With about 3,300 students from 43 states and 17 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, the headquarters of the Council of Liberal Arts and Colleges (COPLAC), offers more than 30 majors leading to the bachelor of arts, bachelor of science and bachelor of fine arts degrees.
For more information on student admissions, enrollment demographics, completion rates, financial aid, graduates, employees, and much more, see the University’s data dashboards.
Academics
- Average Lecture/Seminar Class Size: 20
- Average Lab/Studio Class Size: 18
- Student-faculty ratio: 13:1
- Most Popular Majors by Enrollment (Fall 2020): Psychology, Environmental Studies, Mass Communication, Biology, Management, Computer Science, and Health and Wellness Promotion
- Fulbright Awards: 49 students and alumni have been awarded the prestigious Fulbright Scholarships
- Undergraduate Research: About 70 percent 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 30 years ago.
- Study Abroad and Study Away: About 20 percent of students take advantage of learning opportunities in other countries while enrolled at UNC Asheville.
- Faculty: 220 full-time faculty members, 87 percent with terminal degrees
- COPLAC: UNC Asheville is the headquarters for the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges, an 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: 46 percent of degree-seeking undergraduates live on campus
- Athletics: 16 NCAA Division 1 teams
- Student Groups: More than 60 clubs and organizations, ranging from honor societies to intramural sports
- Intercultural Center & Office of Multicultural Affairs: The Intercultural Center houses comfortable spaces for meetings, social events and programs involving such diverse groups as Alliance, (ASIA) Asheville Students Interested in Asia, Black Students Association, Hermanos Orgullos en Las Americas (HOLA) and Hillel.
- The Sherrill Center: Wilma M. Sherrill Center is the university’s largest facility, offering a range of academic and outreach programs focused on healthy living and wellness promotion. The center is home to the Kimmel Arena and 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 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.
Admission
Visit unca.edu/apply to apply and learn more about application requirements and deadlines.
Tuition & Financial Aid
Visit our Tuition & Fees page for cost information. More than 68 percent of students receive financial aid, with more than 70 percent of financial need met for an average recipient.
Rankings
Visit our Rankings page for university accolades.
Annual Report
Read our 2018-19 Annual Report to learn more about UNC Asheville’s academics, initiatives, and achievements.
*as of fall 2020