Facts and Figures
With about 3,600 students from 38 states and 24 countries, UNC Asheville is one of the nation's top public liberal arts universities and one of the 17 institutions in the University of North Carolina system. UNC Asheville offers more than 30 majors leading to the bachelor of arts, bachelor of science and master of liberal arts degrees.
Here are a few more facts and figures.
Academics
Average Class Size: 19
Most Popular Majors by Enrollment: Psychology, Environmental Studies,Interdisciplinary Studies, Literature and Art
Fulbright Awards: 37 students have received the prestigious award
Undergraduate Research: More than half of students complete original research in their field of study through the University's nationally recognized Undergraduate Research Program. UNC Asheville founded the National Conference on Undergraduate Research more than 25 years ago.
Study Abroad and Study Away: 16 percent of students take advantage of learning opportunities in other states and countries while enrolled at UNC Asheville.
Student Athlete Graduation Rate: UNC Asheville student-athletes have one of the highest graduation rates in the NCAA. Our student-athletes on athletic scholarships who play all four years at UNC Asheville have a 99 percent graduation rate.
Faculty: 214 full-time faculty members, 84 percent with terminal degrees
COPLAC: UNC Asheville is the headquarters for the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges, a 27-member organization of state-supported liberal arts colleges that recognize the importance of liberal arts and sciences education for success in a complex global society.
Campus Life
Residence Halls: 39 percent of degree-seeking undergraduates live on campus, while another third live within a one-mile radius of campus.
Athletics: 15 NCAA Division 1 teams
Student Groups: More than 60 clubs and organizations, ranging from honor societies to intramural sports
Intercultural Center & Office of Multicultural Student Programs: The Intercultural Center houses comfortable spaces for meetings, social events and programs involving such diverse groups as Alliance, Black Students Association, International Student Association, Asian Students in Asheville, Herman@s Orgullos@s en Las Americas (HOLA) and Hillel.
The Sherrill Center: Wilma M. Sherrill Center is the university's newest and largest facility, offering a range of academic and outreach programs focused on healthy living and wellness promotion. The center is home to the academic Department of Health and Wellness, with classrooms, dedicated space for undergraduate research, a high-tech teaching/demonstration kitchen, and research and learning labs.The Sherrill Center includes an expansive fitness center, a biofeedback lab and meditation room, and the Wellness Café.
Kimmel Arena: The new Kimmel Arena, which is part of the Sherrill Center, can seat up to 3,800 people for concerts, commencements, convocations, lectures, intercollegiate men’s and women’s basketball games, health fairs, and community events.
Kudos
UNC Asheville is among just 75 institutions nationwide noted as a "Best Value" public college. - The Princeton Review's "Best Value Colleges: 2013 Edition" (February 2013) . See the news release about the Princeton Review ranking.
UNC Asheville now ranks seventh in the nation among Public Liberal Arts Colleges, and is the only North Carolina institution listed among National Liberal Arts Colleges whose students graduate with the least amount of debt. - U.S. News & World Report's "Best Colleges 2013" (September 2012).
UNC Asheville offers a "top-notch academic experience," and, based on student survey responses, Asheville is ranked 11th in the nation on the "college city gets high marks" list. - The Princeton Review's "The Best 377 Colleges - 2013 Edition" (August 2012)
UNC Asheville ranked 21st in the nation as a "Best Buy College," based on quality of teaching, career prospects, graduation rates, and student debt level.Of the eight universities in North Carolina that made the list, only UNC-Chapel Hill, at 13th, ranked higher than UNC Asheville. Rankings prepared by the Center for College Affordability and Productivity. - Forbes Magazine (August 2012)
"UNC Asheville and the city of Asheville are steeped in whitewater culture more than anywhere else in the world... Aside from their long list of first descents and race wins, UNC Asheville alums and professors also give back to the paddling community."- "Honor Roll: The Best Outdoor Schools in the Blue Ridge," Blue Ridge Outdoors (August 2012)
UNC Asheville is "one of the best educational bargains in the country." For nine consecutive years, UNC Asheville's Environmental Studies Program has been named to the list of pre-professional programs with unusual strength in preparing students for careers. - The Fiske Guide to Colleges, 2013 Edition (July 2012)
UNC Asheville is listed among America's "green" colleges and universities. - The Princeton Review's "Guide to 322 Green Colleges for 2012" (April 2012)
UNC Asheville is one of the nation's best values in public colleges, with the fifth lowest total cost of attending for in-state students, and the sixhth lowest average debt among graduates. - Kiplinger's Personal Finance Magazine (online, December 2012)
Admissions
Middle 50 percent of incoming freshmen SAT score: 1110-1260 (Fall 2012)
Annual In-State Tuition and Fees: $5,866 (2012-13)
Annual Out-of-State Tuition and Fees: $19,682 (2012-13)
Average Annual Housing and Meal Plan Fees: $7,584 (2012-13)
Financial Aid: More than 60 percent of students receive financial aid, with more than 79 percent of students' financial need met.