About University of North Carolina at Asheville

Founded in 1927, University of North Carolina at Asheville. is a Public college. Located in North Carolina, which is a city setting in North Carolina, the campus itself is Urban. The campus is home to 3,798 full time undergraduate students, and 23 full time graduate students.

The University of North Carolina at Asheville Academic calendar runs on a Semester basis. In the school year the student to faculty ratio was 13:1. There are 224 full time instructional teachers. Degrees awarded at University of North Carolina at Asheville include: Bachelor's Degree, Masters Degree, Post-master's certificate, Doctor's degree.

Quick Facts

Acceptance Rate75%
Application Deadline
Application Fee75
SAT Range1040-1250
ACT Range23-28

Admissions at UNCA are considered Less Selective, with ,20% of all applicants being admitted.

In the school year, of the students who applied to the school, only 19 of those who were admitted eventually ended up enrolling.

95% of incoming freshmen are in the top half of their high school class. 55% were in the top quarter, and 20% were in the top tenth. You can apply online.

STUDENT LIFE Reviews

We asked, and students answered these important questions about student life at University of North Carolina at Asheville.

0%
“We”re apathetic”
6%
“We know about current events and vote”
50%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
44%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
0%
“We save it for the classroom”
16%
“Sometimes, but not often”
66%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
19%
“All the time, including weekends”
0%
“I”m always terrified”
0%
“I only go out in groups”
36%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
64%
“I feel extremely safe”
32%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
42%
“We bought the gear”
26%
“We live for the big game”
0%
“It”s not really our thing”
3%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
29%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
68%
“We”re a very artistic group”
3%
“Haven”t met them”
0%
“Available in class”
53%
“They keep regular office hours”
44%
“They”re always available”
12%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
68%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
21%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
0%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
3%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
42%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
36%
“We only party on weekends”
18%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
3%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
52%
“There might be people who do”
24%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
21%
“There”s a huge drug scene”
0%
“We”re apathetic”
6%
“We know about current events and vote”
50%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
44%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
0%
“We save it for the classroom”
16%
“Sometimes, but not often”
66%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
19%
“All the time, including weekends”
0%
“I”m always terrified”
0%
“I only go out in groups”
36%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
64%
“I feel extremely safe”
32%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
42%
“We bought the gear”
26%
“We live for the big game”
0%
“It”s not really our thing”
3%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
29%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
68%
“We”re a very artistic group”
3%
“Haven”t met them”
0%
“Available in class”
53%
“They keep regular office hours”
44%
“They”re always available”
12%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
68%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
21%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
0%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
3%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
42%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
36%
“We only party on weekends”
18%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
3%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
52%
“There might be people who do”
24%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
21%
“There”s a huge drug scene”
Write a review, Enter to win $1,000 Scholarship
  • How would you rate on-campus housing?

    61 Students rated on-campus housing 3.7 stars. 26 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate off-campus housing?

    45 Students rated off-campus housing 3.6 stars. 0 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus food?

    62 Students rated campus food 3.1 stars. 15 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus facilities?

    63 Students rated campus facilities 4 stars. 29 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate class size?

    63 Students rated class size 4.5 stars. 63 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate school activities?

    63 Students rated school activities 3.7 stars. 32 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate local services?

    63 Students rated local services 4.3 stars. 48 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate academics?

    63 Students rated academics 4.3 stars. 56 % gave the school a 5.0.

University of North Carolina at Asheville REVIEWS

What's your overall opinion of University of North Carolina at Asheville?

25 Students rated University of North Carolina at Asheville

Anna - 03/12/2024

University of North Carolina at Asheville is a large, but homely campus full of interesting people. There were many people milling about and lots of things to do in the area. Everyone we met were very nice and had positive things to say about UNCA. I left with a generally positive impression of the college.

Elijah - 05/20/2021

It is a great environment and I love the school as a whole. It has really given me a sense of involvement in the community and in school in general. The school is great and it allows me to make sure I stay focused on not only my work but making myself a better person.

Hannah - 08/08/2019

I love it here. I love the weather, the atmosphere, the people. Everyone is so laid back and I feel like I can easily connect with people: ) I love my classes and the professors are wonderful. They are all so knowledgable and always available to talk to. Tutoring hours have become very helpful. The professors here actually care about the students, given the fact that the classes are so small.

Zitzia - 05/16/2019

I love UNCA. It is a very beautiful place. The environment there is amazing and you can make friends quickly. It is a small school. Classes have about 20 students. Professors are always trying to help you. When the student body thinks there is something that the faculty members are doing wrong, we get together and have a peaceful protest. The school can provide health and counseling for you if needed. Food on campus isn't that well though. But there are other nearby places you can eat. Overall, the University of North Carolina at Asheville is a pretty wonderful place to go to.

University of North Carolina at Asheville FAQS

  1. What is the Acceptance Rate at University of North Carolina at Asheville?

    The fall 2020 acceptance rate for University of North Carolina at Asheville is 75%. That means, out of _____ applications received in 2020 , _____ students were offered admission. The number of males who applied was _____ vs the number of females which was _____.

