Financial Information
Financial Information
Charges for tuition and fees vary according to the student's status as a resident or nonresident of North Carolina. A nonresident student pays a higher rate of tuition than a legal resident.
The University reserves the right, with the approval of proper authorities, to make
changes in tuition and fees at any time.
Student Expenses
Costs of tuition and fees for the regular academic year for a typical full-time North Carolina student are $1,459 and for a typical out-of-state student, $7,943. Cost of housing and dining for the academic year are $2,670 to $3,892, depending on the options chosen.
The estimated average cost of books and supplies per semester varies by area and level of study and ranges from $225 to $300. Beginning students in architecture and engineering should allow an additional expense of $200 to $300 for drawing instruments, calculator and supplies. Uniforms and supplies for nurses cost approximately $300.
In addition to the above, the student should take into consideration the cost of clothing, snacks, recreation, laundry, transportation, etc., in planning his/her expenses for each semester.
Fee Payment. Tuition and fees are due and payable by the date specified on the bill. Advance registration billing and due dates of fees vary with the term. Checks and money orders should be made payable to UNC Charlotte. Visa and MasterCard are accepted.
Returned Check Policy. If a check is returned by the bank, a certified letter is sent to the maker, indicating that a penalty of $15 has been assessed and the account must be settled within 10 working days or the check will be considered to be a bad check and be processed accordingly. A hold will be placed on the student's record until the bad check is covered and the penalty is paid.
Residence. To qualify as a resident for tuition purposes, a person must become a legal resident and remain a legal resident for at least 12 months immediately prior to classification. Thus, there is a distinction between legal residence and residence for tuition purposes. Furthermore, 12 months' legal residence means more than simple abode in North Carolina. In particular it means maintaining a domicile (permanent home of indefinite duration) as opposed to "maintaining a mere temporary residence or abode incident to enrollment in an institution of higher education." The burden of establishing facts which justify classification of a student as a resident entitled to in-state tuition rates is on the applicant for such classification, who must show his or her entitlement by the preponderance (the greater part) of the residentiary information.
Initiative. Being classified a resident for tuition purposes is contingent on the student's seeking such status and providing all information that the institution may require in making the determination.
Parents' Domicile. If an individual, irrespective of age, has living parent(s) or court-appointed guardian of the person, the domicile of such parent(s) or guardian is, prima facie, the domicile of the individual; but this prima facie evidence of the individual's domicile may or may not be sustained by other information. Further, nondomiciliary status of parents is not deemed prima facie evidence of the applicant child's status if the applicant has lived (though not necessarily legally resided) in North Carolina for the five years preceding enrollment or re-registration.
Effect of Marriage. Marriage alone does not prevent a person from becoming or continuing to be a resident for tuition purposes, nor does marriage in any circumstance insure that a person will become or continue to be a resident for tuition purposes. Marriage and the legal residence of one's spouse are, however, relevant information in determining residentiary intent. Furthermore, if both a husband and his wife are legal residents of North Carolina and if one of them has been a legal resident longer than the other, then the longer duration may be claimed by either spouse in meeting the 12-month requirement for in-state tuition status.
Military Personnel. A North Carolinian who serves outside the State in the armed forces does not lose North Carolina domicile simply by reason of such service. And students from the military may prove retention or establishment of residence by reference, as in other cases, to residentiary acts accompanied by residentiary intent.
In addition, a separate North Carolina statute affords tuition rate benefits to certain military personnel and their dependents even though not qualifying for the in-state tuition rate by reason of 12 months legal residence in North Carolina. Members of the armed services, while stationed in and concurrently living in North Carolina, may be charged a tuition rate lower than the out-of-state tuition rate to the extent that the total of entitlements for applicable tuition costs available from the federal government, plus certain amounts based under a statutory formula upon the in-state tuition rate, is a sum less than the out-of-state tuition rate for the pertinent enrollment. A dependent relative of a service member stationed in North Carolina is eligible to be charged the in-state tuition rate while the dependent relative is living in North Carolina with the service member and if the dependent relative has met any requirement of the Selective Service System applicable to the dependent relative. These tuition benefits may be enjoyed only if the applicable requirements for admission have been met; these benefits alone do not provide the basis for receiving those derivative benefits under the provisions of the residence classification statute reviewed elsewhere in this summary.
