A new way to tour NC State
A typical NC State tour can feel impersonal, leaving you with more questions than answers. You’re just a face in the crowd following a scripted tour led by a guide the school assigns you.
SchoolScoops offers private North Carolina State University tours tailored to your interests. Choose your own NC State student tour guide and enjoy a personalized campus visit where you'll get candid answers to your questions.
SchoolScoops is the more personal way to tour North Carolina State University
Private and personalized NC State tours
On a traditional North Carolina State University campus tour you’re just a number in a big group. With SchoolScoops, you can book a private North Carolina State University tour led by a real NC State student, giving you a personalized campus visit and the chance to ask all the questions that are important to you.
Choose your own tour guide
Unlike a traditional North Carolina State University campus tour, SchoolScoops lets you choose your own tour guide. Whether you want to meet an engineering major, a student-athlete or a fellow transfer student, you'll get authentic insights and advice from someone who truly gets you.
No scripts, just scoops
Traditional North Carolina State University campus tours are essentially a sales pitch—the tour guide works for the school and their job is to show you the highlights. SchoolScoops guides don’t work for their school, so there’s no sales pitch—just honest, unfiltered advice about the NC State experience.
Find out if NC State is the school for you
Choosing where to go to college is a major decision and a huge investment. A private NC State tour helps you decide if North Carolina State University is the right fit for your academic goals, career ambitions and college experience.
Can't make it to campus?
Book a 1-on-1 video chat with a NC State student for personalized insights. Learn about academics, campus culture, and Raleigh life without leaving home.
Book a video chatReal feedback on student-led campus tours
Get to know North Carolina State University
North Carolina State University (NC State) is a world-class public research university in Raleigh, NC, recognized for its excellence in engineering, sciences, business, design, and agriculture. As part of the Research Triangle, NC State fosters innovation, discovery, and collaboration through partnerships with global industries. Students who join NC State tours or take a NC State campus tour experience a university where creativity meets practicality, preparing graduates to “Think and Do” across every field.
Overview
Founded in 1887, NC State is the largest university in North Carolina and a cornerstone of the state’s higher education system. Offering more than 100 undergraduate majors and 200 graduate programs across 11 colleges, it pairs rigorous academics with hands-on research and entrepreneurship. Those exploring the university through a NC State virtual tour or North Carolina State University virtual tour can see how classrooms, research labs, and industry partnerships come together to shape the next generation of problem-solvers.
Size
As of fall 2023, NC State enrolls around 36,000 students - 27,300 undergraduates and 8,700 graduate and professional students. Despite its size, NC State maintains a close-knit, supportive environment through living-learning communities, research mentorship, and 700+ student organizations. A guided NC State campus tour reveals the energy of student life, where world-class facilities and collaborative spaces make it easy to find community.
Acceptance rate
NC State’s acceptance rate is about 47%, making it a selective but accessible university for strong academic achievers. The middle 50% of admitted students typically score between 1250–1420 on the SAT or 27–32 on the ACT. Applicants who attend North Carolina State tours or take a virtual tour of NC State can get insider perspectives from student ambassadors.
Cost
For the 2024–2025 academic year, undergraduate tuition and fees are approximately $8,986 for in-state students and $33,034 for out-of-state students, with over half of all undergraduates receiving financial aid. During a NC State campus tour, guides often highlight scholarships, the affordability of living in Raleigh, and how co-op programs and research assistantships help students fund their education while gaining career experience.
Ranking
According to U.S. News & World Report (2024), NC State ranks among the top 30 public universities in the U.S. and stands out nationally for its programs in engineering, textiles, and business. A NC State University virtual tour or in-person visit shows how the university’s applied research and industry collaborations drive its strong national reputation for innovation and graduate success.
Academics
NC State’s 11 colleges cover disciplines from Engineering and Management to Design, Agriculture, and Life Sciences. The university maintains a 14:1 student-to-faculty ratio, allowing students to learn directly from professors who are leading experts in their fields. Visitors on NC State tours often see the renowned Hunt Library, cutting-edge labs, and project-based learning centers.
Traditions
Wolfpack pride runs deep at NC State. From the Red and White Week homecoming celebration to the Packapalooza festival and the Bell Tower lighting for special occasions, traditions unite students and alumni alike. Participating in these events during a NC State campus tour reveals the spirited community that defines life at the university.
Campus landmarks
NC State’s campus blends history and innovation, with must-see spots like the Memorial Bell Tower, Talley Student Union, Reynolds Coliseum, the Court of North Carolina, and the cutting-edge Centennial Campus. Whether you’re visiting in person or joining the North Carolina State University virtual tour, these landmarks showcase the heart of NC State campus.
Student body
More than 80% of NC State students are from North Carolina, while others come from across the U.S. and more than 100 countries worldwide. The result is a diverse, inclusive community that values leadership, teamwork, and curiosity. A private NC State campus tour through SchoolScoops offers the chance to meet current students and hear how they’re building meaningful connections.
Become a SchoolScoops guide
In college? Earn $40/hour hosting 1-on-1 campus tours and video chats with future students.
Become a guideYour North Carolina State University questions, answered
Where is NC State located?
NC State is located in Raleigh, North Carolina - the state’s capital and one of the fastest-growing tech hubs in the country. The university’s central location gives students access to internships, research opportunities, and entertainment just steps away from campus. A NC State campus tour lets you explore Raleigh’s “City of Oaks” charm alongside its thriving innovation district.
Is NC State a public or private university?
NC State is a public land-grant university and a member of the University of North Carolina System. Its mission is to expand access to high-quality education, research, and outreach that benefits North Carolina and beyond.
What is NC State known for?
The university is best known for excellence in engineering, computer science, business, textiles, agriculture, and design. Its research partnerships with companies like IBM, Cisco, and Red Hat make it a leader in innovation. Visitors who join North Carolina State tours can see how NC State blends academics with applied problem-solving across industries.
How hard is it to get into NC State?
With an acceptance rate around 47%, NC State is moderately selective and seeks students who combine strong academics with creativity and initiative. Attending a NC State virtual tour helps prospective applicants learn what makes a successful candidate and how to tailor their application to fit the university’s “Think and Do” philosophy.
How much is tuition at NC State?
For 2024–2025, tuition and fees total about $8,986 for in-state students and $33,034 for out-of-state students. Merit scholarships, financial aid, and paid co-op programs help make NC State one of the most affordable top-tier universities in the nation.
How many students attend NC State?
NC State has approximately 36,000 students, including 27,000 undergraduates and nearly 9,000 graduate students. A NC State campus visit shows how the school combines the opportunities of a large research institution with the warmth of a close-knit community.
When was NC State founded?
Founded in 1887 as a land-grant university focused on agriculture and mechanical arts, NC State has since grown into a comprehensive research powerhouse that maintains its original mission of serving the people of North Carolina through innovation and education.
Does NC State offer in-person and virtual tours?
Yes! You can schedule guided NC State campus tours, take a NC State University virtual tour, or explore from home through the virtual tour of NC State. All options feature current students who share stories about academics, housing, and campus life.
What are the top landmarks to see on a tour?
The Memorial Bell Tower, Talley Student Union, Hunt Library, and Centennial Campus are highlights of any NC State campus tour. Each reflects the university’s blend of history, creativity, and forward-thinking design.
Can I book a private campus tour?
Absolutely - with SchoolScoops, you can book a private NC State campus tour led by a student guide who tailors the experience to your interests, whether that’s engineering, business, or design.
Interested in other schools?
SchoolScoops also offers tours and video chats at many other schools
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