Hey everyone, I’ve been crunching numbers trying to make sense of college costs. NC State is high on my list, but I'm still a bit unclear about the overall price. What's the total package, including tuition, room and board, fees, etc.? And what have guys found as the best way to nab any financial aid or scholarships?
For the 2024-2025 academic year, undergraduate tuition and fees at North Carolina State University (NC State) amount to approximately $8,986 for North Carolina residents and about $33,034 if you're out-of-state. Room and board costs typically add another $14,332 to your total.
As for books, personal expenses, and other miscellaneous costs, you can expect to spend roughly $4,064 based on the estimates provided by the school's financial aid office. So, adding everything together, the estimated total cost (often referred to as the "price tag") of attending NC State comes to about $27,382 for in-state students and $51,430 for out-of-state students.
In regards to financial aid, NC State gives out both need-based grants and merit-based scholarships. Start by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for federal grants, loans, and work-study opportunities. Don't forget, the FAFSA now uses a Student Aid Index (SAI) to determine your financial need.
In addition, apply for scholarships and grants offered by NC State. Some of these awards are automatically determined by your application materials, while others will require separate applications.
You could also seek out external scholarships that are not connected to NC State. Browse databases, check with local organizations, or connect with your high school guidance counselor for more opportunities.
Beyond this, consider work-study programs that let you work part-time while attending school, which can be a great way to offset some costs. Remember, every bit of aid you receive will reduce the amount of student debt you have to take on!
Lastly, just one piece of advice—always review your financial aid awards carefully. Make sure you understand what each offer means and consider how it will impact your future finances. Good luck with your planning!
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