UNC Asheville

The University of North Carolina at Asheville, one of the 16 universities in the University of North Carolina system, combines strong academics with practical skills from internships, service learning and study abroad/study away for a holistic educational experience. mullenSmall classes, dedicated faculty and a nationally known Undergraduate Research Program foster student innovation and recognition. The university enrolls about 3,400 students in 30 majors leading to the bachelor of arts, bachelor of fine arts and bachelor of science degrees, as well as an engineering degree, B.S.E.-Mechatronics, and the master of liberal arts.

Located in the thriving city of Asheville (population 69,000) in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the university offers a stimulating urban environment and a small-college setting in one of the most scenic areas of the country. Our beautiful location provides the backdrop for “the art of learning at UNC Asheville.”

National Rankings

Location

The scenic 265-acre campus, situated one mile north of downtown Asheville in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, offers the advantages of a city and a small-college environment. The campus is convenient to the malls, shops, restaurants and nightlife of the city, and is served by free city bus transportation daily. Our quiet suburban setting is minutes from some of the country’s most spectacular scenery. The nearby Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Mount Mitchell State Park, Blue Ridge Parkway, and Pisgah and Nantahala national forests provide more than a million acres of public lands for hiking, backpacking, rock climbing, horseback riding, and all types of outdoor adventures, as well as research opportunities for our students in the sciences. The city attracts an eclectic mix of artisans and entertainers, business and professional people, and many who come for the renowned natural beauty and stimulating pace of life—the perfect blend of mountain culture and modern life.

Academics

Students select from more than 30 majors in the Humanities, Natural Sciences, Social Sciences and Pre-Professional areas, including fully accredited teacher licensure programs, the Two-Plus-Two Engineering Program with N.C. State University, and Management and Accountancy degree programs accredited by the AACSB Intrnational—Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. All students take the general education curriculum known as Integrative Liberal Studies, which features the Freshman Colloquium, “clusters,” intensives, Humanities and Arts courses, work in the major and a Senior Colloquium. Special academic opportunities are available, including undergraduate research, Honors Program, study abroad/study away, service-learning and internships.

 

Campus Life

About 60 student organizations meet the social, creative and intellectual needs of our students. This includes departmental clubs, honor societies, service groups, Greek life, theater and musical performance groups, religious organizations and philanthropies, a student newspaper and creative arts magazine, the Student Government Association and Student Leadership Programs. The Highsmith University Union is the hub of campus activities. Recreation, Intramurals and Sport Clubs, all housed in the Health & Fitness Center, are an important aspect of campus life, offering athletic activity, training and fun for students who don’t compete in varsity sports. The Justice Center houses an indoor swimming pool and basketball arena, and the Health & Fitness Center has a weight/fitness room, 1/10-mile indoor track, multipurpose and racquetball courts, dance studio, classrooms and locker rooms. UNCA Outdoors offers kayaking and white-water rafting, rock climbing, horseback riding, camping and backpacking, caving and more, as well as equipment rentals, clinics and the University Bike Shop.

Residence Life

Living in the residence halls puts students in the heart of the UNC Asheville learning community. The halls are convenient to classroom buildings, the dining hall, library and recreation facilities. Residence halls offer the experience of living in a diverse community of 1,200 students and provide unique opportunities for academic and personal growth. They offer standard amenities such as air conditioning, laundry facilities, computer labs, TV lounges and study areas, vending areas and individual mailboxes. Some halls have combination microwave/refrigerators in each room or suite.

Intercollegiate Athletics

The community rallies around UNC Asheville Athletics, an important focal point for campus life. UNC Asheville competes in 14 NCAA Division I sports for men and women: basketball, soccer, tennis, cross country, indoor and outdoor track, women’s volleyball and men’s baseball. Our student athletes have one of the highest graduation rates in the country. Our teams have won conference championships in nearly every sport, and our coaches have received conference Coach of the Year honors in basketball, soccer, volleyball, and track and field. Four teams have advanced to the NCAA national championships: women’s soccer, women’s and men’s basketball and baseball.

Admission Requirements

Admission is competitive. In addition to the minimum course requirements of The University of North Carolina, a successful student profile includes:

Estimated Costs

2007–2008 Tuition & Fees

Housing & Food Service: $6,230

Total

Scholarships and Financial Aid

More than half of our students receive some type of financial aid in the form of scholarships, grants, loans and work-study positions. Merit scholarships are offered through the University Laurels Program. The Leadership Scholars Program, also merit-based, awards students from North Carolina who demonstrate academic and leadership achievement and potential. The North Carolina Teaching Fellows scholarships for talented high school seniors provide $26,000 over four years in exchange for a commitment to teach in the North Carolina public schools after graduation. Our program, one of 18 in the state, is known for its personal approach and unique travel and academic opportunities. For more information, contact the Office of Financial Aid at 828.251.6535 or finaid@unca.edu.