#10
#14
#38
The Difference Is
in the Numbers
As the Queen City’s only R1 public research university, UNC Charlotte is driving impact through outstanding research, partnerships, student outcomes and alumni success. Our rising rankings are good news for Niners everywhere.
Only at Charlotte
Rankings, recognitions and achievements at Charlotte that stand out — from innovation and academic excellence to value, opportunity and student success. See why more students are choosing Charlotte to build what’s next.
Top-75 Public University
Recognized among the nation’s top public universities, UNC Charlotte is one of just three top-75 public research universities in North Carolina.
A Top-20 best public business school in the Southeast
Ranked among the top 20 public business schools in the Southeast, Charlotte’s business programs prepare students to lead what’s next.
A Best-Value College
Recognized for delivering an exceptional education and strong return on investment, making Charlotte a smart choice for your future.
A Best for Social Mobility Institution
Recognized by U.S. News for helping students turn educational opportunity into greater success.
Great Choice for Veterans
• USNWR: Top-100 Best Colleges for Veterans
• #78: Military Times Best for Vets
• #9: 2026-27 Military Friendly School Gold Award
• Operation Hat Trick: 2026 Excellence in Service Award
Stories That Make a Difference
From the lab to the classroom, discover how Charlotte is creating opportunities and shaping what’s next.
Undergraduate Program Rankings
US News:
- Best Online Programs for Bachelor’s rankings (#4/U.S., #1/North Carolina)
- Best in North Carolina for Best Online Bachelor’s in Business Programs
Graduate Program Rankings
UNC Charlotte graduate programs rank among the nation’s top 100
US News: Engineering
- #91: Electrical Engineering
- #75: Civil Engineering
- #85: Mechanical Engineering
- #56: Online Master’s in Engineering
US News: Business
- #94: Management
- Top 20 Business Schools in the South
- #41: JL Price MBA / top-ranked part-time MBA for N.C. public universities
- #38: Real Estate
- #65: International Business
- #65: Production/Operations
- #72: Information Systems
- #85: Entrepreneurship
- #93: Supply Chain Management
TFF Times:
- #16: M.S. in Financial Engineering and Fintech
Quartnet:
- #18: M.S. in Financial Engineering and Fintech
CEO Magazine:
- JL Price MBA awarded Tier One Global MBA
US News: Public Administration
- #32: Public Management and Leadership
- #47: Gerald G. Fox Master of Public Administration
- #12: Nonprofit Management
- #18: Local Government Management
- #19: Public Finance and Budgeting
US News: Education
- #12 Online Master’s in Special Education
- #84 Graduate Education
- #18 Online Master’s in Education
- #17 Special Education
US News: Health and Human Services
- #67 Social Work
- #53 Healthcare Management
- #60 Nurse Anesthesia
- #91 Doctor of Nursing Practice
- #69 Master of Nursing
- #22 Online Master of Nursing
- #74 Public Health
US News: Mathematics and Computer Science
- #96 Computer Science
- #72 Statistics
FAST FACTS: THE DIFFERENCE IS IN THE DETAILS
Numbers tell the Charlotte story – from student success and a diverse Niner community to our research, innovation and impact on the region and beyond. Take a look.
Academics
With 187 undergraduate majors and a broad range of graduate programs, Charlotte offers the opportunities, expertise and connections to make your difference.
83
65
26
2024-2025
Degrees Awarded
In 2024–25, Charlotte awarded 8,970 degrees and certificates, helping thousands of Niners turn their education into opportunity and take the next step toward what’s ahead.
6,101
2,081
181
607
LIFE AT
UNC CHARLOTTE
City life collides with life on campus, giving Niner Nation its unmistakable energy.
Student Success & Alumni Impact
At Charlotte, student success extends beyond the classroom. Through academic achievement, research opportunities, career preparation and robust alumni connections, Niners are building the skills, connections and experiences to thrive, during their time at Charlotte and long after they graduate.
- 3.96 average weighted GPA (fall 2026 freshman class)
- 83 full-merit scholarships
- 1,000+ Honors Program students
- 38% of undergraduates pursue STEM majors
- 100+ undergraduate students engage in the Summer Research Scholars Program
- #1 in North Carolina for community college transfers and first-generation students
- 85% first-year retention rate
- 94% of bachelor’s degree graduates (2025) are fully employed or continuing their education six months after graduating. Average annual salary: $67,679
- 80% of graduating seniors engage in internship/experiential education and/or gain skills in a workplace environment
- 193,385 alumni: 112,783 in Charlotte metro and 147,450 in North Carolina
Student Experience & Campus Connections
At Charlotte, learning extends beyond the classroom. With countless ways to connect, get involved and find your community, Niners have opportunities to make lasting connections and create a college experience all their own.
19:1
400+
19
- One of 290 Phi Beta Kappa U.S. chapters
- 85% of permanent faculty hold their field’s terminal degree
- 700+ students study abroad annually
- No. 1 most-beautiful campus for N.C. public universities
- 1,000-acre, bike-friendly main campus and 143,000-square-foot Dubois Center uptown connected by light rail
Research Strength
As Charlotte’s only R1 research university, we’re turning bold ideas into real-world impact. From groundbreaking discoveries and new patents to startups, partnerships and millions in research funding, Charlotte researchers are advancing what’s possible and shaping what’s next.
- $94.9 million in research expenditures (2024-25)
- 86 new patents awarded since 2019
- Top 10 in U.S. for patents filed and startups (per million dollars in research funding)
- #3 for new startup companies
- #5 for new patents filed
- #18 for new patents issued
- #11 for new inventions
- Since 2020, Charlotte researchers have generated:
- 150+ new inventions
- 200+ patent applications
- 17 new spin-off companies
- $283.3 million in active grants and contracts (2024-25)
- 24 distinctive centers of research excellence
- 51 faculty-led initiatives with more than $1 million in external funding
Research Without Boundaries
Discover the people and ideas taking Charlotte research from the lab into communities, industries and the world.
Working at UNC Charlotte. Be Part of What’s Next
Join a community of 3,700+ faculty and staff, including more than 1,000 Niner alumni, working together to shape the future of Charlotte and beyond. Recognized by Forbes as one of North Carolina’s Best Employers for eight consecutive years.
A History of Making History
From 278 students in 1946 to a leading R1 research university today, Charlotte’s story is one of vision, determination and momentum. Explore the milestones that shaped our University and the Niner spirit that continues to move us forward.
- 1946: Charlotte Center of the University of North Carolina opened
- 1965: Joined the UNC System
- 1977: Charlotte Men’s Basketball competes in NCAA Final Four
- 2011: The Dubois Center at UNC Charlotte Center City opened
- 2013: Charlotte 49ers football debuted
- 2018: UNC Charlotte-Main light rail station opened
- 2020: First woman chancellor named
- 2025: Designated a Carnegie R1 (Very High Research Activity) institution
