Choosing the right college is a crucial decision that can impact your future career and personal growth. In this article, we will compare two renowned universities: North Carolina State University (NC State) and Pennsylvania State University (Penn State). Both schools have strong academic programs and vibrant campus experiences, but they also have unique characteristics and offerings. By examining various aspects of each institution, such as tuition, admissions, academics, and more, we hope to provide you with valuable information to help you make an informed choice.
NC State Overview
North Carolina State University, also known as NC State, is a public research university located in Raleigh, North Carolina. Established in 1887, it is part of the University of North Carolina system and is well-known for its strong programs in engineering, agriculture, and textiles. With over 36,000 students, NC State offers a diverse and collaborative learning environment and is committed to innovations in research and education.
NC State Costs & Tuition
Tuition at NC State varies based on residency, degree level, and program. For undergraduate in-state students, the estimated cost of attendance for the 2021-2022 academic year is $24,000, including tuition, fees, room, and board. For out-of-state undergraduate students, the estimated cost is $43,000. Financial aid is available through grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study opportunities.
NC State Admissions
Admission to NC State is competitive, with an acceptance rate of approximately 45%. The university evaluates applicants based on their academic achievements, extracurricular involvement, and personal qualities. The middle 50% of admitted students had a high school GPA between 3.8 and 4.5, and SAT scores ranging from 1300 to 1400.
NC State Degrees Offered
NC State offers over 200 undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs across its 12 colleges. The university is particularly well-regarded for its engineering, agriculture, and textile programs. Additionally, the school offers strong programs in the sciences, social sciences, and humanities.
NC State Academics
With a student-to-faculty ratio of 14:1, NC State provides students with a supportive and engaging learning environment. The university is committed to innovative research and collaboration, exemplified by its 70+ research centers and institutes. Students have access to a variety of academic resources, including extensive libraries, state-of-the-art laboratories, and cutting-edge technology.
NC State Diversity
NC State values diversity and inclusion, and its student body represents over 120 countries. The university offers numerous programs and resources to promote a diverse and inclusive campus, including the Office for Institutional Equity and Diversity, the Women’s Center, and the GLBT Center. Additionally, NC State has a wide variety of multicultural student organizations and events.
NC State Students
NC State students are known for their spirit of innovation and collaboration. With over 600 student organizations, there are ample opportunities for students to get involved in campus life, including clubs, fraternities, sororities, and intramural sports. The university also provides various services to support students, such as career counseling, academic advising, and health and wellness programs.
NC State Campus
NC State’s picturesque campus spans over 2,100 acres in Raleigh, North Carolina. The campus is divided into three main sections: North Campus, Central Campus, and South Campus. Home to a diverse array of academic and recreational facilities, the university also offers on-campus housing options, dining services, and state-of-the-art athletic facilities.
NC State Alumni
NC State boasts a strong network of over 250,000 alumni worldwide. These graduates have gone on to achieve success in various fields, with notable alumni including astronaut Christina Koch, SAS Institute founder James Goodnight, and NFL player Philip Rivers.
NC State Rankings
NC State is consistently ranked among the top public universities in the United States. In the 2021 U.S. News & World Report rankings, NC State was ranked #80 among all national universities and #31 among public universities.
NC State Outcomes
NC State graduates have a strong track record of success, with a 94% first-year retention rate and a six-year graduation rate of 81%. According to the university’s 2018-19 Post-Graduation Outcomes Survey, 72% of graduates were employed full-time, 18% were enrolled in graduate or professional school, and 5% were pursuing other opportunities such as internships or service programs.
Penn State Overview
Pennsylvania State University, commonly referred to as Penn State, is a public research university with its main campus located in University Park, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1855, Penn State has grown into a renowned institution known for its strong programs in business, engineering, and earth sciences, among others. With over 46,000 students, the university offers a diverse and vibrant campus experience.
Penn State Costs & Tuition
Tuition at Penn State varies based on campus, residency, and program. For the 2021-2022 academic year, the estimated cost of attendance for in-state undergraduate students at the University Park campus is $32,000, including tuition, fees, room, and board. For out-of-state undergraduate students, the estimated cost is $52,000. Financial aid options are available, including grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study opportunities.
Penn State Admissions
Admission to Penn State is moderately competitive, with an acceptance rate of around 56%. The university evaluates applicants based on their academic achievements, extracurricular involvement, and personal qualities. The middle 50% of admitted students had a high school GPA between 3.55 and 3.97, and SAT scores ranging from 1230 to 1390.
