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
- Competitive and hidden-gem scholarships worth a look
- Honors perks and how to stack awards the smart way
UNC Charlotte is one of North Carolina’s fastest-growing public universities and a great option for families looking for strong academics at a reasonable cost. If you’re a first-gen parent, this guide will help you understand what Charlotte really charges, what scholarships your student can earn, and where the hidden opportunities are. For state-based options, check out our North Carolina Aid Guide, and for other schools, visit the CRP Scholarships Hub.
💰 Cost of Attendance at UNC Charlotte
| Expense | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees (12–18 credits) | $7,097 | $23,303 |
| Housing & Meal Plan | $15,010 | $15,010 |
| Books & Supplies | $600 | $600 |
| Transportation | $1,340 | $2,000 |
| Computer Allowance | $350 | $350 |
| Miscellaneous/Personal | $2,360 | $2,360 |
| Total (before aid) | $26,860 | $43,726 |
UNC Charlotte does not participate in WUE, MSEP, or other tuition-reciprocity programs. Out-of-state students pay the published nonresident rate.
Cost FAQ
Who sets the tuition and fees?
The UNC System Board of Governors sets tuition for public universities statewide.
Can students save by living off-campus?
Yes. Housing/meal costs may be lower off campus, though commuting costs rise.
Are payment plans available?
Yes. UNC Charlotte offers installment plans through the student billing system.
✅ 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.
🏆 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? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 by Nov 1 | Yes (4 years, if requirements met) | Students with ~4.2+ weighted GPA*, rigorous coursework, significant leadership/service, and competitive interviews. Only ~20 chosen annually. |
*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.
⭐ 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.
🎖️ 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? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Martin Scholars Program | Covers unmet need (can approach full COA) + study abroad/mentorship | Honors students with high financial need and strong leadership/service | Yes — via NinerScholars + FAFSA | Yes (meet program standards) | High‑achieving Honors admits from lower‑income families; clear leadership and engagement signalers |
| Albert Engineering Leadership Scholars | Tuition, fees, room & board (~$22,000/yr) + $6,000 summer internship housing/meal stipend + $2,500 study abroad stipend + laptop | Incoming Engineering majors; Honors participation; leadership potential | Yes — Honors/college process | Yes (4 years, if requirements met) | STEM students with ~3.9+ weighted GPA*, strong math rigor, and leadership/activities in engineering |
| Al Maisto Honors College Scholarship | $1,000 | Full‑time Honors undergraduates with exemplary academics and service to Honors | Yes — spring cycle (NinerScholars) | Not specified | Honors students in good standing; ~3.5+ GPA* and active in UHP/departmental honors |
| Delbridge E. Narron Scholarship | $2,000 | University Honors Program and/or departmental honors students | Yes — spring cycle (NinerScholars) | Yes (reapply annually) | Honors students with strong GPA, faculty endorsements, and engagement |
| Delbridge E. Narron Travel Scholarship | $2,000 toward international travel/study | Honors students (priority to Narron Scholars) pursuing study abroad or approved international experience | Yes — spring cycle (NinerScholars) | No (one‑time) | Honors students with concrete abroad plans and academic progress |
*Estimated GPA ranges are based on past recipient profiles and public criteria; UNC Charlotte is test‑optional and will superscore ACT/SAT if scores are submitted.
FAQ: UNC Charlotte Honors College
Is admission automatic with a high GPA?
No. Students must apply separately to Honors; selection is holistic (academics, rigor, leadership, essays).
Does Honors add time to degree?
No. Honors coursework is designed to integrate with degree requirements.
When are the key dates?
Apply for Honors by Dec 1 for priority. Most Honors scholarships run a spring application window in NinerScholars.
Can Honors scholarships stack?
Often yes, though awards covering full tuition/COA may limit stacking. Always confirm in your NinerScholars package.
📎 Official Links
Final Thoughts
Navigating college costs can feel overwhelming, but UNC Charlotte offers a clear path: a transparent cost of attendance, nationally recognized programs, and opportunities like the Levine Scholars and ROTC that can dramatically change the price tag. Whether your student is aiming for top-tier competitive scholarships or just wants to explore hidden gems through the NinerScholars Portal, there are options here to make Charlotte more affordable. Remember—deadlines matter, and applying early is the best way to maximize opportunities.
✅ Last updated: August 25, 2025