Federal
Federal Pell Grant
Up to $7,395 a year (2026–27)
Who qualifies: undergraduates with financial need, based on the FAFSA. It never has to be repaid.
How: file the FAFSA.
Official rules →Paying for college · Charlotte, NC
How students pay for the University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Sticker price $23,556 a year. After grants, the average student pays $15,142, and what you pay depends on your family's income: anywhere from $9,782 to $22,525.
- 80%admitted
- 24,453undergraduates
- 68%graduate
- 47%get a grant from the school
What it costs, by family income
Average yearly net price for first-time, full-time students who received federal aid, paying in-state tuition. Tap your bracket.
Out-of-state tuition is $23,523 a year versus $7,317 for North Carolina residents, so non-residents usually pay far more than these figures.
Where the money comes from
Share of first-year students receiving each type of aid, and the average amount.
47%grant from University of North Carolina at Charlotteavg $4,366
32%Federal Pell Grantavg $5,592
30%state grantavg $2,845
45%federal student loanavg $5,350
Scholarships from University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Awards the school itself offers, as published on its own website (checked 2026-10-28). Amounts and deadlines change: confirm on the linked page.
- Levine Scholars ProgramTuition, housing and meals, books and mandatory fees for four years, plus summer experience funding
About 20 incoming first-year students a year, nominated by a counselor or self-nominated.
- University-wide merit scholarships (NinerScholars)Varies
Admitted students who apply in the NinerScholars portal; Charlotte has no automatic merit scholarships.
- NinerScholars university, college and department scholarshipsVaries
Admitted students with a NinerNET account; the portal matches applicants to the scholarships they qualify for, with first-year-only awards reviewed first.
Grants and scholarships you can apply for
State grant · North Carolina
Next NC Scholarship
At least $5,000 a year at a UNC System university ($3,000 at community colleges)
Who qualifies: North Carolina residents from families with an adjusted gross income of $80,000 or less and a Student Aid Index of 7,500 or less, taking at least 6 credit hours.
How: Automatic once you file the FAFSA. Priority date: 1 June for UNC System universities.
Official rules →State grants follow your home state, not the school's: check your own state's programs if you are coming from elsewhere.
Living in Charlotte
| Studio | $1,690/mo |
|---|---|
| One-bedroom | $1,760/mo |
| Two-bedroom, shared | $960/mo each |
HUD FY2027 Fair Market Rents, campus ZIP 28223. Campus housing is often cheaper in the first year.
Working while you study
$7.25/hour minimum wage in North Carolina
15 hours a week over a 30-week academic year ≈ $3,262 before tax. That covers about 3 months of a shared room.
Minimum wage: North Carolina follows the federal minimum wage. Ask the financial aid office whether you qualify for Federal Work-Study.
After graduation
$19,500median federal debt≈ $222/month over 10 years
$63,486median earnings10 years after enrolling
68%graduate within 6 yearsfirst-time students
Close the gap without another loan
Since July 2026 Parent PLUS loans are capped, so more families are left with a gap after aid. Students use My Study Fund to collect monthly support from family, friends and mentors: 20 people giving $25 a month is $6,000 a year, and you receive every dollar.
Questions students ask about paying for University of North Carolina at Charlotte
What scholarships does University of North Carolina at Charlotte offer?
Levine Scholars Program (Tuition, housing and meals, books and mandatory fees for four years, plus summer experience funding); University-wide merit scholarships (NinerScholars) (Varies); NinerScholars university, college and department scholarships (Varies). Details and deadlines are on the school's financial aid pages.
How much does University of North Carolina at Charlotte really cost after financial aid?
The average student who received aid paid $15,142 a year after grants and scholarships. By family income it ranges from $9,782 to $22,525. The full cost of attendance before aid is $23,556.
Does University of North Carolina at Charlotte give scholarships and grants?
Yes. 47% of first-year students received a grant from University of North Carolina at Charlotte itself, averaging $4,366. 32% received a Federal Pell Grant (average $5,592).
How much is rent near University of North Carolina at Charlotte?
HUD's FY2027 Fair Market Rent for the campus ZIP code (28223) is $1,760 a month for a one-bedroom and $1,920 for a two-bedroom, about $960 each when shared.
Can I work part-time while studying at University of North Carolina at Charlotte?
Yes. The minimum wage in North Carolina is $7.25 an hour; 15 hours a week over a 30-week academic year earns about $3,262 before tax.
How much debt do University of North Carolina at Charlotte graduates have?
The median federal debt at graduation is $19,500, about $222 a month on a 10-year plan. Median earnings ten years after enrolling are $63,486.
Sources
U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (release 10152026) and IPEDS (SFA2223 student financial aid, first-time full-time students); HUD FY2027 Small Area Fair Market Rents; state and federal program pages linked above, checked 2026-10-28. My Study Fund is not affiliated with University of North Carolina at Charlotte. How these pages work.
More in North Carolina: UNC Chapel Hill · NC State University · All colleges in North Carolina →