Facts and Figures
With about 3,700 students from 42 states and 19 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: 20
Most Popular Majors by Enrollment: Psychology, Literature, Environmental Studies, Health & Wellness Promotion, 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: 17 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: 211 full-time faculty members, 87% with terminal degrees
COPLAC: UNC Asheville is the headquarters for the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges, a 25-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: About one-third of students live on campus, while another third live within a one-mile radius of campus.
Athletics: 14 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, Hermanas Orgullosos 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 listed among America's "green" colleges and universities. - The Princeton Review's "Guide to 322 Green Colleges for 2012" (April 2012)
UNC Asheville is among just 75 institutions nationwide noted as a "Best Value" public college. - The Princeton Review's "2011 Best Value Colleges" (February 2012)
UNC Asheville is one of the nation's 50 best values in public colleges, with the fifth lowest total cost of attending per year, and the eighth lowest average debt among graduates. - Kiplinger's Personal Finance Magazine (January 2012)
UNC Asheville ranks eighth 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 "America's Best Colleges" (September 2011)
UNC Asheville offers a "top-notch academic experience," and, based on student survey responses, Asheville is ranked among the Top 20 "Great College Towns" in the nation - The Princeton Review's "The Best 376 Colleges - 2012 Edition" (August 2011)
UNC Asheville ranked 26th in the nation as a "Best Buy College," based on quality of teaching, career prospects, graduation rates, and student debt level. Rankings prepared by the Center for College Affordability and Productivity. - Forbes Magazine (August 2011)
UNC Asheville is "one of the best educational bargains in the country." For eight consecutive years, UNC Asheville's Environmental Studies Program has been named to the list of pre-professional program with unusual strength in preparing students for careers. - The Fiske Guide to Colleges, 2012 Edition (July 2011)
UNC Asheville is one of America's "10 Best Colleges for the Money." - Bankrate.com, a leading online source of financial information (June 2011)
UNC Asheville is among just 21 small state schools on the "College A-List" for offering a "a big-league education."
- Parade magazine (2010)
UNC Asheville is one of the top green colleges in the Southeast. - Blue Ridge Outdoors (2010)
Admissions
Middle 50% of incoming freshmen SAT score: 1090-1250 (Fall 2011)
Annual In-State Tuition and Fees: $5,393 (2011-12)
Annual Out-of-State Tuition and Fees: $19,025 (2011-12)
Average Annual Housing and Meal Plan Fees: $7,302 (2011-12)
Financial Aid: More than half of students receive financial aid, with more than 85 percent of students' financial need met.