Texas A & M University-College Station (TAMU) vs NC State

Envision yourself immersed in the vibrant college towns of College Station, Texas, and Raleigh, North Carolina, home to two exceptional universities: Texas A&M University-College Station and North Carolina State University at Raleigh. While both institutions share a commitment to academic excellence, they offer distinct experiences shaped by their unique strengths. Dive into our comprehensive comparison to discover the nuances that set these universities apart. Explore the contrasting acceptance rates, delve into the diverse range of popular majors, understand the differences in student body demographics, and compare the remarkable graduation rates. Our side-by-side analysis empowers you to make an informed decision, ensuring you find the perfect academic haven that aligns with your aspirations and goals.

	North Carolina State University at Raleigh	Texas A & M University-College Station
Overview
Location	Raleigh, North Carolina	College Station, Texas
Campus setting	City: Large	City: Midsize
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Public	Public
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	94.0%	93.0%
Common app member	Yes	No
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	47.5%	64.3%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $85 Graduate: $75	Undergraduate: $75 Graduate: $50
SAT range	1270 - 1440	1140 - 1380
ACT range	27 - 32	25 - 31
Students submitting SAT score	21.0%	72.0%
Students submitting ACT score	34.0%	28.0%
Total number of applicants	32,998	43,763
Total number of admissions given out	15,669	28,132
Admitted students who chose to enroll	5,046	12,323
Yield rate	32.2%	43.8%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Not required	Required
Recommendation letters	Not required	Not required
High school transcript	Not required	Required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	In state: $24,986 Out of state: $45,771	In state: $31,703 Out of state: $58,598
Average net price	$14,328	$22,253
Tuition	In state: $6,535 Out of state: $27,320	In state: $9,339 Out of state: $36,234
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $6,768 Meal plan: $4,833	$11,400
Available payment plans	Guaranteed tuition plan Tuition payment plan	Guaranteed tuition plan Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	62.0% Average amount $9,318	64.0% Average amount $10,877
Students receiving federal student loan	40.0% Average amount $5,022	27.0% Average amount $5,082
Students taking out private loans	6.0% Average amount $14,600	6.0% Average amount $17,615

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	26,505 Men 50.9% Women 49.1%	56,723 Men 52.9% Women 47.1%
Graduate students	10,326 Men 49.8% Women 50.2%	15,807 Men 52.3% Women 47.7%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Moderate
Out-of-state students	12.9%	4.9%
International students	9.5%	6.6%
Campus local/setting	City: Large	City: Midsize
Dormitory capacity	10,024	11,342
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	North Carolina Virginia New York New Jersey Maryland	Texas California Louisiana Virginia Colorado

Academics
Popular study areas	Engineering Business Biological and Biomedical Sciences Agriculture Computer and Information Science	Engineering Business Health Professions Multidisciplinary Studies Biological and Biomedical Sciences
Students to faculty ratio	15:1	19:1
Institutional accreditation	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Outcome
Graduation rate	84.4%	83.4%
Dropout rate	5.0%	3.0%
Transferred out	9.6%	12.8%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Computer Software and Media Applications (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $99,745 Year 2: $103,078 Year 3: $122,470 Computer Science (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $94,886 Year 2: $97,071 Year 3: $113,307 Mechanical Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $90,892 Year 2: $82,440 Year 3: $92,582 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $90,869 Year 2: $74,200 Year 3: $88,476 Veterinary Medicine (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $73,974 Year 2: N/A Year 3: $88,260 Civil Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $80,860 Year 2: $81,702 Year 3: $86,459 Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $73,857 Year 2: $70,710 Year 3: $83,417 Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $69,627 Year 2: $70,057 Year 3: $83,342 Chemical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $73,222 Year 2: $69,757 Year 3: $81,552 Industrial Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $66,081 Year 2: $70,253 Year 3: $80,463	Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $123,529 Year 2: $134,726 Year 3: $134,672 Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences (Graduate/Professional Certificates) Year 1: $199,818 Year 2: $144,240 Year 3: $132,724 Dentistry (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $115,892 Year 2: $105,083 Year 3: $132,550 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $93,294 Year 2: $115,761 Year 3: $126,377 Petroleum Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $84,377 Year 2: $92,124 Year 3: $105,826 Real Estate (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $75,282 Year 2: $82,685 Year 3: $97,319 Veterinary Medicine (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $87,907 Year 2: N/A Year 3: $96,092 Chemical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $76,110 Year 2: $80,669 Year 3: $95,309 Marine Transportation (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $69,754 Year 2: $86,129 Year 3: $94,608 Mechanical Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $81,783 Year 2: $83,177 Year 3: $92,911

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences in location and campus environment between Texas A&M and NC State?

