NC State Ring for Students

The NC State Class Ring: A Tradition of Pride and Connection

The NC State class ring is more than just a piece of jewelry; it’s a symbol of achievement, tradition, and lifelong connection to the Wolfpack family. Designed to capture the essence of the NC State experience, the ring tells a story of shared moments, deep-rooted pride, and the legacy that unites all who call NC State home.

This tradition dates back to 2005 when a dedicated committee of students, alumni, faculty, and staff created the NC State Ring Collection to serve as a timeless representation of what it means to be part of the Pack. Every element of the ring is intentional, honoring the university’s history and the experiences that define the NC State journey.

Ring orders are now available. Visit the Balfour Website to purchase your NC State Ring. The deadline to participate in the spring semester Ring Tradition Ceremonies is February 28, 2025.

Who can get a ring?

Rings are worn only by students and alumni who have completed 60 or more undergraduate credits (junior status) or are enrolled in a master’s or doctoral program. As an alumnus/alumna, you wear the ring with the university name facing outward, symbolizing the completion of your degree, your path to the future and your status as an alumnus/alumna of NC State. As a student, you wear it with the university name facing inward until you’re instructed to turn it at commencement.ent, you wear it with the university name facing inward until you’re instructed to turn it at commencement.

What does the ring symbolize?

NC State rings are designed to symbolize the university experience and to capture the Wolfpack spirit. The NC State Ring is a testament to your success as a student and your pride and loyalty as an alumnus. It is not a piece of jewelry destined to sit in a box. It’s meant to be worn with pride to show the world you are Red and White for Life. You have earned the lifelong right to wear this NC State emblem. It symbolizes the uniqueness of experiences shared only by those students who have heard the Memorial Belltower play the alma mater, raced across the Brickyard to class or raised their hands to make the sign of the “wolf” at a ballgame. No other ring will have these symbols.

Wearing your ring will easily be your most visible connection to NC State after graduation. It clearly signifies your connection to this great university, serves as a reminder of your time spent here, and tells others that you are a proud member of the Wolfpack. Above all is the fact that the ring signifies the foundation of knowledge and comprehensive education that you received from NC State and the impetus the university provided to you on your personal road to growth and achievement.

A 60-credit-hour requirement limits who can receive a ring, ensuring that those eligible to wear it are well down the road toward graduation, signifying success. The only path to ownership is through academic achievement.

Ring Tradition: Fellowship of the Rings and the Wolfpack Legacy Celebration

At NC State, the class ring is more than just a symbol; it’s a connection to the heart of the Wolfpack legacy. Two powerful traditions, the Fellowship of the Ring at the Belltower and the Wolfpack Legacy Ceremony, honor the meaning behind this emblem and the incredible journey it represents.

This growing tradition has been featured in “54 things to do before graduating from NC State.” Students’ rings will be placed in the Memorial Belltower at the Fellowship of the Ring Ceremony. The experience is special in many ways, providing students a sense of togetherness and giving them a sentimental tie to campus for the rest of their lives. The main symbol of NC State, the Memorial Belltower, will host the rings in its shrine room overnight in preparation for the ring presentation and reception at the Park Alumni Center the following day. It is said that once in the Belltower, the rings are visited by three benevolent spirits, the spirits of Wolfpack Past, Present and Future. These spirits implant values within each ring that are dear to every graduate of the university.

Presentation of the ring

After spending the night in the Belltower, rings are personally awarded at a ceremony attended by your family, friends and other students. Once all students have their rings, the group will put their rings on collectively.

Frequently asked questions

Who can get an NC State Ring? Only alumni, students with 60 or more completed credit hours (junior standing) can order and wear a ring. Enrolling in a master’s or doctoral program also qualifies you to wear the ring.

Can I get my ring without attending the ceremony? Yes, you can. However, we encourage all students receiving a ring to take part in the Fellowship of the Rings and the Wolfpack Legacy Ceremony.

Can I put my greek letters, campus organization, etc. on my ring? Our current design does not allow for adding symbols, logos or text to the outside of the ring. Although there are some customization options, those options are limited.

My ring has been lost or stolen. Can I replace it with an exact replica? Balfour may be able to use an old ring cast to recreate a ring. In some cases, however, a more recent design must be used. Contact Balfour at 1-877-225-3687 to inquire.

I’ve found an NC State ring. What should I do? If there is a name engraved inside the ring, the Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving team can locate the owner. Contact ncstatealumni@ncsu.edu or call 1- 800-627-2586.

My ring has been damaged. Can I have it fixed? How much does it cost? Should you need to repair your Balfour ring, send it insured to: 

Balfour
Attn: Repair Department
7211 Circle S. Road
Austin, Texas 78745

Include your name, or original order number (if available), instructions as to the type of repair you want done, a return address and a daytime phone number so Balfour can contact you to approve any charges. We recommend that you send the ring using a traceable method like USPS, UPS or FedEx. Contact Balfour at 1-877-225-3687 for more details on cost, shipping charges, and other information needed to complete your request.

Can I get my ring resized? Changes in weather and physical activity affect your finger size, so wear it for a while before considering any changes in ring size. If you still feel you require a different size, Balfour will be happy to resize your ring up to two sizes. Contact Balfour at 1-877-225-3687.

Since purchasing a ring, my graduation date has changed. Can I have the date changed on my ring? Should your year of graduation or your school change before you graduate, Balfour will remake your ring one time at no charge or replace it with a ring of similar design and comparable value. Contact Balfour at 1-877-225-3687

I’m a parent and want to give my son/daughter a ring as a gift. What should I do? Family members may purchase a ring for their NC State student. Purchases can be made online via Balfour’s website. You can also contact Balfour at 1-877-225-3687.