For the ninth consecutive year, UNC Asheville has been named a "Best Buy" among American colleges in the well-respected guidebook, The Fiske Guide to Colleges.

In the 2003 edition of the guidebook published in late July, UNCA is among 43 colleges and universities, 21 public and 22 private, that qualified as offering "remarkable educational opportunities at a relatively modest cost."

The guide gave high marks to UNCA's demanding academic climate; faculty accessibility and expertise; small class size; the nationally recognized four-course humanities sequence that all students take; the undergraduate research program; and the athletics program. Other pluses included ample mountain recreational opportunities and comfortable dorm rooms.

"This public liberal arts university offers all of the perks that are generally associated with pricier private institutions: rigorous academics, small classes, and a beautiful setting. And it does it for a fraction of the cost," the Fiske Guide said.

UNC Chapel Hill was the only other institution, public or private, in North Carolina to be named a best buy. Other public colleges and universities on Fiske's Best Buys of 2003 roster include the University of Virginia, Georgia Institute of Technology, Miami University of Ohio, New College of Florida, St. Mary's College of Maryland, the College of William and Mary and the University of Wisconson-Madison.

For more information, contact UNCA's Admissions Office at 828/251-6481 or 800/531-9842. Point your browser to www.unca.edu to visit UNCA on the Web.

Media Contact:

• Merianne Epstein, UNCA Public Information Director, 828/251-6676