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

Experience a vibrant public liberal arts education amidst the Blue Ridge Mountains.

The University of North Carolina Asheville stands as a distinguished public liberal arts college, offering an intimate and engaging educational experience. Nestled in the dynamic city of Asheville, it serves as a beacon for students seeking a rigorous academic journey within a supportive community. Recognized for its commitment to a comprehensive liberal arts education, UNC Asheville fosters critical thinking, creativity, and engaged citizenship among its nearly 3,000 students.

UNC Asheville's rich history traces back to 1927 when it was founded as Buncombe County Junior College, notably North Carolina's first tuition-free public college. Over the decades, it evolved through several name changes and relocations, including a picturesque stay in the historic Overlook Castle. A pivotal moment arrived in 1961 with its move to the current North Asheville campus and the courageous desegregation of its student body.

By 1963, it transitioned into a state-supported four-year institution, proudly awarding its first bachelor's degrees in 1966. Its current identity as the University of North Carolina Asheville was solidified in 1969 when it became a vital part of the esteemed University of North Carolina System. Since 1992, it has been classified as a Liberal Arts I institution, underscoring its focused dedication to a robust baccalaureate curriculum, making it one of only three such colleges within the UNC System. This unique position emphasizes its strength in providing an individualized and high-quality undergraduate experience.

Key Highlights

✦Founded in 1927 as Buncombe County Junior College, North Carolina's first tuition-free public college.
✦A public liberal arts college, classified as a Liberal Arts I institution since 1992.
✦One of only three baccalaureate colleges within the University of North Carolina System.
✦Serves 2,958 students, fostering a close-knit learning environment.
✦Awarded its first bachelor's degrees in 1966 after becoming a four-year institution.
✦Holds an endowment of $0.1 billion, supporting its academic mission.
✦Pioneered student desegregation in 1961, followed by faculty desegregation in 1981.

Timeline

1927

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

1930

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

1936

Name changed to Asheville-Biltmore College.

1949

Relocated to the Overlook Castle (Seely Hall).

1961

Moved to the present UNC Asheville campus and desegregated its student body.

1963

Became a state-supported four-year college.

1966

Awarded its first bachelor's degrees.

1969

Adopted its current name and became part of the Consolidated University of North Carolina.

1981

Desegregated its faculty.

1992

Classified as a Liberal Arts I institution.

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