Grace Period. If a person (1) has been a bona fide legal resident, (2) has consequently been classified a resident for tuition purposes, and (3) has subsequently lost North Carolina legal residence while enrolled at a public institution of higher education, that person may continue to enjoy the in-state tuition rate for a grace period of 12 months measured from the date on which North Carolina legal residence was lost. If the 12 months ends during an academic term for which the person is enrolled at a State institution of higher education, the grace period extends, in addition, to the end of that term. The fact of marriage to one who continues domiciled outside North Carolina does not by itself cause loss of legal residence, marking the beginning of the grace period.
Minors. Minors (persons under 18 years of age) usually have the domicile of their parents, but certain special cases are recognized by the residence classification statute in determining residence for tuition purposes.
(a) If a minor's parents live apart, the minor's domicile is deemed to be North Carolina for the time period(s) that either parent, as a North Carolina legal resident, may claim and does claim the minor as a tax dependent, even if other law or judicial act assigns the minor's domicile outside North Carolina. A minor thus deemed to be a legal resident will not, upon achieving majority before enrolling at an institution of higher education, lose North Carolina legal residence if that person (1) upon becoming an adult "acts, to the extent that the person's degree of actual emancipation permits, in a manner consistent with bona fide legal residence in North Carolina" and (2) "begins enrollment at an institution of higher education not later than the fall academic term next following completion of education prerequisite to admission at such institution."
(b) If a minor has lived for five or more consecutive years with relatives (other than parents) who are domiciled in North Carolina and if the relatives have functioned during this time as if they were personal guardians, the minor will be deemed a resident for tuition purposes for an enrolled term commencing immediately after at least five years in which these circumstances have existed. If under this consideration a minor is deemed to be a resident for tuition purposes immediately prior to his or her eighteenth birthday, that person on achieving majority will be deemed a legal resident of North Carolina of at least 12 months duration. This provision acts to confer in-state tuition status even in the face of other provisions of law to the contrary; however, a person deemed a resident of 12 months duration pursuant to this provision continues to be a legal resident of the State only so long as he or she does not abandon North Carolina domicile.
Lost but Regained Domicile. If a student ceases enrollment at or graduates from an institution of higher education while classified a resident for tuition purposes and then both abandons and reacquires North Carolina domicile within a 12-month period, that person, if he or she continues to maintain the reacquired domicile into re-enrollment at an institution of higher education, may re-enroll at the in-state tuition rate without having to meet the usual 12-month durational requirement. However, any one person may receive the benefit of the provision only once.
Change of Status. A student admitted to initial enrollment in an institution (or permitted to re-enroll following an absence from the institutional program which involved a formal withdrawal from enrollment) must be classified by the admitting institution either as a resident or as a nonresident for tuition purposes prior to actual enrollment. A residence status classification once assigned (and finalized pursuant to any appeal properly taken) may be changed thereafter (with corresponding change in billing rates) only at intervals corresponding with the established primary divisions of the academic year.
Transfer Students. When a student transfers from one North Carolina public institution of higher education to another, he or she is treated as a new student by the institution to which he or she is transferring and must be assigned an initial residence status classification for tuition purposes.
Appeal Procedure. A student may request a review of decisions by the Undergraduate Admissions Office or Office of the Registrar relating to in-state or out-of-state residence for tuition purposes through the Auxiliary Services Office. Appeals should be submitted in writing, and must include address, telephone number and student I.D. number. Graduate student appeals should be submitted to the Graduate School.
========================================================================UNDERGRADUATES
======================================================================== Resident Non-Resident ________________________________________________________________________ 0 Hrs. $183.00 $993.00 ________________________________________________________________________ 1-5 Hrs. 183.00 993.00 ________________________________________________________________________ 6-8 Hrs. 369.50 1990.50 ________________________________________________________________________ 9-11 Hrs. 634.50 3065.50 ________________________________________________________________________ 12 or more Hrs. 729.50 3971.50 ======================================================================== ========================================================================GRADUATES
======================================================================== Resident Non-Resident ________________________________________________________________________ 0 Hrs. (Thesis Only) $161.00 $566.00 ________________________________________________________________________ 0 Hrs. 183.00 993.00 ________________________________________________________________________ 1-2 Hrs. 183.00 993.00 ________________________________________________________________________ 3-5 Hrs. 278.00 1899.00 ________________________________________________________________________ 6-8 Hrs. 465.50 2896.50 ________________________________________________________________________ 9 or more Hrs. 729.50 3971.50 ========================================================================
Post-baccalaureate students who are taking only
undergraduate
courses will pay tuition and fees at the undergraduate rate. Post-
baccalaureate students taking one or more graduate credit courses
will pay tuition and fees at the graduate rate for all courses.
