University of North Carolina at Charlotte
University of North Carolina at Charlotte has an acceptance rate of 79.6%, annual tuition of $7,239, average net price of $15,435, and a national rank of #429 (Grade B+), with a 69.0% six-year graduation rate, about 24,453 undergraduates, and median earnings of $48,812 six years after enrollment. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
University of North Carolina at Charlotte is a public university in Charlotte, NC. Students most often pursue Computer Engineering and Management Information Systems and Services.
Inside the classroom, students benefit from a 21:1 student-faculty ratio, and 85.0% first-year retention. Faculty pair challenging syllabi with intentional mentoring so learners keep momentum even as expectations rise.
EDsmart calculates return on investment at -20.9%, roughly 106.2 points below typical outcomes. Expect the strongest outcomes for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is University of North Carolina at Charlotte Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
University of North Carolina at Charlotte graduates 69.0% of students within six years and keeps 85.0% of first-year students. Affordability earns a B compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use University of North Carolina at Charlotte's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $7,239 |
| Books and Supplies | $700 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $14,458 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $3,040 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $23,010 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 33.9% of University of North Carolina at Charlotte students receive Pell Grants — slightly below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $10,357 to $21,761 depending on family income. Use University of North Carolina at Charlotte's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $19,822/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $21,761/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $48,812
- 10-Year Median Earnings $48,812
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $16,500
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 59.0%
- Employment Rate 84.2%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for University of North Carolina at Charlotte graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
University of North Carolina at Charlotte vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how University of North Carolina at Charlotte's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes University of North Carolina at Charlotte's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While University of North Carolina at Charlotte graduates earn $48,812 median, the -20.9% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 570-660
- SAT Math 570-670
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 21-28
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 24,453
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 85.0%
- Graduation Rate 69.0%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 21:1
How to Get Into University of North Carolina at Charlotte
1. Meet Academic Requirements: University of North Carolina at Charlotte requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 79.6%, University of North Carolina at Charlotte is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 79.6% acceptance rate, University of North Carolina at Charlotte is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1140 and 1330 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among University of North Carolina at Charlotte undergraduates. Computer Science, Communication and Media Studies, and Health and Medical Administrative Services draw the most students.
- Computer Science 9.0%
- Communication and Media Studies 5.7%
- Health and Medical Administrative Services 5.6%
- Psychology, General 5.4%
- Finance and Financial Management Services 5.4%
- Biology, General 4.1%
See more majors
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 4.0%
- Criminal Justice and Corrections 3.9%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Computer Engineering $103,237
- 2. Management Information Systems and Services $101,637
- 3. Computer Science $93,475
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Computer Science $90,271
- 5. Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $89,970
- 6. Systems Engineering $89,128
- 7. Mechanical Engineering $85,296
- 8. Civil Engineering $79,801
- 9. Construction Engineering Technologies $79,769
- 10. Civil Engineering Technologies/Technicians $78,553
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Master's Degree) $146,834
- 2. Business/Managerial Economics (Master's Degree) $133,910
- 3. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $115,989
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Computer and Information Sciences, General (Master's Degree) $115,800
- 5. Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other (Master's Degree) $112,052
- 6. Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology (Master's Degree) $111,387
- 7. Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods (Master's Degree) $103,520
- 8. Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degree) $93,353
- 9. Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management (Master's Degree) $89,376
- 10. Civil Engineering (Master's Degree) $87,011
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Computer Engineering grads earn $103,237—31% more than Civil Engineering Technologies/Technicians ($78,553). Graduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing programs lead with $146,834 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Computer Science (Bachelor's Degree, 539 graduates)
- Communication and Media Studies (Bachelor's Degree, 344 graduates)
- Health and Medical Administrative Services (Bachelor's Degree, 333 graduates)
- Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 326 graduates)
- Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degree, 325 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (54 programs)â–¼
- Computer Science
- Communication and Media Studies
- Health and Medical Administrative Services
- Psychology, General
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Biology, General
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Marketing
- Mechanical Engineering
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Accounting and Related Services
- History
- English Language and Literature, General
- Civil Engineering
- Mathematics
- Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Computer Engineering
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Architecture
- Social Work
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Systems Engineering
- Business/Managerial Economics
- International/Global Studies
- International Business
- Anthropology
- Special Education and Teaching
- Chemistry
- Public Health
- Civil Engineering Technologies/Technicians
- Geography and Cartography
- Music
- Mathematics and Statistics, Other
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Economics
- East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Physics
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Dance
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Philosophy
- Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology
- Area Studies
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Mathematics and Computer Science
- Design and Applied Arts
- Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences
- Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians
Online Master's Degrees (47 programs)â–¼
- Computer Science
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
- Applied Mathematics
- Mechanical Engineering
- Accounting and Related Services
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Architectural Sciences and Technology
- Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language
- Public Health
- Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
- English Language and Literature, General
- Health and Medical Administrative Services
- Public Administration
- Engineering Technologies/Technicians, Other
- Economics
- Civil Engineering
- Biology, General
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- History
- Engineering, Other
- Communication and Media Studies
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Mathematics
