.
Minimum wage: North Carolina follows the federal minimum wage. Ask the financial aid office whether you qualify for Federal Work-Study.
After graduation
$19,500median federal debt≈ $222/month over 10 years
$77,810median earnings10 years after enrolling
85%graduate within 6 yearsfirst-time students
Close the gap without another loan
Since July 2026 Parent PLUS loans are capped, so more families are left with a gap after aid. Students use My Study Fund to collect monthly support from family, friends and mentors: 20 people giving $25 a month is $6,000 a year, and you receive every dollar.
Questions students ask about paying for NC State University
What scholarships does NC State University offer?
PACK ASSIST university-wide scholarships (Varies); Park Scholarships (Not published on the aid page); Goodnight Scholarships (Not published on the aid page); Shelton Scholars Program (Not published on the aid page); Caldwell Fellows (Not published on the aid page). Details and deadlines are on the school's financial aid pages.
How much does NC State University really cost after financial aid?
The average student who received aid paid $16,486 a year after grants and scholarships. By family income it ranges from $6,149 to $25,674. The full cost of attendance before aid is $27,073.
Does NC State University give scholarships and grants?
Yes. 48% of first-year students received a grant from NC State University itself, averaging $8,224. 18% received a Federal Pell Grant (average $5,443).
How much is rent near NC State University?
HUD's FY2027 Fair Market Rent for the campus ZIP code (27695) is $1,590 a month for a one-bedroom and $1,730 for a two-bedroom, about $865 each when shared.
Can I work part-time while studying at NC State University?
Yes. The minimum wage in North Carolina is $7.25 an hour; 15 hours a week over a 30-week academic year earns about $3,262 before tax.
How much debt do NC State University graduates have?
The median federal debt at graduation is $19,500, about $222 a month on a 10-year plan. Median earnings ten years after enrolling are $77,810.
Sources
U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (release 10152026) and IPEDS (SFA2223 student financial aid, first-time full-time students); HUD FY2027 Small Area Fair Market Rents; state and federal program pages linked above, checked 2026-10-28. My Study Fund is not affiliated with North Carolina State University at Raleigh. How these pages work.
More in North Carolina: UNC Chapel Hill · All colleges in North Carolina →