At $14,745/yr net price, University of North Carolina at Charlotte graduates earn $57,289/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $23,289/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $14,745 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $58,980 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $57,289/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$23,289/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 67.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $21,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $9,010/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $10,492/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $14,014/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $19,139/yr |
| $110,001+ | $20,740/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $123,527 | $41,000 |
| Business/Managerial Economics. | Master | $91,744 | |
| Engineering-Related Fields. | Master | $90,412 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $84,653 | $25,700 |
| Medical Illustration and Informatics. | Master | $79,081 | |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | Master | $78,343 | |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Master | $77,715 | $29,420 |
| Engineering Technologies/Technicians, Other. | Master | $71,575 | |
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $70,829 | $20,500 |
| Computer Science. | Master | $66,624 |
The Risk Factor
67.7% of students at University of North Carolina at Charlotte graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 32% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
UNC Charlotte delivers solid financial value with a low net price of $14,745 and median debt of just $21,500, making it one of the more affordable paths to a four-year degree in North Carolina. The school's location in Charlotte provides access to strong job markets in banking, healthcare, and technology.
Nursing stands out as the clear financial winner, with graduates earning $123,527 annually despite higher debt loads. Engineering-related fields and business economics also produce strong returns above $90,000. However, you'll face significant variation across programs, and the 67% graduation rate means one in three students never complete their degree.
The school's biggest financial risk lies in choosing the wrong major. While top programs deliver excellent returns, lower-earning majors combined with the graduation rate concerns could leave you with debt but no degree. Business administration graduates earn a respectable $84,653, but this represents a wide range of outcomes depending on your specific focus and career path.
UNC Charlotte works best financially if you're pursuing nursing, engineering, or business and can take advantage of the Charlotte job market after graduation. The low debt burden makes it particularly attractive for students who need to minimize borrowing. However, if you're undecided on your major or considering programs outside the top earners, you should carefully evaluate whether you're likely to complete your degree and secure employment that justifies the investment.
Only 34% of students receive financial aid, suggesting most families can handle the costs without significant assistance. This makes merit scholarships potentially more competitive but also means the sticker price is relatively manageable for middle-income families.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of North Carolina at Charlotte worth the cost?
UNC Charlotte offers decent value with a relatively low net price of $14,745 per year and moderate debt levels around $21,500. However, the 10-year median earnings of $57,289 are below average for college graduates, making the ROI dependent on your chosen program.
What are the best paying majors at University of North Carolina at Charlotte?
Nursing programs lead with earnings around $123,527, while business economics ($91,744) and engineering fields ($90,412) also provide strong returns. General business administration pays significantly less at $84,653, showing wide variation across programs.
How much debt do University of North Carolina at Charlotte graduates typically have?
UNC Charlotte graduates carry median debt of $21,500, which is manageable compared to national averages. The low in-state tuition helps keep borrowing reasonable for most students.
Does University of North Carolina at Charlotte have good job prospects after graduation?
Job prospects vary significantly by major at UNC Charlotte. While nursing and some business programs show strong earnings potential, the overall 10-year median salary of $57,289 suggests many graduates struggle to achieve high-paying positions in the competitive Charlotte job market.