Studying at the University of North Carolina at Asheville
The University of North Carolina at Asheville appears in our ranking of the 50 Most Technologically Advanced Small Colleges..
Those considering enrolling in a program at the University of North Carolina at Asheville may choose from undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as certificate programs. There are three divisions at UNC Asheville that include the Division of Humanities, the Division of Natural Sciences, and the Division of Social Sciences.
Some of the popular programs at the university include degrees in psychology, business administration, environmental studies, mass communication, and public health. The student-faculty ratio is 13:1, and about 47 percent of the university’s classes have fewer than 20 students. The school’s freshman retention rate is 76 percent, which means about three-quarters of first-year students elect to return for their second year.
The majority of programs at the university are undergraduate programs, but the school does offer a graduate program, which is its Master of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Students can also earn a certificate in this area. In the program, students can study five different topics like environmental and cultural sustainability, humanities & creative writing, or climate change & society.
Online degrees from the University of North Carolina at Asheville are offered in partnership with the other member schools of the University of North Carolina, as well as other institutions of higher learning in the state. Popular fields of study for students online include agriculture, business, education, and information technology. Other popular programs include those in the behavioral sciences, criminal justice & law, engineering, and nursing.
Bachelor of Arts programs at the University of North Carolina at Asheville are offered in a wide range of topics that include chemistry, drama, mass communication, anthropology, and art. Some programs allow students to choose a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, or Bachelor of Fine Arts curriculum. Those programs include chemistry, which features a B.A. and B.S. option and art, which is offered as a B.A. and B.F.A.
Students who aren’t interested in enrolling in a full degree program can choose from two certificates beyond the Certificate in Liberal Arts and Sciences. Options include a Certificate in Contemplative Inquiry and a Certificate in Food, Food Systems, and Culture.
About the University of North Carolina at Asheville
The University of North Carolina at Asheville is a public university that is also the only liberal arts institution of higher learning in the state. The university was established in 1927, and its motto is “I Lift My Eyes to the Mountains.” The official colors of the university are white and blue, and students participate in NCAA Division I games within the Big South Conference. Students are nicknamed the Bulldogs in their games.
When the university was founded, it was known as Buncombe County Junior College, and it was part of the local public school system. In recent years, the university has received recognition by publications like “The Princeton Review” as one of the nation’s “Best Schools for Making an Impact.” The university has around 4,200 students attending with an academic staff of 310 part-time and full-time instructors.
The University of North Carolina at Asheville Accreditation Details
The University of North Carolina at Asheville is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and was last accredited in 2012. The school goes through the reaccreditation process every ten years. The university is also a member institution of the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges. The university is also accredited by four agencies that approve specific programs and which are recognized by the Department of Education.
The Management and Accountancy Department and its programs are accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. The Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology has accredited the school’s engineering program in mechatronics. The American Chemical Society has approved the Chemistry Department, and the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation has accredited the Department of Education.
The University of North Carolina at Asheville Application Requirements
Students interested in admission to the University of North Carolina at Asheville will need to complete the application form and submit an application fee of $75. Also required are high school transcripts sent to the university directly from the student’s high school. Applicants who were home-schooled must have a copy of their Home School Eligibility Certification from the Division of Non-Public Instruction in North Carolina.
Also required are official standardized test scores, a Counselor/Teacher Statement, and a High School Transcript Supplement. Students may elect to participate in the Jump Start Program, which offers students extra support and advising during their first year of study. Students who are not offered admission to the university can appeal the decision by contacting their assigned Admissions Counselor.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Tuition and fees at the University of North Carolina at Asheville depend on how many credits a student takes each semester and whether they’re a resident of the state or from out-of-state. Residents with a full-time schedule of 12 credits will pay $3,615.25 per semester, and non-residents who take 12 credits will pay $12,289.25 per semester. Students can apply for the Fixed Tuition Program, which keeps the student’s tuition rate constant for eight continuous semesters.
Graduate students who enroll in full-time study of 9 to 11 credit hours will pay $4,011.25 if they’re from North Carolina or $12,172.25 if they’re from outside the state. Half-time graduate students will pay $2,021.88 if they’re residents or $6,102.38 if they’re non-residents. Those who enroll in undergraduate distance learning programs will pay $157.06 per credit as in-state residents or $743.14 per credit for out-of-state status. Graduate residents will pay $258.68 for in-state tuition or $1,058.78 for out-of-state tuition.
Need-based and achievement-based financial aid awards are available to students at the University of North Carolina at Asheville. Students must apply for financial aid and will need to officially accept their award once they have received that information from UNC Asheville. Aid types include loans, grants, scholarships, and student employment. Students should submit a FAFSA form to qualify for a range of financial aid options.
Students who demonstrate academic excellence through a high grade point average or high scores on standardized tests may qualify for participation in the Pisgah Scholars Program. High extracurricular engagement or a strong record of community service may also qualify a new student at the University of North Carolina at Asheville for the scholarship program.