North Carolina State University SAT & ACT scores.
North Carolina State University is one of the most prominent public research universities in the southeastern United States, particularly renowned for its engineering, textiles, and agricultural programs. In the latest admission cycle (for the Class of 2028), NC State received roughly 33,000 applications and offered admission to about 15,500 students—an acceptance rate near 47%. While nearly half of applicants are admitted, NC State's top programs in engineering and computer science are considerably more competitive.
About 21% of applicants submit an SAT score and 34% an ACT score.
NC State offers a non-binding Early Action option. Applying Early Action allows you to receive your decision sooner while still keeping your options open. There is no Early Decision plan. For competitive programs like engineering and CS, applying EA is strongly recommended as popular majors fill quickly.
Testing policy has evolved. NC State was test-optional in recent years, but for the 2025–26 admissions cycle (for fall 2026 entry), NC State will require SAT or ACT scores again (with hardship exceptions). In other words, applicants next year must submit test results. Strong test scores help distinguish applicants, particularly for NC State's highly ranked College of Engineering.
SAT scores
For NC State's average SAT scores, admitted students' middle-50% composite SAT range is roughly 1270–1440. This range reflects the solid academic foundation of NC State's incoming class, with engineering and CS programs skewing toward the upper end.
For section detail: the SAT Reading and Writing component (formerly called Evidence-Based Reading & Writing) for NC State's admitted students falls around 630��700 for the middle 50%. These scores reflect the reading, writing, and analytical skills NC State expects across its many programs.
On the Math portion, NC State's middle-50% range is about 640–740. This strong performance signals comfort with advanced math—skills NC State values particularly for its highly ranked engineering and STEM programs.
If you're wondering about an NC State average SAT, aim for the mid-1300s to low 1400s. NC State evaluates applications holistically and considers your intended major, so scores below 1270 don't automatically disqualify you. But for competitive programs, you'll want scores near the top of the range.
Policy note: NC State superscores the SAT. They consider your highest Reading and Writing and Math section scores from all test dates. In practice, this means a weak section can be improved with a retake, boosting how your NC State SAT scores are evaluated.
ACT scores
Looking at NC State's ACT range, the middle 50% of composite scores is about 27–32. This range reflects the variety of programs available, with engineering and CS expecting scores at the higher end. NC State ACT results center around the high 20s to low 30s.
By section, admitted students show strength in English. The middle 50% for ACT English is approximately 25–33, with students in competitive programs typically scoring at the higher end.
ACT Math scores at NC State are similarly solid: the middle 50% falls around 26–31. Students targeting engineering, computer science, or statistics programs typically need scores at the higher end of this range to be competitive.
NC State superscores the ACT just as it does the SAT, taking the highest section scores across multiple test dates. The optional writing section is not required, but applicants may submit it if it strengthens their profile. Using superscoring, you can focus on improving any weaker sections in additional attempts.
If you're estimating an NC State average ACT, plan around 31 for competitive programs. Given the major-specific nature of NC State admissions, your target score depends partly on your intended field. Pair strong test scores with rigorous coursework, standout essays, and meaningful extracurriculars to maximize your chances.
Admission numbers
Here's the reality: NC State's overall admit rate is about 47%, with roughly 33,000 applications for about 15,500 spots (around 5,200 students actually enroll). That's why understanding the NC State average SAT and NC State average ACT benchmarks matters—they align with the profile of those admitted. If your scores fall near or above NC State's 75th percentile (around a 1440 SAT or 32 ACT), you're in stronger territory for competitive programs.
That said, NC State considers your intended major heavily in the admissions process. Admissions officers weigh coursework rigor, grades, essays, and personal qualities alongside test scores. For highly competitive programs like engineering and computer science, the effective admit rate is lower and the expected score ranges are higher.
Strategy snapshot: Apply Early Action to receive your decision sooner and signal interest, especially for competitive programs. Take advantage of superscoring by retaking tests to shore up any weak section. Also balance test prep with maintaining strong senior-year classes and crafting compelling essays. Meet NC State's testing bar for your target program and then strengthen the rest of your profile.
Similar schools to compare
Weighing your options? These schools have comparable selectivity: