Best
Value Colleges in Charlotte in 2027

Business Administration

Studying business administration in Charlotte, NC, provides access to a major financial and corporate hub. Programs commonly cover accounting, marketing, economics, management, business law, finance, and operations. Students may gain practical experience through internships with regional employers. Popular local options include the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Queens University of Charlotte, and Johnson C. Smith University. Graduates often pursue roles as financial analysts, marketing coordinators, human resources specialists, management trainees, or business operations managers.

Psychology

Studying psychology in Charlotte, NC is possible at UNC Charlotte, Queens University of Charlotte, and Johnson C. Smith University. Typical courses include developmental, social, cognitive, abnormal psychology, research methods, statistics, and counseling foundations. Students explore behavior and mental processes through coursework, research, and fieldwork. Graduates may work as case managers, behavioral health technicians, human resources specialists, community support workers, or research assistants. Becoming a licensed psychologist or counselor usually requires graduate education and licensure.

Computer Science

Studying computer science in Charlotte, NC offers access to growing technology employers and hands-on learning. Courses typically include programming, data structures, algorithms, databases, operating systems, cybersecurity, and software engineering. Graduates commonly pursue roles as software developers, systems analysts, cybersecurity analysts, data analysts, or web developers. Popular local choices include the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Queens University of Charlotte, and Johnson C. Smith University, each offering pathways to computer science study and career preparation.

Counseling

Studying a counseling program in Charlotte, NC, can prepare you to support individuals, families, and communities. Courses commonly cover counseling theories, ethics, human development, assessment, multicultural practice, group counseling, and supervised clinical work. Popular local options include UNC Charlotte and Queens University of Charlotte, which offer graduate counseling pathways. Graduates may pursue roles as mental health counselors, school counselors, substance use counselors, career counselors, or case managers, subject to degree, licensure, experience, and employer requirements.

Nursing

Studying a nursing program in Charlotte, NC, offers preparation for patient care in hospitals, clinics, and community settings. Typical coursework includes anatomy and physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, nursing fundamentals, medical-surgical nursing, mental health, and community health. Students build clinical skills through supervised practice. Popular options include UNC Charlotte, Queens University of Charlotte, Carolinas College of Health Sciences, and Central Piedmont Community College. Graduates commonly work as registered nurses, clinic nurses, public health nurses, or care coordinators.

Best Colleges in Charlotte, NC Ranking Summary & Conclusions

• The median total cost of studying is $19,270, compared with $42,349.20 at schools in the top 10% - a difference of $23,079.20.
• Financial aid reaches an average of 100% of students across the colleges, compared with 71.17% at top-10% schools.
• The average acceptance rate is 71.17%. Colleges receive an average of 6,620.83 applicants, compared with 15,353.5 at top-10% schools; the median applicant counts are 1,396 men and 2,950 women.
• Average test scores are 1,128 on the SAT and 24 on the ACT.
• The average number of enrolled students is 5,300.57. The reported averages are 456.5 enrolled men and 515 enrolled women.
• The average graduation rate is 62.6%, compared with 87.6% at top-10% schools. Median graduation rates are 49.5% for men and 62.0% for women.
• Three institutions offer associate's degrees, seven offer bachelor's degrees, four offer master's degrees, and one offers a doctor's degree.
• Seven schools are coeducational, while zero are schools for men and zero are schools for women.
• When choosing a college, compare total cost and financial aid to understand likely affordability, and consider acceptance rates and applicant numbers when assessing admissions. Review graduation rates, including the reported differences by gender and between the overall group and top-10% schools, alongside test scores, enrollment, and available degree levels to find a school that fits your goals.

How much does studying at a college in Charlotte, NC cost?

Based on the available figures, the average total cost of studying in Charlotte, NC, is $24,797.43. Treat this as a reported average, not a guaranteed price for an entire degree: your total depends on program length, institution, housing, and financial aid. At UNC Charlotte or Queens University of Charlotte, compare each program's current cost of attendance before enrolling, since the citywide figure is not a campus-specific quote.

The listed averages give you a useful planning starting point:

• Tuition and fees average $23,657.43.
• Room and board average $16,061.33.
• Books and supplies average $1,000.

These figures do not reconcile as components of the reported total, so avoid adding them together as though they form one verified bill. Ask financial-aid offices about grants, scholarships, commuting, and payment plans; those options can make Charlotte study feel more manageable. Building a budget early helps you choose a school confidently and focus on earning your degree.

How long does it take to finish college in Charlotte, NC?

