UNC Charlotte Scholarships (2025–2026)
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- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic merit ranges and who typically qualifies
- Flagship (competitive) and hidden-gem scholarships worth a look
- Honors perks and how to stack awards the smart way
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~78%
- Middle 50% ACT: 21–27
- Middle 50% SAT: 1080–1280
- Average HS GPA: 3.6 (weighted avg)
Source: UNC Charlotte Undergraduate Admissions (Fall 2025 profile). Middle 50% = the range where half of enrolling students fall.
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
UNC Charlotte at a Glance
Last verified: October 16, 2025
UNC Charlotte offers exceptional value among North Carolina publics but allocates most aid through competitive programs like Levine Scholars and NinerScholars. Strong academics and early applications are key to unlocking these awards.
Use this guide to understand how UNC Charlotte packages aid and when to apply. Combine state grants and campus scholarships to minimize cost and maximize fit.
FAQ
Is UNC Charlotte test-optional? Yes. Scores are optional through Fall 2026 for most programs.
What’s the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT 21–27 • SAT 1080–1280 (for students who submitted scores).
Average net price? About $13,768 per year after grants and scholarships (NCES 2023).
Does UNC Charlotte offer reciprocity? No regional reciprocity or WUE; aid is awarded through NinerScholars and need-based grants.
https://admissions.charlotte.edu/
https://ninerscholars.charlotte.edu/
https://finaid.charlotte.edu/
https://honorscollege.charlotte.edu/
https://levinescholars.charlotte.edu/
https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?199139-University-of-North-Carolina-at-Charlotte
https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=199139
💰 Cost of Attendance at UNC Charlotte (2025–2026)
Estimated 9-month, full-time undergraduate budget (12–18 credit hours). Actual expenses vary by housing choice and meal plan.
| Category | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees | $7,097 | $23,303 |
| Housing & Meals (on-campus avg.) | $15,010 | $15,010 |
| Total (before aid) | $22,107 | $38,313 |
Note: Books & supplies, personal, and transportation costs (typically $2,000 – $4,000 combined) are not included above because they vary widely by student. UNC Charlotte publishes them separately for financial-aid purposes.
Cost & Aid FAQs
Who sets tuition and fees?
The UNC System Board of Governors establishes rates for all state universities; UNC Charlotte applies the approved schedule each year.
Can students save by living off campus?
Possibly — off-campus housing may cost less than residence halls, though commuting and utilities often offset savings.
Does UNC Charlotte offer payment plans?
Yes. The Student Accounts Office provides monthly installment plans to spread out semester charges.
https://finaid.charlotte.edu/
https://admissions.charlotte.edu/
https://ninerscholars.charlotte.edu/
https://studentaccounts.charlotte.edu/
https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?199139-University-of-North-Carolina-at-Charlotte
https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=199139
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
UNC Charlotte does not currently offer automatic, GPA-based merit scholarships for incoming freshmen. All institutional scholarships require a separate application through the NinerScholars Portal after admission.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| None (N/A) | — | UNC Charlotte does not award admission-based automatic merit scholarships | — | — | Students must apply separately via NinerScholars for all awards |
FAQ: Automatic Merit at UNC Charlotte
Does UNC Charlotte award scholarships just for GPA or test scores?
No. Unlike some universities, UNC Charlotte does not guarantee scholarships based on GPA or test score cutoffs.
Where do students apply for scholarships?
All students must apply through the NinerScholars Portal after being admitted.
Are there deadlines for scholarship consideration?
Yes. The NinerScholars Portal typically opens in October with priority deadlines in early spring. Students should apply as early as possible.
https://scholarships.charlotte.edu/
https://admissions.charlotte.edu/finances/scholarships/
https://ninercentral.charlotte.edu/finances/financial-aid-loans-scholarships/scholarships/
https://collegereadyparent.org/articles/unc-charlotte-scholarships/
🏆 Competitive Scholarships
UNC Charlotte’s most generous scholarships are competitive — meaning students must apply, interview, or be nominated. These awards look for more than grades: leadership, service, and potential to make an impact are key factors. Deadlines usually fall in the fall or early spring, so planning ahead is critical.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Levine Scholars Program | Full tuition, fees, housing & meals + enrichment funds | Open to incoming freshmen; nomination by high school or self-application required | Yes — nomination/application | Yes (4 years, if requirements met) | Students with ~4.2+ weighted GPA*, rigorous coursework, significant leadership/service, and competitive interviews. Only ~20 chosen annually. | Nov 1 |
*GPA ranges marked with an asterisk are estimates based on prior cohorts; exact thresholds vary annually depending on the applicant pool.
FAQ: Competitive Scholarships at UNC Charlotte
How hard is it to win the Levine Scholars Program?
Very. Only about 20 students are selected each year from thousands of applicants nationwide.
Do you need test scores for competitive scholarships?
UNC Charlotte is test-optional, but high ACT/SAT scores can strengthen applications for selective programs like Levine. If submitted, UNC Charlotte superscores both the SAT and ACT, combining the highest section scores across test dates.