Penn State Degrees Offered
Penn State offers more than 275 undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs across its 18 colleges and schools. The university is especially renowned for its business, engineering, and earth sciences programs, as well as its strong offerings in the arts, humanities, and social sciences.
Penn State Academics
With a student-to-faculty ratio of 15:1, Penn State provides a supportive and engaging learning environment. The university is committed to research and innovation, as evidenced by its annual research expenditures exceeding $1 billion. Students have access to numerous academic resources, including extensive library collections, advanced research facilities, and cutting-edge technology.
Penn State Diversity
Penn State is a diverse and inclusive community, with students from all 50 states and over 130 countries. The university offers a variety of programs and resources to promote diversity and inclusion, such as the Paul Robeson Cultural Center, the Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity, and the Office of Educational Equity.
Penn State Students
Penn State students are known for their school spirit, academic excellence, and involvement in extracurricular activities. With over 1,000 student organizations, there are countless opportunities for students to engage in campus life, including clubs, fraternities, sororities, and intramural sports. The university also provides various support services, such as career counseling, academic advising, and health and wellness programs.
Penn State Campus
Penn State’s main campus, University Park, covers 8,556 acres in central Pennsylvania. The campus is home to a diverse array of academic and recreational facilities, as well as on-campus housing options, dining services, and state-of-the-art athletic facilities.
Penn State Alumni
Penn State has a vast alumni network of over 700,000 graduates worldwide. These alumni have achieved success in a variety of fields, including notable individuals such as journalist Lara Spencer, NFL player Saquon Barkley, and former U.S. Surgeon General Richard Carmona.
Penn State Rankings
Penn State is consistently ranked among the top public universities in the United States. In the 2021 U.S. News & World Report rankings, Penn State was ranked #63 among all national universities and #23 among public universities.
Penn State Outcomes
Penn State has a strong record of student success, with a 93% first-year retention rate and a six-year graduation rate of 85%. According to the university’s 2019-2020 Post-Graduation Outcomes Survey, 71% of graduates were employed full-time, 20% were enrolled in graduate or professional school, and 4% were pursuing other opportunities such as internships or service programs.
NC State vs Penn State Cost Comparison
One of the first factors many students consider when comparing colleges is the cost of attendance. While both NC State and Penn State offer competitive tuition rates for their respective states, there are some differences in cost based on residency and program.
For in-state undergraduate students, NC State has a slightly lower estimated cost of attendance at $24,000 compared to Penn State’s $32,000. For out-of-state undergraduate students, the difference is more significant, with NC State’s estimated cost at $43,000 and Penn State’s at $52,000.
It is important to remember that these figures are estimates and can vary based on factors such as housing options and financial aid packages. Students should thoroughly research financial aid options and consider their personal financial situations when comparing costs.
NC State vs Penn State Admissions Difficulty
Admissions at both NC State and Penn State are competitive, with acceptance rates of approximately 45% and 56%, respectively. While both schools evaluate applicants based on their academic achievements, extracurricular involvement, and personal qualities, NC State appears to have slightly more stringent admission standards based on the middle 50% of admitted students’ GPA and SAT scores.
That being said, it is important for prospective students to remember that the admissions process is holistic, and schools will consider various factors when evaluating applicants. Students should focus on presenting a well-rounded application that showcases their strengths and potential to succeed in their chosen field.
NC State vs Penn State Academic Difficulty
Both NC State and Penn State are renowned for their strong academic programs, with each institution emphasizing research and innovation. Both schools have similar student-to-faculty ratios, at 14:1 for NC State and 15:1 for Penn State, suggesting comparable levels of support and engagement in the classroom.
While it is difficult to directly compare the overall academic difficulty at each school, students should consider the specific programs and departments they are interested in when making a decision. Both universities have highly regarded programs in engineering, business, and the sciences, but each also has its unique strengths in areas such as agriculture and textiles at NC State or earth sciences at Penn State.
NC State vs Penn State Outcome Comparison
When considering post-graduation outcomes, both NC State and Penn State boast strong records of student success. Both schools have high first-year retention rates and six-year graduation rates, with Penn State slightly ahead at 85% compared to NC State’s 81%.
The employment and graduate school enrollment rates for graduates from both universities are also similar, with NC State reporting a 72% full-time employment rate and 18% graduate school enrollment rate, while Penn State reports a 71% employment rate and 20% graduate school enrollment rate.
Ultimately, the specific outcomes for individual students will depend on factors such as their chosen field of study, personal goals, and the resources and opportunities they take advantage of during their time at each university.
