Florida Atlantic University (FAU) vs UNC Charlotte

Florida Atlantic University (FAU) and University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNCC) are two distinct universities with unique offerings. FAU, located in Boca Raton, Florida, boasts a diverse student body and a wide range of academic programs, while UNCC, situated in Charlotte, North Carolina, is known for its strong research focus and vibrant campus life. With acceptance rates of 58% and 73% respectively, both universities offer accessible pathways to higher education. While FAU excels in fields like business, engineering, and nursing, UNCC shines in areas such as engineering, business, and health professions. Explore the detailed comparison table to discover more about the differences in student demographics, graduation rates, and other key aspects that will help you make an informed decision about your academic journey.

	Florida Atlantic University	University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Overview
Location	Boca Raton, Florida	Charlotte, North Carolina
Campus setting	City: Small	City: Large
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Public	Public
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	80.0%	85.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	78.0%	79.4%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $30 Graduate: $30	Undergraduate: $75 Graduate: $75
SAT range	1020 - 1200	1120 - 1320
ACT range	20 - 26	21 - 26
Students submitting SAT score	77.0%	21.0%
Students submitting ACT score	23.0%	54.0%
Total number of applicants	25,148	20,366
Total number of admissions given out	19,617	16,180
Admitted students who chose to enroll	3,925	4,256
Yield rate	20.0%	26.3%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Required
Recommendation letters	Not required	Not required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	In state: $24,605 Out of state: $37,050	In state: $23,716 Out of state: $37,150
Average net price	$8,771	$15,682
Tuition	In state: $2,522 Out of state: $14,374	In state: $3,812 Out of state: $17,246
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $6,100 Meal plan: $3,902	Room/dormitory: $7,322 Meal plan: $4,420
Available payment plans	Prepaid tuition plan Tuition payment plan	Guaranteed tuition plan Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	82.0% Average amount $11,013	61.0% Average amount $7,807
Students receiving federal student loan	28.0% Average amount $4,899	49.0% Average amount $5,311
Students taking out private loans	3.0% Average amount $14,642	7.0% Average amount $14,942

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	24,799 Men 41.9% Women 58.1%	24,116 Men 52.5% Women 47.5%
Graduate students	5,356 Men 38.0% Women 62.0%	6,332 Men 39.4% Women 60.6%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Moderate	Moderate
Out-of-state students	N/A	8.8%
International students	3.8%	5.7%
Campus local/setting	City: Small	City: Large
Dormitory capacity	5,131	5,983
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	N/A	North Carolina South Carolina Virginia New York New Jersey

Academics
Popular study areas	Health Professions Business Education Multidisciplinary Studies Engineering	Education Engineering Health Professions Business Computer and Information Science
Students to faculty ratio	21:1	20:1
Institutional accreditation	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Outcome
Graduation rate	55.4%	65.7%
Dropout rate	11.4%	8.6%
Transferred out	31.1%	23.1%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $88,871 Year 2: $90,061 Year 3: $92,028 Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $74,217 Year 2: $92,632 Year 3: $86,797 Taxation (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $70,866 Year 2: $74,576 Year 3: $79,750 Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $61,854 Year 2: $64,865 Year 3: $74,441 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $61,298 Year 2: $63,600 Year 3: $73,548 Ocean Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $61,746 Year 2: $63,377 Year 3: $73,462 Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $60,965 Year 2: $63,463 Year 3: $72,097 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $65,830 Year 2: $59,688 Year 3: $70,868 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $61,372 Year 2: $64,415 Year 3: $67,956 Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $58,039 Year 2: $58,221 Year 3: $66,720	Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $99,028 Year 2: $123,527 Year 3: $120,396 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $76,492 Year 2: $84,653 Year 3: $90,016 Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $88,922 Year 2: $78,343 Year 3: $88,416 Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $58,378 Year 2: $70,829 Year 3: $79,712 Engineering Technologies/Technicians, Other (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $71,575 Year 3: $74,196 Civil Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $61,022 Year 2: $65,387 Year 3: $73,734 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $67,160 Year 2: $63,898 Year 3: $73,656 Management Information Systems and Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $52,433 Year 2: $60,920 Year 3: $72,989 Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $61,034 Year 2: $60,335 Year 3: $70,327 Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $63,768 Year 2: $62,666 Year 3: $69,749

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the primary differences in location and campus environment between Florida Atlantic University (FAU) and the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNCC)?

