Two years ago, Syracuse native, Morgan Tanner, was drawn to the bustling energy and mild climate of Charlotte, North Carolina. Like many area professionals, she took the opportunity to earn her master’s degree at Northeastern University—Charlotte.
“I wanted a city that was thriving, so that’s why I chose Charlotte,” says Tanner, who decided to study higher education in an effort to improve her marketability to the local educational institutions that were hiring. “More people [and] businesses are moving here every single day, [and] there are so many things to do.”
Alongside the social benefits of a growing city, a move to Charlotte may be strategic for students with specific areas of interest because of the many thriving industries in the area. Specifically, students pursuing business, education, government and civic engagement, healthcare, leadership and management, or science, technology, and engineering will likely find exciting, local opportunities for employment post-graduation.
Read on to learn more about what is drawing people to Charlotte, and how a degree from Northeastern University—Charlotte can provide you with the professional network and hands-on experience needed to stand out in a competitive job market.
Highlights of Living and Learning in Charlotte
- Diverse Community: Charlotte offers a youthful and diverse community that has attracted many transplants to the state
- Lower Cost of Living: Educational costs, like tuition, books, and housing are affordable in Charlotte, making it a great city for students
- Experiential Learning Opportunities: Northeastern’s Charlotte campus offers experiential learning opportunities throughout the city
Why is Charlotte a good place to live?
Known as the Queen City, Charlotte is rich in activities. Locals enjoy everything from craft brews to outdoor marketplaces, international art exhibits, 17,600 acres of park space, plus a chance to cheer on the region’s professional basketball team, the Charlotte Hornets.
“Charlotte has so much to offer, especially for young professionals,” Tanner says, and Kim Leaston, a member of Northeastern University in Charlotte’s enrollment team, agrees.
“The city is so diverse and there’s no cookie-cutter anything,” Leaston explains. “You’re appreciated for who you are and what you bring to the city… and [that] diverse culture attracts students from around the world.”
A Glimpse at The Population: Charlotte’s population consists of 53 percent of residents who are 18- to 34 years old, and nearly 40% are non-caucasian. As of 2022, Charlotte has awarded 14,713 degrees and 6865 completed.
“Charlotte has a great vibe,” Leaston adds. “We’re going through a huge scooter craze in the city so you can grab a scooter or jump on the light rail and check out anything, and many events are free. There are musicals and street performers almost every day.”
Perhaps the greatest appeal of the Charlotte area, however, is the wealth of varied career opportunities for local and transplant residents alike. “There are many opportunities to earn a degree or certificate program and get that independence and career you’ve been looking for here,” Leaston explains.
Discover Northeastern University—Charlotte
Learn more about the industry-aligned graduate programs designed to help working professionals achieve their career goals.
In-demand jobs in Charlotte
“In Charlotte, the job market is constantly growing,” Leaston says. “The joke is that our city flower should be the construction cone because new buildings are popping up everywhere.” The city has also attracted major employers in the last few years, a trend that is continuing unabated. According to the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance, 13 firms have recently announced expansion or relocation plans to Charlotte.
Charlotte’s booming healthcare industry is a key contributor to the city’s economic growth, with top hospitals and healthcare providers establishing a strong presence in the region. Home to several renowned medical centers, such as Atrium Health and Novant Health, the city offers a wealth of career opportunities in fields ranging from clinical practice to healthcare administration. As the population continues to rise, so does the demand for skilled professionals, making healthcare one of the most dynamic and essential sectors in Charlotte’s thriving job market.
The financial and tech sectors in Charlotte are also strong. Charlotte is the home to Lowe’s Home Improvement global technology center and Duke Energy’s innovation center, and Alliance Research data also found that tech jobs in Charlotte increased by 30% since 2013, which is twice the national average rate.
For those interested in the finance and technology industry, the Charlotte job market offers various career opportunities that can lead to professional success.
