Iowa State University vs North Carolina State University at Raleigh

Ames, IA — Raleigh, NC

Metric
Iowa State University
Ames, IA
North Carolina State University at Raleigh
Raleigh, NC
Location Ames, IA Raleigh, NC
Type Public Public
Total Enrollment 25,367 27,371
Acceptance Rate 88.7% 41.7%
SAT Average 1,204 1,376
In-State Tuition $10,787 $8,799
Out-of-State Tuition $28,881 $32,847
Avg Net Price $18,589 $17,303
Median Debt at Graduation $22,869 $20,121
4-Year Graduation Rate 75.4% 84.7%
Retention Rate 87.6% 94.5%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $53,873 $57,623
Median Earnings (10 yr) $63,386 $68,758
Loan Repayment Rate 923200.0% 703000.0%

Values highlighted in green indicate the better metric. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.

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Iowa State University
Ames, IA
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North Carolina State University at Raleigh
Raleigh, NC
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do Iowa State University and North Carolina State University at Raleigh compare?
Iowa State University (Ames, IA) has an acceptance rate of 88.7%, in-state tuition of $10,787, and median 10-year earnings of $63,386. North Carolina State University at Raleigh (Raleigh, NC) has an acceptance rate of 41.7%, in-state tuition of $8,799, and median 10-year earnings of $68,758.
Which school has higher graduate earnings, Iowa State University or North Carolina State University at Raleigh?
North Carolina State University at Raleigh graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $68,758 vs $63,386. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, Iowa State University or North Carolina State University at Raleigh?
Based on average net price (after grants and scholarships), North Carolina State University at Raleigh is the more affordable option at $17,303 per year versus $18,589.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?
North Carolina State University at Raleigh has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 84.7% vs 75.4%.

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All data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. PlainCollege is not affiliated with any government agency.

Related

Source: U.S. Department of Education — College Scorecard College Scorecard institution outcomes (earnings, completion, debt) · 2025