The following Student Activities Fees are included in the full-time
tuition and fee amounts. Fees per semester are:
Educational and Technology...............................$38.00 Activity Facility.........................................60.00 Student Center Facilities.................................10.00 Student Activity..........................................18.00 Student Center Operating..................................54.00 Physical Education Facilities..............................6.00 Health Center.............................................46.00 Athletic.................................................103.00 Intramural................................................10.50 Student I.D................................................1.00 Telephone Registration.....................................1.00 Total fees per full-time student, per semester..........$347.50
Residence Hall Apartment...................$967.00 to $1,122.00 Residence Hall -- Double Room...........................$835.00 Residence Hall -- Single Room (if available)..........$1,151.00 21-Meal Plan............................................$795.00 15-Meal Plan............................................$795.00 5-Any Meal Plan.........................................$328.00 Meal Plan (Declining Balance)...........................$500.00
Special Assessments. During 1994-95, the following special assessments were charged to cover the cost of supplies or special materials (per semester, except where indicated otherwise):
Nursing Malpractice Insurance............................$12.50 (per academic year) National League for Nursing Achievement Test (per test).............................................$27.00 Scuba Diving (HPED 2219).................................$60.00 Advanced Scuba Diving (HPED 2220)........................$35.00 Applied Music Fee (1 credit hour)........................$45.00 Applied Music Fee (2 credit hours).......................$90.00 College of Engineering student fee 1-7 hours (per academic year)..........................$76.00 8 hours or more (per academic year).................$150.00 Teacher Certification Fee................................$30.00 Cooperative Education Fee................................$65.00 Architecture Major General Student Fee (per academic year)....................................$70.00 International Student Fee (per academic year)...........$100.00
Application Fee. A $35 application fee must be submitted with the application for admission. The fee is not deductible and is not refundable.
New Student Fee. All new degree-seeking undergraduate students (freshmen and transfers) will be required to pay a one-time $35 new student fee.
Housing Deposit. Admission to UNC Charlotte does not guarantee residence hall space. Arrangements for on-campus housing are made, after admission, with the Director of Residence Life. On-campus housing is not available for married students.
All housing applications must be submitted with a $100 deposit. The deposit is refundable, minus any outstanding damages and charges, upon departure from the residence life system. No deposits for fall semester are refunded after May 15. No refunds for spring semester are made after November 30. All students living in the residence halls will have an $8 Residence Hall Association fee included in their semester housing charges.
Student Activities Fee. A part of the general fee provides students with a program of cultural, recreational and entertainment activities. It pays for admission to many athletic contests, dramatic productions, activities sponsored by the University Program Board, social and entertainment functions, and for subscriptions to the campus newspaper and literary magazine.
Graduation Fee. Each member of the graduating class must pay a graduation fee of $25 at the time he/she applies for the degree. This fee includes the cost of the diploma and the cap and gown. No reduction of the fee is allowed for those receiving degrees in absentia. For graduate students, the cost of renting a hood is in addition to the $25 charge.
Credit By Examination Fee. Fees for credit by examination are as follows: A written examination for a course will require a fee of $15. A laboratory examination requiring the arrangement of such things as laboratory materials will require a fee of $25. A combination of a laboratory and written examination will require a fee of $30.
Tuition Surcharge. Undergraduate students who take more than 140 credit hours (or more than 110% of the hours required to complete their baccalaureate degree program) are subject to a 25% tuition surcharge on the excess hours taken. However, the surcharge will not apply to students who exceed these credit hour limits while completing their degree within the equivalent of four academic years, or in the case of five-year programs, within the equivalent of five academic years. Finally, the surcharge does not apply to students who entered the University before Fall 1994.
