Charlotte is North Carolina’s largest city and one of the largest cities in the United States. It is a strong destination for students who enjoy city life, sports, and entertainment, with professional sports teams and attractions such as the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Uptown Charlotte. Several colleges and universities are located in Charlotte or within a short drive of the city.
Charlotte has a mix of private and public institutions. Public universities often offer lower tuition to North Carolina residents, while private colleges generally publish one tuition rate for undergraduate students. International students should review each school’s scholarship and financial aid policies carefully, since eligibility can vary by institution and aid type. If you’re interested in studying in this city, below are some affordable and well-known universities in and near Charlotte.
Affordable Schools in Charlotte for International Students
1. Charlotte Christian College and Theological Seminary
Charlotte Christian College and Theological Seminary aims to educate students with a solid Christian message and is committed to advancing the gospel through educational training. Its curriculum is more focused than that of many liberal arts colleges, where students may have a broader range of elective choices.
This Christian-based institution offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs. At the undergraduate level, students can choose associate programs in Biblical Studies or Urban Christian Ministries and bachelor’s programs in Biblical Studies, Urban Christian Ministries, or Pastoral Studies. The school also lists three master’s programs and a Doctor of Ministry program that requires the completion of 10 courses.
The published full-time undergraduate block tuition is $5,485 per semester, plus a $475 student services fee. Financial aid and payment options may be available depending on eligibility. Before an I-20 is issued, international students must prepay the first two semesters.
2. University of North Carolina at Charlotte
The University of North Carolina at Charlotte is a large public research university that uses its urban location to support a wide range of academic and professional programs.
For 2026–2027, Charlotte lists annual undergraduate tuition at $3,926 for North Carolina residents and $22,018 for nonresidents, before required fees, housing, meals, books, and other costs. The university lists more than 170 undergraduate majors and minors and more than 150 graduate, doctoral, and certificate programs.
As a first-year student, you can study for a bachelor’s degree in fields ranging from the arts to psychology. At this university in Charlotte, you can also declare minors or multiple majors if you meet the academic requirements. Student life is vibrant and diverse, with many activities and a strong campus feel despite the university’s location in a major city.
3. Catawba College
Catawba College is located in Salisbury, about 45 minutes from the greater Charlotte area. It is a small college with an 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio and an average class size of 14. Its location also gives students access to North Carolina’s mountains and coast within a few hours. Catawba is known for programs in areas such as music and theatre, but students can also study many other fields, including science, business, and sport management.
As a private college, Catawba lists one undergraduate tuition rate. For 2026–2027, tuition is $35,990, excluding housing, food, books, and other expenses. Non-U.S. citizens are eligible for merit and talent scholarships and may also qualify for athletic, music, and performing arts scholarships.
4. Johnson C. Smith University
Johnson C. Smith University is a private, historically Black university with a rich history. Founded in 1867 as Freedmen’s College of North Carolina, it was later renamed Johnson C. Smith University in 1923.
At this university in Charlotte, students can pursue undergraduate programs in areas such as biology, business administration, chemistry, communication arts, computer engineering, computer science and information systems, criminology, cultural studies, information systems engineering, interdisciplinary studies, music, and social work. At the graduate level, JCSU offers a Master of Social Work with advanced-standing and traditional full-time pathways.
The full-time undergraduate tuition is $11,075 per semester for 12 to 18 credit hours. Additional costs can include room, meal plans, and other fees. JCSU also lists institutional aid, athletic grants, and band or choir scholarships, depending on eligibility.
5. Queens University of Charlotte
Queens University of Charlotte aims to deliver the personalized experience of a small college while making the most of being in a big city. It offers programs across areas such as art, music, business, communication, English, health, human behavior, language, science, mathematics, sustainability, and graduate or professional study.
The cost of tuition is the same listed full-time comprehensive tuition for undergraduate students: $47,390 per year for 2026–2027. Students can apply for financial aid and merit scholarships. Queens reports that 98% of students receive financial aid and that 100% of applicants are considered for scholarships.
Charlotte can be a strong destination for international students who enjoy sports, city life, and access to a range of public and private colleges. However, tuition, fees, housing costs, scholarship eligibility, and international student requirements vary widely by institution, so compare each school carefully before applying.
We hope this article on the cheapest universities in Charlotte was helpful. To learn more about studying in the United States, feel free to check out the Study in the USA page and Available Courses for International Students!
