Finance and Financial Management Services at University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
UNC Charlotte's finance program sits right at the median among North Carolina schools but trails the national average by about $2,000 in first-year earnings. What's more compelling is the 26% earnings growth over four years, bringing graduates to $65,028—well above both state and national medians for the field. Among NC finance programs, this ranks in the 60th percentile, placing it ahead of East Carolina and Appalachian State but well behind the premium private options like Wake Forest.
The debt picture is reasonable at $22,400, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.43. This means graduates owe less than half their first-year salary, which is sustainable for most families. The combination of modest debt and strong earnings growth suggests the program builds valuable skills that pay off over time, even if starting salaries aren't exceptional.
For parents weighing this against other NC options, UNC Charlotte delivers solid middle-tier performance at a fraction of the cost of Wake Forest or Elon. The earnings trajectory shows this program positions graduates well for career advancement in finance, making it a practical choice that balances affordability with reasonable earning potential.
Where University of North Carolina at Charlotte Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all finance and financial management services bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How University of North Carolina at Charlotte graduates compare to all programs nationally
University of North Carolina at Charlotte graduates earn $52k, placing them in the 39th percentile of all finance and financial management services bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in North Carolina
Finance and Financial Management Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in North Carolina (19 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of North Carolina at Charlotte | $51,628 | $65,028 | $22,400 | 0.43 |
| Wake Forest University | $85,944 | $113,398 | $19,500 | 0.23 |
| Elon University | $66,614 | $87,590 | $19,500 | 0.29 |
| Campbell University | $60,445 | $67,345 | $25,000 | 0.41 |
| Appalachian State University | $52,004 | $69,084 | $21,267 | 0.41 |
| East Carolina University | $51,501 | $64,191 | $23,142 | 0.45 |
| National Median | $53,590 | — | $23,332 | 0.44 |
Other Finance and Financial Management Services Programs in North Carolina
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across North Carolina schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wake Forest University Winston-Salem | $64,758 | $85,944 | $19,500 |
| Elon University Elon | $44,536 | $66,614 | $19,500 |
| Campbell University Buies Creek | $40,410 | $60,445 | $25,000 |
| Appalachian State University Boone | $7,541 | $52,004 | $21,267 |
| East Carolina University Greenville | $7,361 | $51,501 | $23,142 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At University of North Carolina at Charlotte, approximately 34% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 452 graduates with reported earnings and 413 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.