The University of North Carolina at Charlotte

The University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNC Charlotte) is a public R1 research university offering 24 doctoral, 66 master’s, and 79 bachelor’s programs across nine colleges. UNC Charlotte spans two campuses: the 1,000-acre Main Campus in University City, just 8 miles from Uptown Charlotte, and the Center City Campus in the heart of Uptown. With Charlotte’s rapid growth and vibrant economy, home to 18 Fortune 1000 companies, students benefit from abundant internships, research opportunities, and industry connections. At UNC Charlotte, classroom learning meets real-world experience. It’s a big university with a close-knit community.

Niners Make It Happen

We are a community of hard-working, ambitious and driven individuals. We are original thinkers with bold ideas and a passion for finding innovative solutions to real-world challenges.

Fast facts

• Known as North Carolina’s urban research university, UNC Charlotte leverages its location in the state’s largest city to offer internationally competitive programs of research and creative activity, exemplary undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs, and a focused set of community engagement initiatives. The University achieved R1 status in February 2025.
• UNC Charlotte maintains a particular commitment to addressing the cultural, economic, educational, environmental, health and social needs of the greater Charlotte region.
• With a student population of more than 31,000 (a 14% increase in enrollment over past 10 years), it is the third-largest institution in the 17-member University of North Carolina System. Its diverse student body, 33% of whom are first-generation college students, comes from 49 states and 99 countries.
• One of the top 10 fastest-rising universities in the nation, Charlotte has climbed 76 spots in the U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings since 2020 and currently sits at #81 among public universities. The university also is the only public university in North Carolina to rank among U.S. News’ “Most Innovative Schools,” ranking No. 45 overall.

Mission Statement

UNC Charlotte is a leading urban research university with a significant local-to-global impact. We transform lives, communities, and industries through accessible and affordable education, offering exemplary bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and professional programs. Our commitment to scholarship, innovation, and service drives our contributions to the ever-evolving needs of society. Through strategic partnerships and a focus on real-world applications, we prepare our graduates to excel in their careers and lead with purpose and integrity in a rapidly changing world.

Approved by the UNC Charlotte Board of Trustees on August 7, 2024 and the UNC Board of Governors on November 14, 2024.

Your Future Begins Here

Charlotte’s cutting-edge academic programs equip you with the skills and connections to succeed—wherever your ambitions take you. Don’t wait—take the first step toward your future today!

What Type of Student Will You Be?

Undergraduate Admissions

With hundreds of academic programs, a vibrant campus life and endless opportunities, you’ll find everything you need to succeed as a 49er.

Graduate Admissions

Advance your career and expand your expertise with UNC Charlotte’s innovative graduate programs.

How to Register for Classes

To view the schedule of classes and to register, log in to Student Self Service on MyCharlotte.

1. Select Registration & Planning under Student Records
2. Select Register for Classes
3. Make sure the term selected in the Terms Open for Registration drop-down box is correct
4. Select Continue
5. If you know the Course Reference Number (CRN):
   
   • Click Enter CRNs at the top of the box
   • Enter the CRN in the box labeled CRN
   • If you have additional CRNs, click +Add Another CRN
   • Click Add to Summary
6. If you do not know the CRNs for the classes you wish to take, select Find Classes:
   
   • Use the search fields (Subject, Course Number, Course Level) to find classes
   • Click Search to see available courses. CRNs will be listed in the results.
   • Click Add next to courses to add them to your schedule
   • Click Search Again to find additional courses
7. Once all your courses are added to your Summary (bottom right of the screen), click Submit to save your schedule.
   
   • Courses are not officially on your schedule until you click Submit. Do this often throughout registration to secure your seat in selected courses.
   • If any of the classes for which you wanted to register do not appear in the Schedule area, scroll down the page to view the error messages, which will tell you why you were not able to register. A list of error messages in below.
8. Alternatively, you can register via Schedule Wizard. This tool has an advantage whereby you can indicate time blocks in which you have other personal obligations and course options will be provided around those time blocks.

For those that need a student visa (F-1 visa) to study English in the U.S.

UNC Charlotte can issue the I-20 form (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status) which is necessary to apply for a student visa. Generally, you should apply 2-3 months before your start date to have time to get accepted, get a student visa, and arrange transportation to Charlotte.

To join the English Training Institute (ELTI) using a student visa with an I-20 showing that you will study English, complete the following items:

• Fill out the online ELTI application form. You will receive an automatic reply once you have successfully submitted the application. If you have difficulty completing the online application, contact us.
• Send official bank documents showing that a balance of US$25,000 or more is available.
  