What else is considered besides academics?
Leadership, service, and community involvement are essential. Successful candidates show impact beyond the classroom.
Can Levine Scholars stack with other awards?
No. Because Levine covers full tuition, fees, housing, and meals, it generally cannot be stacked with other institutional scholarships.
https://levinescholars.charlotte.edu/
https://scholarships.charlotte.edu/
https://admissions.charlotte.edu/finances/scholarships/
🎖️ Honors College
UNC Charlotte runs a central Honors College plus 30+ departmental honors programs. Admission is by application (not automatic). Apply early — priority consideration aligns with the Dec 1 window — to access small seminars, mentorship, and Honors‑only scholarships.
Weighted GPA around 3.8–4.2*, strong AP/IB or dual‑enrollment rigor, sustained leadership/service, and a clear academic focus. Test‑optional is allowed; if submitted, UNC Charlotte superscores ACT/SAT.
- Priority registration and small, discussion‑based courses
- Honors housing community in Levine Hall
- Faculty mentorship, research & study abroad funding pathways
- Access to Honors‑specific scholarships (below)
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Martin Scholars Program | Covers unmet need (can approach full COA) + study abroad/mentorship | Honors students with high financial need and strong leadership/service | Yes — NinerScholars + FAFSA | Yes (meet standards) | High‑achieving Honors admits from lower‑income families; evidence of leadership and sustained engagement | Nov 1 (priority), Dec 1 (final) |
| Albert Engineering Leadership Scholars | Tuition, fees, room & board (~$22,000/yr) + $6,000 internship housing/meal stipend + $2,500 study abroad stipend + laptop | Incoming Engineering majors; must join Honors; leadership potential | Yes — departmental/Honors app | Yes (4 years) | STEM students with ~3.9+ weighted GPA*, strong math/science rigor, and leadership in engineering clubs, projects, or competitions | Dec 1 |
| Al Maisto Honors College Scholarship | $1,000 | Full‑time Honors undergrads; academic achievement and service to Honors College | Yes — NinerScholars (spring) | Not specified | Honors students typically with ~3.5+ GPA* and active engagement/leadership in Honors events or service | March 15 (priority) |
| Delbridge E. Narron Scholarship | $2,000 | University Honors or departmental honors participants; merit and engagement | Yes — NinerScholars (spring) | Reapply annually | Honors students with strong GPA, faculty recommendations, and evidence of impact/contribution | March 15 |
| Delbridge E. Narron Travel Scholarship | $2,000 toward international experience | Honors students (priority to Narron Scholars) planning study abroad or research trips | Yes — NinerScholars (spring) | No (one-time) | Students with vetted study abroad plans, progress, and faculty endorsements | March 15 |
*Estimated GPA ranges are based on past recipient profiles and public criteria; UNC Charlotte is test‑optional and superscores ACT/SAT if scores are submitted.
FAQ: UNC Charlotte Honors College — Real Insights
How do students stand out for the Honors College? Successful Honors applicants describe authentic passions in their essays, pursue research or leadership early, and seek out faculty advice during the fall application season. Many finalists report “just showing up” for info sessions and email Q&A helped them prepare for interviews.
What deadlines should applicants actually plan for? Most Honors College and major-specific honors deadlines are Dec 1 for priority (including Martin and Albert). Scholarship applications for continuing students typically open in January and close by March 15.
Do you need to do extra work once you’re in? Earning scholarships or research stipends in Honors typically means regular engagement, faculty check-ins, sharing your plans, and jumping into funded research, travel, or service opportunities. Leadership and co-curricular engagement really matter for recommendations and selections.
Can scholarships be combined? Smaller ($1,000–$2,000) awards and study-abroad funds often combine with major merit, but scholarships covering most of tuition/costs (like Martin or Albert) may restrict stacking or require financial aid coordination.
https://honorscollege.charlotte.edu/
https://honorscollege.charlotte.edu/martin-scholarship/
https://clt.engineering.charlotte.edu/student-life/scholarships/leadership/
https://scholarships.charlotte.edu/
https://ninercentral.charlotte.edu/finances/financial-aid-loans-scholarships/scholarships/
⭐ College Specialties
UNC Charlotte is a rising star in research and student outcomes. Now officially classified as an R1 research university, it’s one of the few public institutions lighting up North Carolina—combining affordability with innovation.
Public Affairs — Ranked 49th nationally, with local government management at No. 21, public finance at No. 23, and nonprofit management at No. 24. Ranked among UNC State’s most competitive graduate programs.
- R1 Research Classification — UNC Charlotte earned Carnegie’s highest research category, joining the elite group of institutions with “very high research activity.”
- Online Bachelor’s Reputation — Ranked tied for No. 3 nationally and No. 1 in North Carolina for online bachelor’s programs.
- Nursing & Education — Online master’s Nursing ranked No. 21; bachelor’s Nursing at No. 54; the online Education master’s at No. 23, with Special Education at No. 16.
- Rising Overall Ranking — Jumped 137 spots in Forbes’ “America’s Best Colleges,” now among the top-performing UNC System schools.