University of North Carolina at Charlotte vs Temple University
Torn between these two? Here's how they stack up on what actually matters - what you'll pay, what graduates earn, and which one gives you the better return - all on U.S. Department of Education data.
Data: 2024-25 College Scorecard release
ROI Score Comparison
The Financial Comparison
On the numbers, University of North Carolina at Charlotte comes out ahead: 68/100 to 64/100, a 4-point edge over Temple University. That gap comes from real differences in what each one costs, what its graduates earn, and the debt they leave with.
Start with what you'd actually pay. After aid, University of North Carolina at Charlotte runs $15,435 a year against $28,198 at Temple University - $12,763 more a year, or about $51,052 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, Temple University graduates earn a median $63,727 against $57,289 at University of North Carolina at Charlotte. The cost earns itself back in 9.1 years at University of North Carolina at Charlotte and 8.8 years at Temple University.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave University of North Carolina at Charlotte owing a median $21,500 versus $24,395 at Temple University. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.56 and 0.58 - and the rule of thumb is to keep that under 1.0, meaning debt no bigger than a first year's pay.
Head-to-Head Numbers
| Metric | University of North Carol... | Temple University |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $7,239 | $23,011 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $22,492 | $38,958 |
| Net Price (avg) | $15,435 | $28,198 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $61,740 | $112,792 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $38,600 | $42,200 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $57,289 | $63,727 |
| Graduation Rate | 69.0% | 75.0% |
| Payback Period | 9.1 yr | 8.8 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $21,500 | $24,395 |
| Monthly Payment | $228 | $259 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.56 | 0.58 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 70.3% | 77.1% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 68.6% | 74.8% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 79.6% | 80.4% |
| Enrollment | 24,453 | 20,970 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | University of North ... | Temple University |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $10,357 | $22,694 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $10,668 | $23,431 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $13,690 | $26,534 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $19,822 | $29,397 |
| $110,001+ | $21,761 | $34,947 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | University of North ... | Temple University |
|---|---|---|
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods | $51,384 | $104,311 |
| Computer and Information Sciences | $83,018 | $101,670 |
| Electrical Engineering | $93,953 | $97,839 |
| Registered Nursing | $84,723 | $96,342 |
| Management Information Systems | $95,640 | $75,286 |
| Construction Engineering Technology/Technician | $92,567 | $89,674 |
| Mathematics | $66,450 | $91,330 |
| Mechanical Engineering | $88,265 | $91,131 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic and Treatment | $86,238 | $59,764 |
| Accounting | $76,690 | $85,777 |
| Finance and Financial Management | $74,965 | $85,011 |
| Civil Engineering | $83,289 | $82,553 |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $70,654 | $82,570 |
| Chemistry | $60,978 | $78,052 |
| Civil Engineering Technologies/Technicians | $75,611 | $77,673 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | University of North ... | Temple University |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 77 | 56 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 68 | 70 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 62 | 56 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 77 | 85 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 40 | 61 |
| Overall ROI Score | 68 | 64 |
The Verdict
It's close. University of North Carolina at Charlotte edges out Temple University by 4 points (68 vs 64), but that's slim enough that your major and your own aid offers will decide this more than the ROI score does. Run your actual numbers in the calculator below before you call it.
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University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Fair Value - Full profile and breakdown
Temple University
Fair Value - Full profile and breakdown
Data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, as of 2024-2025. Earnings are measured 6 and 10 years after enrollment. Net prices reflect average aid for first-time, full-time students.See full methodology.