Fast Facts: In the second quarter of 2022, 19,900 new jobs were created in the Charlotte region . This has contributed to the region’s high annualized net new job growth, which is outpacing the national average. What’s more, between 2022 to 2023, Charlotte’s population has increased 1.7%, making it one of the fastest growing large cities.
Career opportunities in Charlotte
Charlotte is the second-largest banking hub after Wall Street, and is home to Bank of America and Wells Fargo, alongside many smaller banks. More than 40 financial technology firms—including AvidXchange and Lending Tree—are based in the city as well, as Lowe’s Home Improvement, Duke Energy, Nucore, Bright House Financial, and Sonic Automotive.
Northeastern University in Charlotte affords students entry to this established business community by strategically aligning its programs with regional employers. “As a career-driven campus, Northeastern University—Charlotte offers students exceptional opportunities to get out into the workforce,” Leaston says.
Cost of Living in Charlotte
The low cost of living is another appealing aspect of this southern city.
“Charlotte is a metropolitan city with a big city feel, but the cost of living is affordable,” Leaston says. In fact, Yahoo Finance named Charlotte one of the top cities for high pay and low expenses. Charlotte also ranks as one of the most affordable cities in the U.S., with a cost of living that’s approximately 5 percent lower than the national average, based on the C2ER Cost of Living Index.
When planning your academic and professional future, considering the full cost of living is crucial. In Charlotte, not only can you benefit from lower overall expenses, but you’ll also find educational costs such as tuition, books, housing, and transportation are competitively priced. These elements significantly influence your financial planning and day-to-day student life.
Knowing that you can manage these expenses more comfortably in Charlotte allows you to focus more on your studies and less on financial strain. For students, this means potentially less debt and more freedom to engage in opportunities that enhance learning and career growth, making Charlotte an excellent choice for pursuing higher education.
Did You Know: For students, Northeastern’s Office of Global Services estimates that cost of living expenses—such as room & board, books & supplies, and a health plan—to be roughly $13,214 for two semesters in Charlotte, compared to $18,296 in Boston and $19,121 in San Francisco | Bay Area.
Studying with Northeastern University in Charlotte
There are many reasons students may choose to pursue their advanced education in Charlotte, but those who decide to enroll at Northeastern’s Charlotte location specifically will have exposure to an array of opportunities unique to the top university that will help set them on a direct path toward professional success.
Tailored Programs
Northeastern offers an array of programs for students in their Charlotte location that directly correlate with the top industries in the area. Some of the most prominent programs include the Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology and the Master of Public Health degrees, both designed to meet the growing demand for skilled professionals in Charlotte’s thriving healthcare sector.
Experiential Learning
Since moving to the area in 2004, CEO and Founding Regional Dean of Northeastern University—Charlotte, Cheryl Richards, PhD, has forged strong alliances throughout the business and research community. “One of the biggest advantages for students here is the network of connections that Dr. Richards has created,” Leaston says.
Northeastern students can gain practical experience through career-related experiential learning opportunities as part of one of the university’s education partners across the city. Students can participate in co-op programs with well-known employers such as Amazon, Bose, Bristol-Myers Squibb, and Clean Air Carolina. The rich pace of innovation across Charlotte also affords students the chance to acquire deep expertise in fields ranging from cybersecurity to robotics.
Consider Advancing Your Career at Northeastern
Could moving to Charlotte be the best move for your future? Consider earning a degree from Northeastern University—Charlotte and explore the dozens of ways that this region-specific location can strategically prepare you for professional success.
When you choose Northeastern in Charlotte, you position yourself at the intersection of culture and commerce. You can take advantage of leading academic programs that directly align with the local job market. Immerse yourself in a community that values innovation and networking, giving you exceptional access to industry leaders and startup ecosystems.
Take advantage of the opportunity to engage with a diverse academic community deeply integrated with Charlotte’s business environment. At Northeastern, education goes beyond traditional boundaries, blending theory with practical, experiential learning designed to not only educate, but to also empower. As you consider your next steps, think of Northeastern Charlotte not just as a place to learn, but as a launchpad for your future.
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