Choosing the right college can be a challenging task. To help you make an informed decision, we have compiled a detailed comparison of two notable institutions: North Carolina State University (NC State) and Kent State University (KSU). This comparison will cover various aspects, such as tuition costs, admissions, academics, diversity, campus life, and more.
NC State University Overview
North Carolina State University, located in Raleigh, North Carolina, is a prestigious public research university with a strong focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. Established in 1887, the university is known for its commitment to research and innovation. With an enrollment of over 35,000 students, NC State offers a wide range of academic programs and extracurricular activities.
NC State Costs & Tuition
The estimated tuition and fees for in-state undergraduate students at NC State are approximately $9,101 per year, while out-of-state students can expect to pay around $28,444 annually. The cost of living on campus, including room and board, is estimated to be about $11,673 per year. Financial aid is available to eligible students, with around 63% of freshmen receiving some form of assistance.
NC State Admissions
Admission to NC State is competitive, with an acceptance rate of around 45%. The middle 50% of admitted students have an SAT score ranging from 1250 to 1390, and an ACT score ranging between 27 and 32. The average high school GPA of admitted students is 4.43. In addition to test scores and GPA, the admissions committee also considers factors such as extracurricular activities, personal essays, and letters of recommendation.
NC State Degrees Offered
NC State offers over 300 undergraduate and graduate degree programs across 12 colleges. Some of the most popular majors include engineering, business, agriculture, and biological sciences. The university is well-known for its strong STEM programs, as well as its commitment to interdisciplinary studies and research opportunities for students.
NC State Academics
The university boasts a student-to-faculty ratio of 14:1, ensuring that students receive personalized attention and support from their professors. NC State also offers a wide range of academic resources, such as tutoring services, academic advising, and study abroad programs, to help students excel in their chosen fields of study.
NC State Diversity
NC State is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion on its campus. The university offers various programs and resources to support underrepresented students, including the Office for Institutional Equity and Diversity, the Multicultural Student Affairs office, and numerous student organizations focused on promoting diversity and multiculturalism.
NC State Students
The student body at NC State is diverse and engaged, with over 900 student organizations and clubs available for students to join. These clubs cover a wide range of interests, such as academic societies, cultural organizations, and recreational sports teams. There are also numerous events and activities organized throughout the year, including guest lectures, concerts, and social gatherings.
NC State Campus
The NC State campus covers over 2,100 acres in the heart of Raleigh, offering students access to modern facilities, such as state-of-the-art research labs, residence halls, and recreational facilities. The campus also features beautiful green spaces and a vibrant surrounding community, with easy access to downtown Raleigh and its numerous cultural and entertainment options.
NC State Alumni
NC State has a strong alumni network, with over 250,000 living alumni worldwide. Some notable alumni include James B. Hunt Jr. (former Governor of North Carolina), John Edwards (former U.S. Senator), and Zach Galifianakis (actor and comedian). The university’s alumni association offers various resources and networking opportunities for graduates to stay connected and support their alma mater.
NC State Rankings
NC State is consistently ranked among the top public universities in the United States. According to the U.S. News & World Report, NC State ranks 80th among National Universities and 32nd among Public Universities. The university’s engineering and agriculture programs are also highly regarded, ranking 24th and 10th in the nation, respectively.
NC State Outcomes
The university has a strong commitment to student success, with a six-year graduation rate of around 81%. According to NC State’s Office of Institutional Research and Planning, the average starting salary for recent graduates is $53,400. Many graduates go on to find employment in industries such as engineering, technology, and business.
KSU Overview
Kent State University, located in Kent, Ohio, is a large public research university with a diverse student population. Established in 1910, KSU offers a wide range of academic programs and a strong focus on research and innovation. With an enrollment of over 27,000 students, the university provides a variety of opportunities for personal and professional growth.
KSU Costs & Tuition
Tuition and fees for in-state undergraduate students at KSU are approximately $10,602 per year, while out-of-state students can expect to pay around $19,478 annually. The cost of living on campus, including room and board, is estimated to be about $12,290 per year. Financial aid is available for eligible students, with around 80% of freshmen receiving some form of assistance.
KSU Admissions
Admission to KSU is moderately competitive, with an acceptance rate of around 88%. The middle 50% of admitted students have an SAT score ranging from 990 to 1210, and an ACT score ranging between 19 and 25. The average high school GPA of admitted students is 3.39. In addition to test scores and GPA, the admissions committee considers factors such as extracurricular activities, personal essays, and letters of recommendation.
