Most
Popular Colleges in Charlotte in 2027

Business Administration

Studying business administration in Charlotte, NC offers access to a vibrant financial and corporate hub. Programs typically cover accounting, economics, marketing, management, finance, business law, and data analysis, combining classroom learning with internships and projects. Charlotte students can explore programs at UNC Charlotte, Queens University of Charlotte, and Johnson C. Smith University. Graduates commonly pursue roles such as business analyst, marketing coordinator, human resources specialist, operations manager, or financial associate, with opportunities across diverse industries.

Psychology

Studying psychology in Charlotte, North Carolina, introduces students to human behavior, mental processes, and research methods. Typical courses include developmental, social, cognitive, abnormal, and biological psychology, plus statistics and research design. Popular options include UNC Charlotte, Queens University of Charlotte, and Johnson C. Smith University. Graduates may pursue roles such as behavioral health technician, case manager, research assistant, human resources specialist, or community support worker. Many clinical and counseling careers require graduate education and licensure.

Computer Science

Studying computer science in Charlotte, NC, combines technical foundations with access to a growing technology and finance community. Typical coursework includes programming, data structures, algorithms, databases, operating systems, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity. Students can explore these subjects at UNC Charlotte, Queens University of Charlotte, or Johnson C. Smith University. Graduates commonly pursue careers as software developers, systems analysts, cybersecurity specialists, data analysts, web developers, or database administrators. Internships and projects help students develop practical experience.

Counseling

Studying a counseling program in Charlotte, North Carolina, combines coursework in counseling theories, ethics, human development, assessment, group counseling, and multicultural practice. Programs at UNC Charlotte and Queens University of Charlotte offer paths such as school counseling and clinical mental health counseling. Graduates may pursue licensure and work as school counselors, community mental health counselors, substance-use counselors, career counselors, or family support specialists, depending on degree, supervised experience, state requirements, and individual career goals.

Nursing

Studying nursing in Charlotte, NC, offers pathways from associate and bachelor's degrees to advanced practice. Courses typically include anatomy and physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, health assessment, maternal-child nursing, mental health, and clinical care. Popular options include University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Queens University of Charlotte, and Carolinas College of Health Sciences. Graduates commonly work as registered nurses in hospitals, clinics, community health centers, or long-term care facilities; further education can lead to nurse practitioner positions.

Best Colleges in Charlotte, NC Ranking Summary & Conclusions

• The median total cost of studying is $19,925, compared with $42,491 at schools in the top 10%, making cost an important point of comparison.
• Financial aid reaches an average of 100% of students overall, compared with 71.17% at schools in the top 10%; prospective students should compare aid availability alongside total cost.
• The average acceptance rate is 71.17%. Schools receive an average of 6,620.83 applicants, while schools in the top 10% average 15,353.5 applicants. The median number of applicants is 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 6,173. Average enrollment figures are 456.5 men and 515 women.
• The average graduation rate is 62.6%, compared with 87.6% at schools in the top 10%. The median graduation rate is 49.5% for men and 62% for women.
• Two institutions offer associate's degrees, six offer bachelor's degrees, three offer master's degrees, and one offers a doctor's degree.
• There are six coeducational schools, zero schools for men, and zero schools for women.
• When choosing a college, prospective students should weigh total cost and financial aid against their budget, compare admissions selectivity and test-score expectations with their own profile, and consider graduation rates, enrollment, degree offerings, and school setting to find an option that fits their goals.

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

The average total cost of getting a degree in Charlotte, NC, is $26,964.83. Treat this as a useful planning benchmark rather than a guaranteed bill: actual expenses vary by school, program, housing choice, and financial aid. At UNC Charlotte, a major local public university, and at private colleges such as Queens University of Charlotte, compare your specific tuition and aid offers before committing.

• Reported cost averages include: tuition and fees, $25,427.33; room and board, $16,061.33; books and supplies, $1,000.

These category averages are separate benchmarks, not amounts to add directly to the total. Charlotte's student life can be exciting, and budgeting for rent, transport, meals, and course materials helps you feel prepared. Ask UNC Charlotte or Queens about grants, scholarships, payment plans, and housing assumptions; each college's personalized net price is more useful than a citywide average. Comparing offers can help you pursue a degree with confidence.