  2. What should every freshman at your school know before they start?

    I was really uptight in high school before graduated early and went to California to live in a tent and volunteer with the American Conservation Experience. The four months I spent away from the people I grew up with was life-changing. I realized that I loved traveling, meeting new people, and helping to clean up the environment which is why I am majoring in International Studies and minoring in Environmental Studies. Going to college was easier for me because I realized I could make it on my own. My high school self was insecure. I would tell myself to relax and "you will find your way." I am still finding my way, but with so much more certainty that whatever life throws my way, I will be able to thrive.

    Read all 55 answers
  3. Describe the students at your school.

    My classmates tend to be either disinterested in class or focused on making a really good grade.

    Read all 20 answers
  4. What do you consider the worst thing about your school? Why?

    The worst thing is sometimes the students get so involved the administration sometimes forgets we're students first, not professionals.

    Read all 15 answers
  5. Describe how your school looks to someone who's never seen it.

    A small liberal arts college that is accepting of everyone.

    Read all 14 answers
  6. What is the stereotype of students at your school? Is this stereotype accurate?

    I don't think anyone at our school likes to use stereotypes, but I suppose if you were to "label" students, they would fit more into a "stoner" category. Everyone seems very active in their work, their community, and environmentally friendly. There is also a large spectrum of sexualities.

    Read all 11 answers
  7. What is your overall opinion of this school?

    The school is very into environmental issues and activism. People don't shove it in your face, but you'll notice signs around the school about "going green." If you didn't know a lot about the environment in high school, get ready to be exposed to it in college. You're on stage beginning on day one. This means that the person who sat behind you in psych 101 is the same person your roommate will date junior year and the same person you will go to India with while studying abroad. Now that I am days away from completing my senior year, I am amazed at how many of my friends know each other and at how often I run into people I know all around town. It can be overwhelming at times, but as long as you do not have serious drama with anyone, you'll be fine. Just know that going into it. The administration sometimes needs help or reminders, but no school has a perfect administration. It helps to stay on your graduation checksheet and make sure that all AP credit goes through correctly. I'm graduating a semester early even after studying abroad because I made sure that what I thought I was getting credit for, I really was getting credit for. The people at this school are some of the most creative, funny, and genuinely nice people you will ever meet. There is always something to do---but the fun stuff is off campus. Try to move off campus by your junior year at the latest. But if your friends are still on campus sophomore year, it's okay to stay there, too. Just be aware that you will get sick of the caf food and feel claustrophobic in any dorm.

    Read all 11 answers
  8. What's the one thing you wish someone had told you about freshman year?

    UNCA has high standards for the AP credits that they accept . They don't typically accept lower than a 5 for most courses, although some other schools are known to accept 3's and 4's. Had I known this ahead of time, I might have payed better attention in my AP classes. Also, I wish that I had known the value of meeting one-on-one with professors when I began here. I took me three semesters to discover how much professors are really willing to go out of their way to assist students who simply ask for help.

    Read all 10 answers
  9. What are the academics like at your school?

    Professors will not only learn your name (for the most part), but they will engage in conversations with you in the hall and likely talk about you with other professors. My largest class was about 70, but that professor not only knew the name of every student in the class, but remember a trait about them and would still recognize them years later. Most students love intellectual banter outside of class. At house parties, you'll run into people from your classes all the time and the biggest ice breaker is, "So how about that ___ class? Isn't it interesting?" Also, if you can, join the honors program. The commitment is really minimal but your class choices are a lot more diverse and widespread. I'm a literature major and a lot of the honors seminars are geared toward people who like to read and analyze. Everyone hates the humanities curriculum, but it is part of the core requirements of the course. So just get through it. And take them in the summer if you can--no lectures. Honestly, high school, academically, was harder than college. Because of AP credit, I was not required to take a math, science, foreign language or English class. However, college isn't just about academics. There are going to be lots of transitions throughout your four years--whether from relationship to relationship, apt to apt, or major to major. Just be ready to be more flexible than you've ever been in your entire life.

    Read all 9 answers
  10. What's unique about your campus?

    People are open minded.

    Read all 9 answers
  11. Describe your favorite campus traditions.

    UNC A is a liberal arts school that pushes creativity. As a student, I am encouraged to dialogue with my peers and professors, and our course offerings are awesome!

    Read all 8 answers
  12. What do you brag about most when you tell your friends about your school?

    I brag that I can actually talk and joke around with all of my professors because they are cool. Also, the engineeringprogram here is ran through NC State so you have the ability to earn 2 degrees when you graduate, 1 from Asheville and 1 from NC State.

    Read all 8 answers
  13. What's the most frustrating thing about your school?

    The most frustrating thing about UNCA is the lack of time on the professors hands to teach AND advise. There are several adjunct professors. The professors who have recieved tenior are are the professors whom really understand the steps that students need to take in order to graduate from UNCA. A common problem in this situation is a student taking class(es) that are not actually required for that student's individual graduation. This leads to the student paying surcharge fees of 150{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of their tuition rate later in their education at UNCA.

