HEAD-TO-HEAD INSTITUTIONAL DOSSIER · 2026/2027 INDEX

North Carolina State University, Raleigh vs Iowa State University

North Carolina State University, Raleigh Logo
North Carolina State University, Raleigh

Raleigh, United States

QS World: #32047% Admit
Iowa State University Logo
Iowa State University

Ames, United States

QS World: #540
EXECUTIVE DECISION BRIEFINGCross-System Synthesis

01 · Global Academic Standing

Comprehensive comparison between North Carolina State University, Raleigh and Iowa State University. Both institutions offer world-class undergraduate and postgraduate opportunities.

02 · Departmental & Subject Strengths

North Carolina State University, Raleigh boasts strong global prestige and leading academic research. Iowa State University excels in international collaboration and student outcomes.

03 · Campus Environment & Cohort Culture

Choose North Carolina State University, Raleigh for classical academic standing, and Iowa State University for industry-focused modern career tracks.

SECTION 01 · QUANTITATIVE BENCHMARK LEDGER

Head-to-Head Indicator Showdown

Indicator Tally5 — 1 Advantage
Comparative DimensionNorth Carolina State University, RaleighIowa State University
QS World University Rank
Global employer & academic reputation index
#320 (2027)+220 places
#540 (2027)
THE World University Rank
Teaching, research environment & citations
#301 (2027)+100 places
#401 (2027)
ARWU Shanghai Rank
Nobel/Fields alumni & highly cited researchers
#201 (2026)+200 places
#401 (2026)
U.S. News Global Rank
Global research reputation & publications
#268 (2027)+132 places
#400 (2027)
Admissions Selectivity
Estimated acceptance rate (lower = more selective)
47%
Est. Open/Tier
Annual International Tuition
Estimated undergraduate/graduate base fee
$36,115
See Portal
Founding Heritage
Year of institutional establishment
1887
1858Lead
Student Cohort Scale
Total enrolled degree-seeking students
38,400
36,000
Campus Safety Index
Composite campus & surrounding municipal safety
88 / 100Lead
80 / 100
SECTION 02 · DECADE TRAJECTORY COMPARISON

10-Year Historical Ranking Trajectory

Decade-long global standing curve across major league tables (higher curve position = stronger rank).

SECTION 03 · DEPARTMENTAL BENCHMARKS

QS Subject Rankings Showdown

Click any discipline row to inspect side-by-side degree programs, tuition, and scholarships below.

North Carolina State: 2 leads·Iowa State University: 2 leads

North Carolina State · Specialist Subject Standings

Hospitality and Leisure Management#101
Materials Science#103
Art and Design#151

Iowa State University · Specialist Subject Standings

Anatomy and Physiology#101
Linguistics#101
Mechanical Engineering#151
Discipline Focus: Education and Training
Clear Filter ×

North Carolina State Programs

Refer to the official North Carolina State course catalog for current intake fees.

Iowa State University Programs

Refer to the official Iowa State University course catalog for current intake fees.

SECTION 04 · FINANCIAL & LIVING BENCHMARK

Cost of Living & Annual Budget Face-off

Estimated monthly student expenditure in Raleigh vs Ames alongside annual international tuition.

High Cost Index

North Carolina State (Raleigh)

$2,420/mo
Housing & Utilities$1,800/mo
Food & Groceries$500/mo
Local Transit & Personal$120/mo
Est. International Tuition$36,115/yr
Est. 1-Year Total Budget~$65,155/yr
High Cost Index

Iowa State University (Ames)

$2,420/mo
Housing & Utilities$1,800/mo
Food & Groceries$500/mo
Local Transit & Personal$120/mo
Est. International TuitionSee Official Portal
Est. 1-Year Total Budget~$29,040/yr
APPLICANT DECISION SUITE · FREE & PRO TOOLS

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