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

In Charlotte, NC, a full-time bachelor's degree typically takes four years; an associate degree takes about two. At UNC Charlotte or Queens University of Charlotte, your timeline depends on your major, course availability, transfer credits, and study load. Part-time study or family and work commitments can add time, so a manageable schedule can make progress feel sustainable.

You may finish sooner by transferring earned credits, taking summer classes or an approved heavier course load, or earning credit through exams or prior learning. Check options with an adviser, since requirements vary. Central Piedmont Community College offers an associate-degree route; eligible transfer credits may then count toward a bachelor's degree. Plan prerequisites early and check course schedules to avoid delays.

Average graduation rate is 62.6% - about 63 of 100 students - with 87.6% for the top 10% of schools; averages are 48.25% for men and 65.6% for women, and help set realistic expectations.

Salary

Graduates in Charlotte, NC, earn a median alumni salary of $52,783. For graduates of schools ranked in the top 10%, the median rises to $83,117 - a promising benchmark as you plan your career in the Queen City.

Charlotte students can explore colleges and universities such as UNC Charlotte, Queens University of Charlotte, and Johnson C. Smith University. Your own earnings will depend on factors such as your degree, experience, and career field, so compare programs with your goals in mind.

People also ask

What is the most attended college in Charlotte?

The University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNC Charlotte) is the city's largest college by enrollment, with about 31,000 students reported in fall 2024. Its size means you'll find a broad range of degree programs, student organizations, and campus activities, while still having access to Charlotte's internships, jobs, and cultural scene.

What is the richest university in Charlotte?

"Richest" can mean endowment, annual budget, or overall assets, so there isn't one definitive ranking. Within Charlotte, UNC Charlotte is a major institution with substantial resources. Nearby Davidson College, about 20 miles north of the city, has a much larger endowment, but it is not located in Charlotte itself.

Top 5 Colleges in the Most Popular Colleges Ranking in Charlotte, NC Ranking in 2026-2027

Johnson C. Smith University offers a Charlotte campus experience with a close-knit student community and a longstanding HBCU identity. It enrolls 1,302 students, and its 45% acceptance rate may interest applicants seeking a selective admissions process. The reported graduation rate is 34%, while total study cost is $19,270 and median alumni salary is $38,253. For Charlotte, NC students seeking degrees, it offers the chance to pursue a degree in the city where campus life and local opportunities are within reach.

Queens University of Charlotte offers students a campus-based university experience in Charlotte, NC, close to the city's local opportunities and community. It enrolls 1,511 students; its 62% acceptance rate offers a useful admissions reference. The graduation rate is 61%. Total cost is $43,200, and median alumni salary is $56,362. Those figures can help compare the investment and reported outcomes with other local options. For prospective students based in Charlotte, staying near home may make campus visits and city connections convenient.

The University of North Carolina at Charlotte is a large public university in Charlotte, NC, with a substantial student body of 32,207. An 80% acceptance rate makes it a broad-access option for many applicants. The graduation rate is 69%. Reported total study cost is $19,065, and median alumni salary is $49,204. Students based in Charlotte can consider the convenience of earning a degree in their home city, while comparing these figures with their academic, personal goals, budget, and preferred campus environment.

Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte is a career-oriented institution with a Charlotte, NC, campus for students seeking paths into work. Enrollment is 1,184, and the acceptance rate is 80%. Its reported graduation rate is 49%. Total cost of study is $41,782, while median alumni salary is $42,538. For Charlotte-area applicants, these figures offer a starting point for weighing affordability against career interests and expected outcomes. Living and studying in the city can also keep students close to local employers and amenities.

Carolinas College of Health Sciences focuses on health sciences, making it a Charlotte, NC, option for students interested in health-related education. It enrolls 632 students and reports a 100% graduation rate, the highest among the five colleges listed. Acceptance is 60%. Total study cost is $17,892, and median alumni salary is $76,257. For prospective students living in Charlotte, local study may make it easier to explore a health education path without leaving the city. Review program requirements and career goals.