Photo: University of North Carolina-Asheville. Retrieved from: unknown source.
Known as UNC-Asheville, the University of North Carolina-Asheville is a public liberal arts university in Asheville, North Carolina. It is the only liberal arts institution in the University of North Carolina system. Although it’s a large university spread out over 365-acres and enrolling nearly 4,000 students, the average class room size is 19 students.
UNC Asheville faculty teaches students not only academics, but also life skills that will help them in their personal and professional lives. The faculty focuses on skills such as critical thinking, clear and thoughtful expression and the power of diversity in hopes that their graduates will achieve a well-rounded education.
History
UNC-Asheville began as Buncombe County Junior College in 1927 but merged with the College of the City of Asheville three years later. It was renamed Bitmore College in 1934 and then again in 1936 to Asheville-Bitmore College. It did not become a state-supported four-year college until 1963, and it was not until 1992 that it became a liberal arts university.
Campus Life
When students need a break from studying they don’t have to look very far. With over 60 clubs and organizations on campus, students can participate in activities that interest them. With such a diverse list of clubs—from the Alliance, which promotes equality towards GLBT students to College Democrats — there is a club for everyone.
Students can also take advantage of the N.C. Center for Health and Wellness if they’re feeling under the weather, or stop by The Bike Shop if their bike needs to be fixed. Promoting a healthy life style, students can rent a bike, or get their bike fixed for free. Students can even learn how to fix it themselves.
Athletics are also a huge part of life on campus. The school offers 14 Division I athletic teams including basketball, baseball, and football. The UNC-Asheville Bulldogs are no strangers to success. In 2008, 2011 and 2012 the men’s basketball team advanced to the Division I NCAA tournament winning the Big South Conference final.
If a student needs a break from campus, they can venture into the city of Asheville. With a population of over 83,000 people, Asheville is the largest city in the western part of North Carolina. There are endless things to do in Asheville such as shopping, touring, and eating at five-star restaurants. There are also plenty of opportunities to be had to both further a student’s personal and professional lives such as volunteer opportunities and internships.
Financial Aid
The cost to attend UNC-Asheville varies, depending upon if a student lives in-state or out of state. If a student lives in-state they can expect to pay less than $20,000 a year. Out-of-state students pay around $33,000. Out of the numerous students who applied for financial aid last year, 40% of students found their needs fully met. In addition, students can apply for federal and state loans to help make up the difference. Upon graduation students can expect to be in debt by $16,500.