KSU Degrees Offered
KSU offers over 340 undergraduate and graduate programs across 10 colleges, covering a wide range of disciplines. Some of the most popular majors at the university include business, education, health sciences, and visual and performing arts.
KSU Academics
The student-to-faculty ratio at KSU is 20:1, providing students with ample opportunities for interaction and support from their professors. The university offers various resources to support academic success, such as tutoring services, academic advising, and study abroad programs.
KSU Diversity
Kent State University is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus environment. The university offers numerous programs and resources to support underrepresented students, including the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, the Student Multicultural Center, and various student organizations focused on promoting diversity and multiculturalism.
KSU Students
With over 400 student organizations and clubs available, the student body at KSU is engaged and active. These clubs cover a wide range of interests, such as academic societies, cultural organizations, and recreational sports teams. There are also numerous events and activities organized throughout the year, providing ample opportunities for students to connect with their peers and develop new interests.
KSU Campus
The KSU campus spans over 950 acres, featuring modern facilities, picturesque green spaces, and a vibrant surrounding community. The campus offers state-of-the-art research labs, residence halls, and recreational facilities, as well as easy access to the nearby city of Akron and its array of cultural and entertainment options.
KSU Alumni
KSU has a strong alumni network, with over 245,000 living alumni worldwide. Notable alumni include Steve Harvey (comedian and television personality), Drew Carey (actor and comedian), and Chrissie Hynde (musician and founding member of The Pretenders). The university’s alumni association offers various resources and networking opportunities for graduates to stay connected and support their alma mater.
KSU Rankings
According to the U.S. News & World Report, KSU ranks 227th among National Universities and 121st among Public Universities. The university’s fashion design program is highly regarded, ranking 4th in the nation. Its library and information science program also ranks 17th in the country.
KSU Outcomes
KSU has a six-year graduation rate of around 60%. According to the university’s Office of Institutional Research, the average starting salary for recent graduates is $39,100. Many graduates go on to find employment in industries such as business, education, and health care.
NC State vs KSU Cost Comparison
When comparing the costs of attending NC State and KSU, several factors come into play. In-state students at NC State can expect to pay approximately $9,101 in tuition and fees per year, while in-state students at KSU will pay around $10,602 annually. Out-of-state students face higher costs at both institutions, with tuition and fees at NC State being $28,444 per year and at KSU, $19,478 per year.
Cost of living on campus, including room and board, is comparable at both schools, with NC State costing around $11,673 per year and KSU costing about $12,290 per year. Financial aid availability is also similar, with approximately 63% of freshmen at NC State and 80% at KSU receiving some form of assistance.
NC State vs KSU Admissions Difficulty
Admissions difficulty at NC State is more competitive than at KSU. NC State has an acceptance rate of around 45%, while KSU has an acceptance rate of approximately 88%. Test scores and GPA requirements are also higher at NC State, with the middle 50% of admitted students having SAT scores between 1250 and 1390 and ACT scores between 27 and 32. At KSU, the middle 50% of admitted students have SAT scores between 990 and 1210 and ACT scores between 19 and 25.
Both universities consider factors such as extracurricular activities, personal essays, and letters of recommendation in their admissions process, although the higher requirements at NC State suggest a more competitive admissions process overall.
NC State vs KSU Academic Difficulty
NC State is generally considered to have a more challenging academic environment compared to KSU. This is reflected in the higher test score and GPA requirements for admission, as well as the university’s strong focus on STEM fields and research. The student-to-faculty ratio at NC State is also lower than at KSU (14:1 vs 20:1), suggesting more personalized attention and support from professors.
Both universities offer a wide range of academic resources and support services to help students succeed, including tutoring, academic advising, and study abroad programs. However, students seeking a more rigorous academic experience may find NC State to be a better fit.
NC State vs KSU Outcome Comparison
When comparing the outcomes of attending NC State and KSU, several factors should be considered. NC State has a higher six-year graduation rate (81%) compared to KSU (60%). The average starting salary for recent graduates is also higher at NC State ($53,400) than at KSU ($39,100).
Both universities have strong alumni networks and offer resources and networking opportunities for graduates. However, given the higher graduation rates and starting salaries, students attending NC State may have better overall outcomes in terms of career prospects and earning potential.
