NC State University and the University of Cincinnati are two prestigious universities that have been rivals in academics, athletics, and research for decades. Both institutions offer a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, and they are known for their strong faculty and research facilities.

In this article, we will take an in-depth look at NC State and Cincinnati, comparing their academic offerings, research capabilities, campus life, and athletic programs. We will also provide a table of key statistics for each university.
Academic Offerings
NC State and Cincinnati offer a wide range of academic programs, including undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees. NC State is particularly known for its engineering, computer science, and agriculture programs, while Cincinnati is known for its strong programs in medicine, business, and law.
According to U.S. News & World Report, NC State is ranked #25 among national universities, while Cincinnati is ranked #42. Both universities are also ranked in the top 100 for their graduate programs in engineering, business, and education.
Key Statistics for Academic Offerings:
University | Number of Undergraduate Programs | Number of Graduate Programs | Number of Professional Programs |
---|---|---|---|
NC State | 100 | 112 | 4 |
Cincinnati | 91 | 102 | 6 |
Research and Innovation
NC State and Cincinnati are both major research universities with a strong commitment to innovation. NC State is home to the world-renowned Center for Advanced Computing and Communications, while Cincinnati is home to the nationally recognized Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute.
According to the National Science Foundation, NC State received over $800 million in research funding in 2020, while Cincinnati received over $400 million. Both universities are also ranked in the top 100 for their research expenditures in engineering, medicine, and the social sciences.
Key Statistics for Research and Innovation:
University | Research Expenditures (2020) | Number of Faculty Members | Number of Doctoral Students |
---|---|---|---|
NC State | $804 million | 2,400 | 6,500 |
Cincinnati | $411 million | 1,800 | 4,700 |
Campus Life
NC State and Cincinnati offer a vibrant and diverse campus life experience. Both universities have a strong student government, a variety of clubs and organizations, and a thriving arts and culture scene.
NC State is located in Raleigh, North Carolina, which is a major city with a population of over 400,000. Cincinnati is located in Cincinnati, Ohio, which is a smaller city with a population of about 300,000.
Key Statistics for Campus Life:
University | Student Population | Number of Clubs and Organizations | Number of Arts and Culture Venues |
---|---|---|---|
NC State | 36,000 | 500+ | 12 |
Cincinnati | 24,000 | 400+ | 10 |
Athletic Programs
NC State and Cincinnati have a long and storied athletic rivalry, particularly in football and basketball. Both universities are members of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), and they compete in all ACC sports.
NC State’s athletic teams are known as the Wolfpack, while Cincinnati’s teams are known as the Bearcats. Both universities have a strong tradition of athletic success, and they have both won multiple national championships in various sports.
Key Statistics for Athletic Programs:
University | Number of Varsity Sports | Number of National Championships | Average Attendance at Football Games |
---|---|---|---|
NC State | 23 | 26 | 58,000 |
Cincinnati | 19 | 18 | 38,000 |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When choosing between NC State and Cincinnati, it is important to avoid making some common mistakes. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Don’t focus too much on rankings. While rankings can be helpful, they should not be the only factor you consider when choosing a university.
- Visit both campuses. The best way to get a feel for a university is to visit the campus in person. This will give you a chance to meet with faculty and students, and to see the campus facilities firsthand.
- Don’t be afraid to ask questions. If you have any questions about NC State or Cincinnati, don’t be afraid to ask. The admissions office will be happy to answer your questions and help you make the best decision for your future.
FAQs
1. What is the difference between NC State and Cincinnati?
NC State is a larger university with a more diverse student population and a wider range of academic offerings. Cincinnati is a smaller university with a stronger focus on medicine, business, and law.
2. Which university is better for engineering?
Both NC State and Cincinnati have strong engineering programs, but NC State is generally ranked higher.
3. Which university is better for business?
Cincinnati has a stronger business program than NC State.
4. Which university is better for medicine?
Cincinnati has a stronger medical program than NC State.
5. Which university is better for athletics?
Both NC State and Cincinnati have strong athletic programs, but NC State has a larger and more successful football program.
6. Which university is located in a better city?
Raleigh, North Carolina is a larger and more vibrant city than Cincinnati, Ohio.
7. Which university is more affordable?
NC State is slightly more affordable than Cincinnati.
8. Which university is a better fit for me?
The best way to determine which university is a better fit for you is to visit both campuses and talk to current students and faculty.