The Motor vehicle registration fees for commuter, resident, faculty and staff members (subject to change):
$130 per year (fall semester through summer) $85 beginning spring semester through summer $50 beginning with a summer term and ending with the beginning of the next fall semester $50 for night students each semester in commuter parking areas after 3 p.m. $15 for additional vehicle(s) $4 for a replacement sticker with the presentation of remnants of old decal.
Night decals are valid in any commuter lot after 3 p.m. Cars with night decals must be parked at meters or visitor parking deck from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Penalties for Parking Violations. Violators of University parking regulations are subject to monetary penalties of $5 to $100, depending on the seriousness of the violation. If not paid in five working days, the penalty will be applied to the student's account with the University. Subsequent registration may be withheld for non-payment.
Appeals of parking tickets must be submitted in writing within 5 working days. Forms are available and should be submitted to the Traffic Department, 175 Auxiliary Services Building.
Tuition and Fees Refunds
A student who officially withdraws from the University will receive a refund as follows:
After the first four weeks, tuition and fees are not refundable. Exception: Charges are refundable by administrative action on a prorated basis for the unexpired portion of the term for the following reasons: death of the student, withdrawal for adequate medical reason as certified by the University student health center or family doctor, death in the immediate family which necessitates student withdrawal, and dismissal or suspension from school. Appropriate documentation must be submitted to the Registrar.
Summer School: A student who officially withdraws from the University as indicated below will receive a refund of the full amount paid less a registration fee of $10: regular summer session, during the first five class days; three-week session, during the first three days; two-week session, during the first two class days. Summer school housing charges are refundable on a prorata basis, based on the number of weeks occupied. No other refunds are authorized except as follows: death of student, withdrawal for adequate medical reason as certified by the University student health center or family doctor, death in the immediate family which necessitates student withdrawal, and dismissal or suspension from school.
Housing Refunds The rental period for academic-year contracts is for the entire academic year (fall and spring semesters) continuing until the end of the spring semester, regardless of occupancy date after the fall semester begins. The housing and dining contract binds the student and/or guarantor to the full amount of charges for housing for the academic year except as noted: Effect of Cancellation
If cancellation date is: Student is charged: a. By 5:00 p.m. May 15 No Charge for fall semester or (deposit refunded) 5:00 p.m. November 30 for spring semester b. From May 15 to one week $100 (Deposit prior to published housing forfeiture) opening date (fall); or December 1 to one week prior to housing opening date (spring) c. Cancellation within four week 50% of total housing period beginning the week prior charges. to the established housing opening date (fall or spring) d. From the end of the four Housing fee for week period to the end of entire semester. the semester.Note: Withdrawals from UNC Charlotte for academic or medical reasons will be refunded based on a prorata share of housing and dining. Cancellation dates for 12-month and summer school housing are different from the academic year cancellation dates. All dates are defined in detail in the specific housing contract of interest. Be sure to read the contract carefully.
Appeal Procedure Appeals to the tuition, housing and dining refund policies should be submitted in writing to Student Accounts, UNC Charlotte, Charlotte, NC 28223. Appeals are heard on a monthly schedule by the Tuition, Housing and Dining Appeal Committee.
The University offers a comprehensive program of student financial aid (scholarships, grants, loans and part-time employment) to assist both graduate and undergraduate students in meeting educational expenses. Reasonable educational expenses include tuition and fees, room and board, books, supplies, transportation, miscellaneous personal expenses and expenses related to maintenance of a student's dependents.
Eligibility. The programs of student financial aid are administered according to a nationally accepted policy that the family, meaning parents (or those acting in place of parents) and/or spouse, is responsible for a student's educational expenses. Therefore, eligibility for financial aid will be determined by a comparison of a budget (educational expenses as defined above) for the period of attendance with what the student's family can reasonably be expected to contribute.
A financial aid applicant will be considered for available assistance for which he/she is eligible if the student:
Federal Direct Student Loans
Federal Pell Grant*
Federal Perkins Loan
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant*
Federal Work Study
N.C. Student Incentive Grant*
University Grants
University Loans
University Need-based Scholarships
* For undergraduate students only.
