University of North Carolina at Charlotte

79.6%Acceptance

$7,214Tuition

23,567Students

68%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$57,289Earnings

#10 in North CarolinaPublic4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalResearch UniversityNCAA Division IStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About University of North Carolina at Charlotte

UNC Charlotte has grown into one of the fastest-growing universities in North Carolina, with 23,567 students calling this large city campus home. The school built its reputation on strong engineering programs and continues to expand its research mission. NBA stars Kemba Walker and Brad Daugherty both got their start here, along with NASCAR driver Anthony Davis. The 79.64% acceptance rate makes it accessible to a wide range of students.

Students pay an average net price of $14,745 after aid, making it one of the more affordable options for a full university experience. Graduates earn a median of $57,289 ten years after leaving school, while carrying typical debt loads of $21,500. The monthly loan payment of $228 is manageable given the earning potential. In-state students get an especially good deal with tuition at just $7,214.

The student body reflects Charlotte's diversity, with 48.53% white students and significant Black (16.97%) and Hispanic (14.73%) populations. Most students are from North Carolina at 91.47%, creating a strong sense of state pride. The 49ers compete in Division I athletics with 14 varsity sports. With an 85.13% retention rate, students clearly find what they're looking for on this urban campus.

Academics & Faculty

UNC Charlotte operates as a public research university with particularly strong engineering programs that attract students across the Southeast. The school's 21:1 student-faculty ratio means larger lecture classes are common, especially in popular majors. With a 68.85% four-year graduation rate, students often take longer to complete degrees due to work commitments and changing majors in this diverse academic environment. The university has built a solid reputation in business, engineering, and health sciences programs. Many students choose Charlotte for its proximity to major employers in banking and technology. The 85.13% retention rate reflects students who appreciate the urban setting and growing research opportunities, though some transfer to smaller schools seeking more personal attention.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 21:1
Full-Time Faculty: 71.2%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 68.9%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 67.7%
Retention Rate: 85.1%
Median Earnings (10 years): $57,289
Carnegie Classification: Doctoral University (R2)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Master	$123,527
Business/Managerial Economics.	Master	$91,744
Engineering-Related Fields.	Master	$90,412
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Master	$84,653
Medical Illustration and Informatics.	Master	$79,081
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other.	Master	$78,343
Computer and Information Sciences, General.	Master	$77,715
Engineering Technologies/Technicians, Other.	Master	$71,575
Computer Engineering.	Bachelor	$70,829
Computer Science.	Master	$66,624

View all 203 programs →

Campus Life

UNC Charlotte sits in North Carolina's largest city, putting 23,567 students right in the middle of a major metropolitan area. Only 26% of students live on campus, with most commuting from around Charlotte or renting nearby apartments. The campus buzzes with energy as 91% of students are North Carolina residents who chose to stay close to home.

Charlotte's mild climate means you'll need a light jacket in winter but can expect plenty of warm, sunny days perfect for the large outdoor spaces scattered across campus. The 21:1 student-faculty ratio means larger lecture halls are common, especially for introductory courses. Weekends often revolve around 49ers basketball and football games, with 461 student-athletes competing across 14 Division I sports. Students frequently venture into Charlotte's uptown district for internships, jobs, and nightlife. The university's rapid growth shows in its modern facilities and expanding research opportunities. With 95.6% of graduates finding employment, many students stick around Charlotte after graduation to launch their careers in the city's growing finance and tech sectors.

Setting: City-Large
Housing Capacity: 6,225 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1946

Campus Safety (2023)

90 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential
Stalking	29	5
Dating Violence	10	5
Fondling	8	6
Rape	7	3
Motor Vehicle Theft	8	0
Burglary	3	1
Domestic Violence	1	1
Robbery	2	0
Aggravated Assault	1	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 28°–52°F
July Avg: 68°–91°F
Annual Precipitation: 47.9"
Annual Snowfall: 3.3"

Student Demographics

UNC Charlotte draws primarily from North Carolina, with 91% of students calling the state home. This strong local pull reflects the university's role as Charlotte's hometown research institution and its reputation for solid engineering and business programs. The student body is diverse, with nearly half being students of color, mirroring Charlotte's multicultural metropolitan area. About one-third receive Pell Grants, showing the school serves many first-generation college students from working families. The slight male majority aligns with UNC Charlotte's strength in engineering and technology fields that traditionally attract more men.

Men: 51.6%
Women: 48.4%
White: 48.5%
Black: 17.0%
Hispanic: 14.7%
Asian: 10.4%
In-State Students: 91.5%
Pell Grant Recipients: 33.8%

Location

UNC Charlotte sits in North Carolina's largest city, home to 874,000 people in the metro area. The campus operates within Charlotte's bustling urban environment, surrounded by major banking headquarters and Fortune 500 companies. Students have access to internships at Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and other corporate giants based downtown. The city offers professional sports teams, cultural venues, and a growing tech sector that attracts recent graduates. Charlotte's location puts students within driving distance of both the Blue Ridge Mountains and Atlantic coast beaches. With 91.47% of students coming from in-state, many are drawn to the urban opportunities while staying close to home. Students considering colleges in North Carolina may also compare UNC Charlotte with similar schools in the region.

Address: Charlotte, North Carolina 28223-0001

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $57,289
Median Earnings (5 years): $60,262
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $38,600
Loan Repayment Rate: 59.0%
Monthly Loan Payment: $228/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $21,500

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at University of North Carolina at Charlotte?

UNC Charlotte accepts 79.64% of applicants, making it fairly accessible for students. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1070-1290 on the SAT. This public research university has grown rapidly to become one of the largest in the state with 23,567 students.

How much does University of North Carolina at Charlotte cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $14,745 after aid, with in-state tuition at just $7,214. About 34% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating significant economic diversity. Graduates typically leave with $21,500 in debt and monthly loan payments of $228.

What is University of North Carolina at Charlotte known for academically?

UNC Charlotte has built a strong reputation for its engineering programs and research initiatives. The student-faculty ratio stands at 21:1 across the university's programs. The school maintains its identity as a public research institution serving the greater Charlotte metropolitan area.

What are the job prospects for University of North Carolina at Charlotte graduates?

Graduates achieve a 95.6% employment rate and earn a median salary of $57,289 ten years after graduation. The 67.70% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many students face balancing work and school in an urban setting. Charlotte's growing economy provides strong internship and career opportunities.

Where do students live at University of North Carolina at Charlotte?

Campus housing accommodates 6,225 students, though the total enrollment reaches 23,567. Room and board costs $13,864 per year for on-campus living. The majority of students are North Carolina residents at 91.47%, many commuting from the Charlotte area.

Does University of North Carolina at Charlotte have strong athletics?

The 49ers compete in NCAA Division I with 14 varsity sports and 461 total athletes. The athletic program receives $6,865,016 in scholarship funding as members of the American Conference. Notable alumni include NBA players Kemba Walker and Brad Daugherty, putting UNC Charlotte basketball on the national map.