University of North Carolina Asheville

Asheville, NC

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Quick Facts

“Levo Oculos Meos In Montes (Latin)”("I Lift My Eyes to the Mountains")

Public liberal arts college

Type

2,790

Total Students

2,958

Undergrad

$76M

Endowment

(2024)

$7K

Tuition (In-State)

$25K

Tuition (Out-State)

$13K

Avg Net Price

94%

Acceptance Rate

55%

Graduation Rate

6-year

73%

Retention Rate

Baccalaureate Colleges

Classification

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About University of North Carolina Asheville

UNC Asheville: North Carolina's pioneering public liberal arts college nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Step into the vibrant academic world of the University of North Carolina Asheville, a distinguished public liberal arts college dedicated to fostering intellectual curiosity and preparing students for meaningful futures. Established in 1927 as Buncombe County Junior College, it holds a unique place in North Carolina's educational history as its first tuition-free public college. From its humble beginnings to its current status as a vital part of the esteemed University of North Carolina System, UNC Asheville has continuously evolved, championing access to quality education.

Today, UNC Asheville is celebrated for its commitment to the liberal arts, offering a rich curriculum that encourages critical thinking, creativity, and interdisciplinary exploration. Classified as a Liberal Arts I institution since 1992, it stands as one of only three baccalaureate colleges within the UNC System, providing an intimate and focused undergraduate experience. Students benefit from a close-knit community and a learning environment designed to engage and challenge.

The university's history is marked by significant milestones, including its pivotal role in desegregation efforts in 1961 and 1981, reflecting its enduring commitment to inclusivity. With a student body of nearly 3,000, UNC Asheville offers the advantages of a public university combined with the personalized attention characteristic of a liberal arts institution. Its stunning location in Asheville provides a dynamic backdrop for both academic pursuits and outdoor adventures, making it an inspiring place to live and learn.

Key Highlights

✦Founded in 1927 as North Carolina's first tuition-free public college.
✦A public liberal arts college with 2,958 students, offering a focused undergraduate experience.
✦Part of the prestigious University of North Carolina System, one of only three baccalaureate colleges.
✦Classified as a Liberal Arts I institution since 1992, emphasizing a broad, interdisciplinary education.
✦Pioneered desegregation, enrolling its first African American student in 1961.
✦Operates with an endowment of $0.1 billion, supporting its educational mission.

Timeline

1927

Founded as Buncombe County Junior College, the first tuition-free public college in North Carolina.

1930

Merged with the College of the City of Asheville to form Biltmore Junior College.

1936

Renamed Asheville-Biltmore College and control transferred to Asheville City Schools.

1949

Relocated to Overlook Castle, renamed Seely Hall, on Sunset Mountain.

1961

Moved to its present campus in north Asheville and desegregated with the enrollment of Etta Mae Whitner Patterson.

1963

Became a state-supported four-year college.

1966

Awarded its first bachelor's degrees.

1969

Adopted its current name, University of North Carolina Asheville, upon becoming part of the Consolidated University of North Carolina.

1981

Desegregated its faculty, along with all schools in the UNC System.

1992

Classified as a Liberal Arts I institution.

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