FAU is located in Boca Raton, Florida, offering a coastal environment with easy access to beaches and a more relaxed, resort-style atmosphere. UNCC is situated in Charlotte, North Carolina, providing a more urban experience with proximity to a major city's business and cultural opportunities. FAU's campus is generally considered more spread out, while UNCC has a more compact campus layout.
How do the academic programs compare at FAU and UNCC?

Both universities offer a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. UNCC is particularly strong in programs related to business, engineering, and computer science, benefiting from its location in a major financial and technological hub. FAU has notable programs in marine science, ocean engineering, and healthcare, leveraging its location. Both universities offer strong liberal arts programs.
What is the cost of attendance like at FAU versus UNCC?

Generally, both universities offer relatively affordable tuition rates compared to many private institutions. However, specific costs can vary depending on residency status (in-state vs. out-of-state) and the specific program of study. You should consult the official university websites for the most up-to-date tuition and fee information, but in many cases, UNCC may be slightly more affordable for North Carolina residents, while FAU may be more affordable for Florida residents.
How do the student populations and campus cultures differ?

FAU has a more diverse student body, reflecting the demographics of South Florida. UNCC also has a diverse student body, but it may have a slightly different demographic makeup. FAU's campus culture tends to be more laid-back, influenced by its proximity to the beach. UNCC's campus culture is often described as more focused on academics and career preparation, with a strong emphasis on student involvement in campus activities and organizations.
What are the athletic programs like at FAU and UNCC?

Both universities compete in NCAA Division I athletics. FAU's athletic teams, the Owls, compete in Conference USA. UNCC's athletic teams, the 49ers, compete in the American Athletic Conference (AAC). Both schools offer a variety of sports, providing opportunities for student involvement and school spirit. The level of national recognition and success varies by sport at each institution.
How do career services and internship opportunities compare at FAU and UNCC?

Both universities provide robust career services, including career counseling, resume workshops, and job fairs. UNCC, due to its location in Charlotte, offers particularly strong connections to the financial, technology, and healthcare industries, leading to numerous internship and job opportunities in those fields. FAU also has strong industry connections, particularly in healthcare, marine science, and technology, due to its location in South Florida.
What are the housing options like at FAU and UNCC?

Both universities offer on-campus housing options, including residence halls and apartments. The availability and cost of housing can vary. UNCC has a significant number of on-campus housing options to accommodate its large student population. FAU also provides a variety of housing choices, and off-campus housing is readily available near both universities.
How does research and innovation compare at FAU and UNCC?

Both universities are actively involved in research and innovation. UNCC has a strong focus on applied research, particularly in areas like engineering, computer science, and business, often collaborating with local industries. FAU has a strong research presence in areas like marine science, ocean engineering, and biomedical sciences, with research centers and institutes dedicated to these fields. Both universities provide opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students to participate in research projects.
What are the admission requirements like at FAU and UNCC?

Admission requirements, including GPA and standardized test scores (SAT/ACT), are generally similar at both universities, though they may vary slightly depending on the specific program and the applicant's background. Both universities consider a holistic review of applications, taking into account academic performance, extracurricular activities, and essays. It's essential to check the official admissions websites for the most current requirements and deadlines.
Which university is better for me, FAU or UNCC?

The 'better' university depends on your individual preferences and goals. If you prefer a coastal environment, a more relaxed atmosphere, and are interested in programs like marine science or healthcare, FAU might be a better fit. If you prefer an urban environment, strong business and engineering programs, and career opportunities in a major city, UNCC might be a better choice. Consider your academic interests, desired campus culture, and career aspirations when making your decision.

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