In the tradition of NC State University, the College of Engineering maintains as its mission providing an education of highest quality for students, conducting research relevant to the needs of society, and actively sharing knowledge with the people of North Carolina through outreach programs. The College of Engineering at NC State comprises 12 departments offering 18 bachelor’s, 17 master’s (10 on-campus only; 1 distance ed only; 6 both on-campus and distance ed), and 13 doctoral degree programs.

In national comparisons among all engineering colleges, NC State’s College of Engineering ranks 8th in the number of BS degrees awarded, 9th in the total number of degrees (BS, MS, and PhD), 14th in BS degrees awarded to women, and 7th in BS degrees awarded to African Americans.

According to US News and World Report, 2007, the College of Engineering is ranked 17th "best undergraduate engineering degree program," among public colleges of engineering whose highest degree is a doctorate. In 2008, US News ranked the College 19th among public research colleges of engineering.

The College of Engineering ranks 17th in the nation in research expenditures and 14th in the nation in industry support, among all engineering colleges, according to the most recent data from the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE), 2006.