- Physics
- City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Geography and Cartography
- Psychology, General
- Philosophy
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Gerontology
- Engineering, General
- Sociology
- Real Estate
- Chemistry
- Area Studies
- Anthropology
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Computer Engineering
Online Doctoral Degrees (21 programs)â–¼
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Geography and Cartography
- Biology, General
- Physics
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Sustainability Studies
- Public Policy Analysis
- Civil Engineering
- Applied Mathematics
- Special Education and Teaching
- Public Health
- Physical Sciences, Other
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
- Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (36 programs)â–¼
- English Language and Literature, General
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Special Education and Teaching
- Social Sciences, General
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Public Health
- Public Administration
- Psychology, General
- Philosophy
- Music
- Medical Illustration and Informatics
- Mechanical Engineering
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Gerontology
- Geography and Cartography
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
- Energy Systems Technologies/Technicians
- Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Education, Other
- Economics
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services, Other
- Computer Science
- Communication and Media Studies
- Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Biotechnology
- Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
- Biology, General
- Foreign Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, Other
Online First Professional Degrees (1 program)â–¼
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 24,453
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 51.4%
- Female Students 48.6%
- Caucasian 46.3%
- Asian 10.7%
- Hispanic 15.5%
- Black 18.0%
- Pell Grant Recipients 33.9%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects University of North Carolina at Charlotte's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of University of North Carolina at Charlotte's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does University of North Carolina at Charlotte support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at University of North Carolina at Charlotte, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: University of North Carolina at Charlotte has a diverse student body, with 46.3% identifying as White.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does University of North Carolina at Charlotte support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at University of North Carolina at Charlotte, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
University of North Carolina at Charlotte serves as an affordable university for students seeking quality education without elite university costs. Ranked #429 nationally with ROI data not available, the institution balances practical outcomes with budget-friendly pricing.
At $15,435 annually, students gain access to career-focused programs leading to $48,812 median earnings. The 69.0% six-year graduation rate reflects reasonable completion metrics for a university. While 85.0% retention suggests adequate student support.
University Value: University of North Carolina at Charlotte's Strengths
Ranked #429 with a B+ grade, University of North Carolina at Charlotte prioritizes accessibility and local career connections over national prestige.
Primary Strengths: Universitys like University of North Carolina at Charlotte excel at providing affordable education ($15,435 annually) with strong local employer relationships. Many programs emphasize practical skills and internships within the regional economy.
Best For: Students planning to work in the region after graduation benefit from established employer connections. Adult learners and part-time students appreciate flexible scheduling. First-generation students and budget-conscious families gain degrees without overwhelming debt.
Honest Assessment: University of North Carolina at Charlotte's 85.0% retention and 69.0% six-year graduation rate trail elite universities but align with typical university performance. Career outcomes ($48,812 median earnings) reflect regional job markets more than national opportunities.
Value Verdict: For students committed to regional careers, University of North Carolina at Charlotte and $15,435 cost deliver solid value. Those seeking national job mobility or prestigious credentials should compare against flagship state universities or targeted private scholarships.
Key Takeaways
- 69.0% six-year graduation rate sits 6.5 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 85.0% first-year retention is 8.2 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- -20.9% return on investment is 106.2 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $48,812 run about 12% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $15,435 is roughly $1,962 lower than the national median of $17,397.
Helpfulness for Students
- 21:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 85.0% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 84.2% employment rate within three years sits 16.0 points above national outcomes.
- Pell participation at 33.9% trails the national share by 5.2 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
University of North Carolina at Charlotte, a public university in Charlotte, NC, secures a B+ grade in our latest review. It stands at #429 among 6101 schools Category results include Completion (B+), Support (B-), Career Outcomes (B), and Affordability (B).
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
Student momentum is strong: 85.0% retention and 69.0% six-year graduation. The reported ROI is -20.9%, a figure families can weigh against cost and aid details above.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $15,435 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $23,010.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $7,575 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $16,500 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 33.9% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Six years in, alumni earn roughly $48,812 at the median. Compared with the national median, that's 12% higher.
The three-year employment rate is close to 84.2%.
The ROI comes in near -20.9%, which you can cross-check against your financial plan.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
79.6% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the University of North Carolina at Charlotte admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Nearby Schools
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is University of North Carolina at Charlotte's acceptance rate?
University of North Carolina at Charlotte's acceptance rate is 79.6%, based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard admissions data.
How much does University of North Carolina at Charlotte cost?
At University of North Carolina at Charlotte, listed tuition and fees are $7,239 per year, and the average net price after aid is $15,435. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is University of North Carolina at Charlotte's ranking?
University of North Carolina at Charlotte ranks #429 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of B+, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is University of North Carolina at Charlotte's graduation rate?
At University of North Carolina at Charlotte, the six-year graduation rate is 69.0%, and first-year retention is 85.0%.
What are University of North Carolina at Charlotte's job outcomes?
Graduates of University of North Carolina at Charlotte report median earnings of $48,812 six years after enrollment, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is University of North Carolina at Charlotte's student population?
University of North Carolina at Charlotte enrolls about 24,453 undergraduate students, per College Scorecard enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address Charlotte, NC 28223-0001
- Website www.charlotte.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
- Endowment$316.3M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate21.4%