Texas A&M University-College Station is located in a mid-sized city in central Texas, offering a traditional college town atmosphere with a strong sense of community and Aggie traditions. North Carolina State University is situated in Raleigh, the capital of North Carolina, providing a more urban environment with access to diverse cultural and professional opportunities. Consider whether you prefer a classic college town or a city setting.
How do Texas A&M and NC State compare in terms of academic focus and strengths?

Texas A&M is renowned for its engineering, agriculture, and veterinary medicine programs, with a strong emphasis on research and practical application. NC State also excels in engineering and agriculture, but it also has notable strengths in design, textiles, and natural resources. Think about which academic areas align best with your interests.
What is the difference in student body size and diversity between the two universities?

Texas A&M has a significantly larger student body than NC State, creating a more expansive and diverse campus community. While both universities strive for diversity, the larger size of Texas A&M may offer a wider range of perspectives and experiences. NC State, while smaller, still maintains a diverse student population, particularly given its location in a major metropolitan area.
How do the costs of attending Texas A&M and NC State differ, especially for out-of-state students?

Tuition and fees can vary significantly, especially for out-of-state students. Generally, Texas A&M may have a lower overall cost of attendance for in-state students compared to NC State for in-state students. However, out-of-state tuition at Texas A&M can be competitive. It's crucial to check the latest tuition rates and financial aid opportunities on each university's website to determine the most affordable option for your specific situation.
What are the athletic cultures like at Texas A&M and NC State?

Both Texas A&M and NC State have strong athletic programs and passionate fan bases. Texas A&M is known for its enthusiastic Aggie spirit and traditions, particularly surrounding football. NC State also has a dedicated following for its Wolfpack teams, especially in basketball and football. Consider which athletic environment appeals more to you.
What kind of research opportunities are available at each university?

Both Texas A&M and NC State are major research universities with extensive research opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students. Texas A&M has a strong focus on engineering, agriculture, and life sciences research, while NC State offers research opportunities across a broader range of disciplines, including engineering, design, and natural resources. Explore the research labs and faculty profiles on each university's website to find opportunities that match your interests.
How do the career services and internship opportunities compare between Texas A&M and NC State?

Both universities offer comprehensive career services, including career counseling, resume workshops, and job fairs. Texas A&M's location in Texas provides strong connections to the energy, aerospace, and agricultural industries. NC State's location in the Research Triangle Park area of North Carolina offers access to numerous technology, pharmaceutical, and research companies. Consider which location aligns better with your career aspirations.
What are the notable traditions and campus life aspects of each university?

Texas A&M is steeped in tradition, with unique customs like the Aggie Ring, Muster, and the Corps of Cadets. Campus life is centered around Aggie spirit and a strong sense of community. NC State also has its own traditions, such as the Krispy Kreme Challenge and Packapalooza, with a vibrant campus life influenced by its urban location and diverse student body. Think about which campus culture resonates more with you.
How do the graduate programs at Texas A&M and NC State compare?

Both universities offer a wide range of graduate programs. Texas A&M is particularly strong in engineering, agriculture, and veterinary medicine at the graduate level. NC State also excels in engineering and agriculture, but has strong graduate programs in design, textiles, and statistics. Research the specific graduate programs you are interested in at each university to compare faculty expertise, research opportunities, and program structure.
What is the surrounding area like in terms of cost of living and things to do outside of campus?

College Station, Texas, generally has a lower cost of living compared to Raleigh, North Carolina. Raleigh offers a wider range of cultural attractions, dining options, and entertainment venues due to its urban setting. Consider your preferences for cost of living and access to amenities when making your decision.

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