  • These are the total estimated expenses for one academic year of study, including tuition, student fees, health insurance, books, housing and meals, and incidentals. This is our best estimate of costs per student, and this is what you should be prepared to spend for one academic year. Proof of financial ability is required by the U.S. government for student visa applications. Keep copies of your official bank documents and letters of sponsorship to show embassy or consulate officials. Financial ability to pay is one of the most important factors in getting a student visa.
  • If your family will come with you, an additional US$6,000 per spouse and US$3,600 per child will be necessary. Only spouses and children (age 21 and under) are allowed to be dependents on the student visa.
• If the financial documents do not show your own name on them, you must also send a Financial Sponsorship form completed by the person (or persons) providing your financial sponsorship.
• Send a copy of the personal information page from your passport. If you do not have a passport yet, please be sure that you spell your name and enter your other information correctly – and also check that all other documents (Visa, I-94) have your name and other information correct.
• Pay the $90 application fee (non-refundable). You can pay by credit card, check, or money order (in U.S. dollars, payable to UNC Charlotte). Use our online payment website.
• Send all documents to the link provided on the application form. Do not send your documents via email as it is unsecured.

Applications will not be considered complete until all documents and payments have been completed.

Note: SEVP regulations require that the I-20 can be sent ONLY to the student/applicant. We can no longer send this document to Agents, or allow family members to pick up documents.

With record student success and research expenditures, UNC Charlotte is a university on the move, and national publications are taking notice. Here are a few recent national rankings of note.

Niche 2025 Best Colleges in America

Review website Niche has ranked Charlotte’s campus No. 1 among all public universities in North Carolina and among the top 10% nationwide. Niche’s “2025 Best Colleges in America” rankings also awarded Charlotte “A” grades for diversity, student life and for campus food.

In addition, four Charlotte academic programs rank among the nation’s top 100: accounting/finance, information technology, computer science and criminal justice. Niche rankings rely on sources such as the U.S. Department of Education and the National Science Foundation, as well as student-submitted surveys.

U.S. News & World Report 2025 Best Colleges

Charlotte is one of the top 10 fastest-rising universities in the nation, according to the U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings. Overall, Charlotte has climbed 76 spots since 2020. The University also continues to stake its claim as one of the nation’s top 100 public universities, ranking No. 81 for 2025.

The University is also the only public university in North Carolina to rank among U.S. News’ “Most Innovative Schools.”

2025 Forbes America’s Best Colleges

Charlotte rose 137 spots this year in the 2025 Forbes America’s Best Colleges rankings, and ranks No. 3 among UNC System institutions. The rankings feature “colleges that offer the best educational, financial, and career outcomes for all students.”

In a separate rankings, Forbes:

• Named Charlotte one of the top employers in North Carolina for 2025. This is the sixth consecutive year the University has been included in the ranking.
• Ranked Charlotte’s online Bachelor of Arts in Political Science No. 4 in the nation. Forbes Advisor notes the program’s flexibility for nontraditional students who work full-time.

Times Higher Education 2024 International Impact Rankings

UNC Charlotte was recognized again by Times Higher Education for its commitment to sustainability. For THE’s 2024 International Impact Rankings, released June 12, Charlotte ranks in six categories and in the top 10 among U.S. universities for: Good Health and Well-Being, and for Responsible Consumption and Production.

Other Rankings

Charlotte also was recently featured on Princeton Review’s “Best South” and Green Colleges 2025 lists; among Money magazine’s “2024 Best Colleges in America”; and in The Wall Street Journal’s “2025 Best College in the U.S." Charlotte also climbed 10 spots on Washington Monthly’s 2024 “Southeast Best Bang for the Buck” listing and is again featured in the magazine’s 2024 national rankings.

More Than A Campus

At Charlotte, campus life goes beyond the classroom. Get involved, explore new interests and make memories that last a lifetime.

Endless Eats, Unmatched Flavor

From all-you-can-eat dining halls to fresh, made-to-order meals and global flavors, Charlotte’s food scene is anything but ordinary.

Athletics and Recreation

Feel the energy of Charlotte’s Division I athletics and jump into the action. Cheer on the 49ers, join an intramural team or hit the rec center — whatever moves you, there’s a place to play, compete and connect.

University Recreation

UNC Charlotte’s Recreation Center is your go-to for staying active with top-tier fitness facilities, sports courts, group classes and a pool for laps or lounging—all in one energetic, welcoming space.

Facilities & Spaces

Charlotte puts your well-being first with modern fitness centers, relaxing outdoor spots and cozy study lounges—designed for recharging, connecting and reaching your goals.

Popp Martin Student Union & Cone University Center

The Student Centers department oversees services and spaces that create a welcoming environment for the University community to support student success. Within our two student-centered facilities, the Popp Martin Student Union and Cone University Center, the team provides student employment opportunities, manages the NinerTech Computer Store, provides integrated facility and event services, oversees the Charlotte Esports program and supports additional campus partners for services such as dining and retail operations.

James H. Barnhardt Student Activity Center

The 232,000 square foot James H. Barnhardt Student Activity Center includes the 9,000-seat Halton Arena, the campus fitness center, group fitness studios, recreational courts, an indoor track, climbing wall, athletic training center as well as meeting rooms and event spaces.

Joyce Davis Waddell Center for Student Health and Wellbeing

Student Health is a department within the Division of Student Affairs at UNC Charlotte,
located in the Joyce Davis Waddell Center for Student Health and Wellbeing.