    Read all 8 answers
  14. What kind of person should attend this school?

    The University of North Carolina is for students who want to be involved in the campus and city of Asheville communities. It offers undergraduates small class sizes, opportunities to conduct undergraduate researh and has professors who are only commited to undergraduates, There are no Master or PHD programs to compete with. This is not a school for someone who just wants to sit on the sidelines. It is a interactive community that supports educational growth beyond the classroom.

    Read all 7 answers
  15. What kind of person should not attend this school?

    I do not think that someone who is looking for a big town or a big school should attend this school. The people who attend this school are artistic and are looking for a strong education without the distractions of a big school. Anyone who just wants to blend into his or her classes should not go here because the individuality of all the students in openly expressed.

    Read all 7 answers
  16. Here's your chance: Say anything about your college!

    In short, I'd say this school is a hit or miss, depending on the student as an individual. Want sports? Want nightlife? Want a big college atmosphere? Want huge Greek Life? Go some place else. Want small, intimate classes? A liberal atmosphere? A beautiful place to live? An inexpensive school? Come here.

    Read all 6 answers
  17. What are the most popular student activities/groups?

    Social life = a good reason NOT to come to UNC-A. You can easily make friends with classmates, floormates, etc., but if you're well experienced with the Asheville area, like I was, then you'll have nothing to explore and you'll ultimately miss out on a key, explorational aspect of college life. I talk to people who are even from far away and are incredibly bored on weekends and after class. Many people leave on the weekends, which is no fun. All of the good parties happen far away, off campus ... and drinking is HEAVILY scrutinized in dorms. So don't try it. People smoke, and it's easy to get away with, and the lay-back-chill-and-smoke vibe is much more rampant than a "let's party!" attitude on campus. Theatre auditions are open to everyone, not just drama majors, and sometimes we get okay speakers to come to campus - emphasis on "okay." We're just too small to bring in anyone great. Go to the Orange Peel, Grey Eagle, or Civic Center if you want to see some good shows.

    Read all 5 answers
  18. What is the stereotype of students at your school?

    We're a bunch of weed smoking, tree hugging hippies

    Read all 3 answers
  19. What's the dating scene like?

    Like with any college people can be in a relationship one day and single the next. You can be in a distance relationship all four years or not one at all--it doesn't really matter. Just make sure you're not tied down to where you can't go out with your friends. Those people really suffer socially here. Oh, and realize that there is a 97{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} chance you and your high school sweetheart will break up within the first year. Don't be held down, learn to be independent and take some risks.

    Read all 3 answers
  20. Tell us about the sports scene on campus.

    We have a big beautiful new gym which offers different types of sports and fitness. People do go to our sports games, but it isn't a majority of students. There is a big deal if a big team is coming or we are in the running for a championship or something but besides that few people really care. There is a group of students which go to a lot of games though.

    Read all 3 answers
  21. Is the stereotype of students at your school accurate?

    To some degree. But there are very bright, politically and socially active students on campus. Yes, the school is definitely more left-wing leaning, but conservatives do exist on campus. Surprisingly enough, parties aren't rampant here ... but Marijuana is the drug of choice for many students.

    Read all 3 answers

Student Body

Students

58%

female

42%

male

3,798

Total Undergrad Enrollment

23

Total Grad Students

14%

Out-Of-State

85%

In-State

1%

International

Organizations

48

Student Organizations

1

Fraternities

2

Sororities

Housing

Yes

On-Campus Housing

36%

of students living on campus

Student Diversity

% American Indian/Alaskan Native
1%
% Asian/Pacific Islander
2%
% Black or African-American
4%
% Hispanic/Latino
6%
% White or Caucasian
78%

TUITION & AID

All students must apply yearly for financial aid. This process starts with the FAFSA. Though financial aid deadlines vary by school, it is a good idea to apply as soon as possible. For the upcoming school year, you can apply as early as October 1 for the FAFSA. Additional school aid will be dependent on the FAFSA results.

76% of students attending University of North Carolina at Asheville receive some sort of financial aid. 33% were awarded federal grants. While 52% received federal loans. Many students do also need to apply for additional private student loans.

Cost Out of State

$23,372

Tuition and fees(Out of state)

$1,200

Books and Supplies

$8,746

Room and Board

33,318

Total On Campus

Actual Cost By Income Level(W/Financial Aid)

Family Income
Cost
$0 - $30K
$7,695
$30 - $48K
$10,225
$48 - $75K
$12,280
$75 - $110K
$15,898
$110K & UP
$17,171

We use student reviews and the most current publicly available data on our school pages. As such, we don't typically remove or edit college information. Sources for school statistics and data include the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics and the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System. Portions of college data include copyrighted material, which is reproduced on this website by permission of Wintergreen Orchard House, a division of Carnegie Communications. © 2009-2016 by Wintergreen Orchard House. All rights reserved.

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