Facts and Stats
A research powerhouse grounded in our land-grant mission, NC State’s College of Education leads the way in preparing extraordinary educators, conducting innovative research and engaging communities where they are to make a transformative impact on North Carolina and beyond, endeavoring every day to ensure all learners have the opportunity to reach their fullest potential.
Impact on North Carolina
- #1 producer of STEM educators in N.C.
- #1 producer of community college leaders in N.C.
- #1 producer of education doctorates in N.C.
- #1 producer of master’s-level literacy specialists
- Home of the largest Teaching Fellows cohort in N.C.
- Most effective beginning teachers in N.C. and strongest reputation of alumni as rated by employers
- Only STEM-focused elementary education program in N.C.
- First principal preparation program in N.C. to earn exemplary designation from the University Council for Educational Administration
- 100 of 100 counties in N.C. where our alumni work
228
faculty and professional staff
1,700+
graduate and undergraduate students
18,400+
living alumni
Research Portfolio*
- #1 in active research among colleges of education in N.C.
- $21 million in research expenditures
- 210 active funded research projects
- $128 million funded in active research projects
- 38 active NSF grants
*Data through January 2026
$128M
in active research funding
#1
in active research funding in N.C. among colleges of education
210
active funded research projects
2026 U.S. News & World Report Rankings
- #1 in North Carolina in Best Graduate Schools: Education
- #7 among public colleges in Best Graduate Schools: Education
- #26 in the nation in Best Graduate Schools: Education
- #1 in North Carolina in Best Global Universities: Education and Educational Research Subjects Rankings
- #22 in the U.S. in Best Global Universities: Education and Educational Research Subjects Rankings
- #64 in the world in Best Global Universities: Education and Educational Research Subjects Rankings
- #1 in North Carolina in Best Online Master’s in Education Programs
- #18 in the nation in Best Online Master’s in Education Programs
- #1 in North Carolina for Best Online Education Programs for Veterans
- #10 in the nation for Best Online Education Programs for Veterans
- #6 in Educational Administration and Supervision in Master’s Online specialty category in the nation
- #14 in Curriculum and Instruction in Master’s Online specialty category in the nation
- #22 in Higher Education Administration specialty category in the nation
#1
in N.C. in U.S. News‘ 2026 Best Education Schools
#1
in N.C. in U.S. News‘ 2026 Best Online in Master’s in Education Programs
#1
in N.C. in U.S. News‘ 2026 Best Global Universities: Education and Educational Research