In Charlotte, NC, a bachelor's degree typically takes four years of study, while an associate degree usually takes two. At UNC Charlotte or Queens University of Charlotte, your timeline depends on your major, course availability, and enrollment pace. Labs, clinical placements, and internships can add scheduling constraints. The average graduation rate is 62.6%; among the top 10% of schools, it is 87.6%. Average rates are 48.25% for men and 65.6% for women. These figures describe outcomes across schools, not an individual student's likelihood.

To graduate sooner, Charlotte students can ask an adviser whether these options fit their degree plan:

• Transfer approved credits from Central Piedmont Community College or earlier coursework, confirming acceptance before enrolling.
• Apply AP, IB, or placement credits toward introductory requirements when the university permits.
• Take summer classes or a heavier course load to complete requirements.
• Check for accelerated pathways and register early for required classes that fill quickly.

Salary

Graduates of colleges and universities in Charlotte, NC, have a median alumni salary of $52,783. For graduates of schools ranked in the top 10%, the median rises to $83,117 - a promising earning potential for students building their careers in the Charlotte area.

Charlotte students can explore institutions such as UNC Charlotte, Queens University of Charlotte, and Johnson C. Smith University. What you earn after graduation will depend on factors such as your field of study, experience, and the kinds of roles available locally.

• Median alumni salary: $52,783
• Median alumni salary at top 10% of schools: $83,117

People also ask

How many universities are there in Charlotte?

Using "university" to mean a degree-granting institution with a campus in Charlotte, the city has three: UNC Charlotte, Queens University of Charlotte, and Johnson C. Smith University. The count can vary if you include colleges, specialized schools, or institutions with satellite locations, so it helps to check which type of campus fits your plans.

What is the largest university in Charlotte?

UNC Charlotte is the largest university in the city by student enrollment. Its broad range of undergraduate and graduate programs, research opportunities, and lively campus community can make it an appealing option for students who want the resources and energy of a large public university while studying in the Charlotte area.

How many universities are there in Charlotte?

For a straightforward comparison, Charlotte has three universities based in the city: UNC Charlotte, Queens University of Charlotte, and Johnson C. Smith University. They offer distinct campus experiences, from a large public research university to smaller private institutions. If you're comparing options, consider program offerings, campus setting, and admissions requirements as well as the total count.

Top 5 Colleges in the Best Value Colleges Ranking in Charlotte, NC Ranking in 2026-2027

The University of North Carolina at Charlotte is a large public university offering a broad range of undergraduate and graduate programs. With 32,207 enrolled students, it provides extensive campus resources and opportunities to connect with Charlotte's employers and cultural scene. Its 69% graduation rate and 80% acceptance rate may appeal to students seeking access alongside scale. Total cost of studying is $19,065, and median alumni salary is $49,204, offering useful figures for comparing local college options before applying and planning.

Johnson C. Smith University is a private historically Black university in Charlotte, offering a close-knit campus environment and a tradition of educating diverse student leaders. Its enrollment of 1,302 supports a smaller community than the city's largest campus. The university reports a 34% graduation rate and 45% acceptance rate. Total study cost is $19,270, while median alumni salary is $38,253. Students can weigh these figures alongside Charlotte's internships, service opportunities, and urban learning environment when considering their plans and goals.

Queens University of Charlotte is a private university known for a residential campus and programs across fields such as business, education, health, and liberal arts. Located in Charlotte, it offers students access to the city's professional networks while retaining a smaller campus setting, with 1,511 enrolled students. Its graduation rate is 61%, and acceptance rate is 62%. Total study cost is $43,200; median alumni salary is $56,362. Prospective students can compare these figures with their academic priorities and budget carefully.

Carolinas College of Health Sciences is a specialized institution focused on health professions, making it a strong option for Charlotte-area students pursuing clinical and healthcare careers. It enrolls 632 students and reports a 100% graduation rate, alongside a 60% acceptance rate. Total study cost is $17,892, and median alumni salary is $76,257. Its health-focused setting may help students explore pathways connected to Charlotte's hospitals and healthcare employers while comparing programs, expenses, and career outcomes before deciding where to enroll locally.

Chamberlain University-North Carolina offers nursing-focused education for students seeking a healthcare career in the Charlotte area. Its enrollment is 202, and the reported acceptance rate is 100%; graduation rate data are unavailable. Total study cost is $20,580, while median alumni salary is $89,977. The figures may interest nurses comparing specialized training with broader university options. Before applying, confirm program availability, clinical placement arrangements, and commuting expectations for North Carolina students studying near Charlotte and planning education around work and family.