UNC Charlotte's published cost of attendance totals $22,034 annually, consisting of $21,876 in out-of-state tuition, $13,864 for room and board, and $950 for books and supplies. In-state students pay significantly less with tuition of $7,214, creating substantial savings for North Carolina residents.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $23,010 |
| Tuition and Fees | $22,492 |
| Room and Board | $14,458 |
| Books and Supplies | $700 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$7,575 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $15,435 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $10,357 |
| $30–48k | $10,668 |
| $48–75k | $13,690 |
| $75–110k | $19,822 |
| $110k+ | $21,761 |
UNC Charlotte's published cost of attendance totals $22,034 annually, consisting of $21,876 in out-of-state tuition, $13,864 for room and board, and $950 for books and supplies. In-state students pay significantly less with tuition of $7,214, creating substantial savings for North Carolina residents. However, the average student pays just $14,745 after financial aid, representing savings of $7,289 from the sticker price.
This net price compares reasonably to the peer median of $15,590, with UNC Charlotte costing $845 more annually than similar institutions. The financial aid system effectively reduces costs for most families, particularly those in lower income brackets. Net prices range from $9,010 for families earning under $30,000 to $20,740 for those earning over $110,000, demonstrating progressive affordability based on family financial capacity.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
UNC Charlotte graduates carry median debt loads of $21,500, which compares favorably to the peer median of $20,000 by just $1,500. Debt levels vary significantly among borrowers, ranging from $7,000 at the 25th percentile to $26,700 at the 75th percentile, indicating most students borrow moderate amounts rather than taking maximum loan eligibility.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.38 means typical graduates owe approximately 38% of their first-year earnings in student loans, creating manageable repayment obligations. Parent PLUS borrowers carry median debt of $18,150 with monthly payments of $239, representing additional family borrowing beyond student-level debt.
The median debt level ranks at the 58th percentile nationally, indicating moderate borrowing levels relative to four-year institutions broadly. Combined with median earnings of $57,289, the debt burden creates sustainable post-graduation financial obligations for most borrowers.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
UNC Charlotte demonstrates solid return on educational investment through the combination of moderate debt levels and above-average earnings outcomes. Graduates earn $2,046 beyond expectations relative to students with similar demographic characteristics, ranking at the 63.9th percentile nationally for earnings uplift.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.38 creates manageable repayment obligations, with typical graduates owing roughly 38% of their annual earnings in student loans. Median earnings of $57,289 rank at the 64th percentile nationally, while debt levels of $21,500 fall just $1,500 above peer institutions, creating favorable investment mathematics.
The return index ranks at the 71.1st percentile, reflecting above-average performance in generating earnings outcomes relative to educational costs. Net prices ranging from $9,010 to $20,740 by family income create accessible pathways for students across economic backgrounds.
UNC Charlotte's financial aid system reduces average costs by $7,289 annually, bringing the published cost of attendance down to a $14,745 net price for typical families. The aid structure particularly benefits lower-income students, with families earning under $30,000 receiving aid that reduces their costs to $9,010, approximately 41% of the full cost of attendance.
The substantial 33.8% Pell-eligible enrollment indicates the institution successfully serves students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds who qualify for federal grant assistance. Middle-income families also receive meaningful aid, with those earning $48,000-$75,000 paying $14,014 annually, well below the $22,034 sticker price.
The progressive aid structure aligns with UNC Charlotte's public mission and Mobility Engine classification, where affordable access combines with strong post-graduation outcomes. Aid effectiveness supports the institution's ability to enroll diverse student populations while maintaining financial sustainability.