Renewal Process Renewal of financial aid is based upon a student's making satisfactory academic progress. The Free Federal Application for Financial Aid is required each year that a student applies for financial aid.
Financial Aid Programs Loans
Loans
Federal Perkins Loan--Applicants may request amounts based on financial need up to a total of $15,000 for a four-year degree and an aggregate total of $30,000 for graduate study. The interest rate is 5 percent, with repayment beginning nine months after graduation. To apply, an individual must complete the Financial Aid Form.
Federal Direct Stafford Loans--Qualified undergraduate applicants may borrow up to $2,625 for the first year, $3,500 for the second year, and up to $5,500 per year for the remainder of undergraduate study. Graduate students may borrow up to $8,500 per year. The interest rate is variable, and repayment begins six months after the borrower ceases to be a student.
Short-Term Emergency Loans--Students may borrow up to $150 for unanticipated expenses which occur during the semester and up to $600 for tuition expenses. The loans have a $1 service charge, but no interest is charged. Loans must be repaid within 30 to 60 days. Funds for these loans are provided by private donation.
Grants
Federal Pell Grants
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant--These are for undergraduate students and range from $200 to about $1,000. Eligibility is based on financial need and is determined within the UNC Charlotte Financial Aid Office.
North Carolina Minority Presence Grant Program--Under the University of North Carolina Board of Governors general Minority Presence Grant Program, Part I - provides for grants to white students at predominately black institutions and to black students at predominately white institutions who are residents of North Carolina, are enrolled for at least three hours of degree credit coursework, and demonstrate financial need; Part II - provides funds for grants to Native Americans and other minority students at the constituent institutions of the University of North Carolina who are residents of North Carolina, are enrolled for at least three hours of degree credit coursework, and demonstrated financial need.
UNCC Grants--UNC Charlotte administers several other grant programs funded by the State of North Carolina and requires North Carolina residency for consideration. These are available to both graduate and undergraduate students who apply by the established priority date of April 1.
Employment. The Student Employment Office assists students in locating work on campus. The University participates in the federal Work-Study Program and attempts to match students with jobs related to their academic interests.
The Student Employment Office assists students in obtaining part-time employment on campus, full-time or summer employment off campus and, whenever possible, endeavors to relate work experience to career objectives. Job listings and assistance are available in the Student Employment Office in the King Building.
Education for the Vocationally Handicapped. Students who have suffered a disability which renders them vocationally handicapped are eligible for aid provided by the North Carolina State Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. This aid takes the form of services which include vocational counseling and guidance and placement. Payment of expenses such as training, medical treatment, room and board, books, fees and tuition may be available. A vocational rehabilitation officer is available in Charlotte for interviewing applicants. Appointments may be made by contacting Vocational Rehabilitation Services located at 1928 E. Independence Blvd., (704) 342-6218.
Veterans Benefits. The Office of the Registrar works with the Veterans Administration to assist in administering the various programs of benefit to veterans or eligible relatives of veterans. The veterans clerk in the Registrar's Office certifies enrollment and transmits necessary credentials and information to the proper Veterans Administrative Office.
Admission to the University should be obtained before the student makes application for veteran's benefits. Applicants must be accepted into a degree program to receive benefits.
In order to be eligible for the full monthly allowance under any of the above laws, an undergraduate student must be enrolled for 12 or more semester hours and a graduate student must be enrolled for nine or more semester hours. Those enrolled on a part-time basis will be eligible for part-time compensation. Students are responsible for reporting any change in enrollment status to the veterans clerk in the Registrar's Office.
Children of Veterans. The North Carolina Department of Veterans Affairs awards scholarships for the children of certain deceased or disabled veterans. Those awarded "full" scholarships are entitled to tuition, mandatory fees, board allowance and room allowance; those awarded "limited" scholarships are entitled to tuition and mandatory fees. All inquiries should be referred to the North Carolina Division of Veterans Affairs, 227 East Edenton St., Raleigh, NC 27601, telephone (919) 733-3851.
Before the time of registration, each eligible student who wishes to enter The University should: (1) apply for admission following University procedures, and (2) apply for a scholarship award to the North Carolina Department of Veterans Affairs.
Alumni Scholarships
Cameron Scholarships
Colvard Scholarships
Bonnie E. Cone Scholarships
Fretwell Scholarships
Cameron Morrison
Stone Scholarships
The Alumni Scholarships for Merit are awarded annually to continuing students of the University who have proven outstanding scholastic attainment, participated in University and/or community activities, and demonstrated campus leadership. The scholarships were established in 1978 to recognize outstanding full-time students and to encourage their continuing involvement and interest in the activities of the University. Information concerning the scholarships is distributed to each department and college within the University each year prior to the award and contains material outlining application procedures for the scholarships.
The C.C. Cameron Scholarships established by First Union Corp., honor Mr. C.C. Cameron, who served as chairman of First Union and as chairman of the UNCC Board of Trustees. The purpose of the Cameron Scholars program is to bring outstanding students to UNC Charlotte. Recipients are selected on the basis of academic achievement, demonstrated leadership and service to others. Cameron Scholars are provided financial assistance and work experiences which encourage intellectual growth and stimulate the will to achieve full potential.
The Colvard Scholarships for Merit honor Dr. Dean Wallace Colvard, first chancellor of The University of North Carolina at Charlotte, and his wife, Martha, who were instrumental in founding Friends of UNCC. Dr. and Mrs. Colvard have personified the quest for excellence at UNC Charlotte. The Colvard Scholarships are awarded to applicants judged on the basis of their achievements in high school, college aptitude tests and their promise of making meaningful contributions to society. Their roles as leaders and their service to school and community are weighed carefully.
The Bonnie E. Cone Scholarships for Merit have been endowed by Clara McKay (Mrs. Charles H.) Stone of Charlotte and other friends of Charlotte College. The scholarships honor Dr. Bonnie E. Cone, founder and developer of Charlotte College, from which UNC Charlotte developed. The Bonnie E. Cone Scholarships are awarded annually to students having high moral character and proven scholastic attainment and whose further education at the University will, in the judgment of the scholarship committee, enhance the citizenship of the recipients and advance the service of UNC Charlotte as an institution of excellence.
The Fretwell Scholarshipswere established in 1990 in recognition of Dr. E.K. Fretwell Jr., chancellor of UNC Charlotte from 1979 to 1989. The primary purpose of the awards is to attract students of great potential to the University. The scholarships' founders believe that such students stimulate and challenge fellow students and faculty members. Fretwell Scholarships are awarded to graduating high school seniors based on achievements in school, college aptitude test scores, service to school and community, and potential for leadership and for making meaningful contributions to society.
The Cameron Morrison Scholarships first awarded in 1985, were established as a memorial to former Governor and Mrs. Cameron Morrison. The scholarships recognize those students who are public high school graduates from Mecklenburg and Richmond Counties who seek self-improvement and demonstrate initiative and ability. The awards also are based on financial need and 40 awards of $500 each are made annually. To receive consideration, students must complete the general University application for financial assistance. Continuing students with a 3.0 or higher cumulative grade point average and entering students ranking in the upper 10 percent of their high school graduating class are given preference.
The Clara McKay Stone and Charles H. Stone Scholarships were established in 1986 and first awarded in 1987. Mr. and Mrs. Stone were early supporters and major benefactors of the University. Through their efforts were established the Bonnie Cone Scholarships, the Charles H. Stone Professor of Chemistry, the Charles H. Stone Professors of American History, and the Charles H. Stone Collection of the University Library.
The purpose of the Stone Scholarships is to provide scholarship assistance for worthwhile and deserving students and applicants for admission to the University who have high moral character and whose education at the University will better enable the recipients to live worthwhile and productive lives and to further the service of the University to society. The fund provides both merit awards and awards for students who are deserving, but may not have the ability for high academic attainment, and who are in need of financial assistance in order to further their education at the University.
Detailed information about the scholarships named above, including minimum qualifications, selection processes and the amount of the stipends may be obtained from the Undergraduate Admissions Office.
Need-based and Departmental Scholarships. Numerous other scholarships are administered by the Student Financial Aid Office. In most cases, there is no special application for these scholarships, and all aid applicants will be considered unless the scholarship is noted as an exception. Normally, those students with demonstrated need and a grade point average of 3.5 or better will be considered for scholarships.