University of North Carolina at Asheville
U.S. News Liberal Arts 2027
#154
Acceptance rate
91.9%
2025
Peer median 80.5%
Out-of-state tuition
$24,849
In-state $7,501
Peer median $17,955
Undergraduates
3,032
Student-faculty ratio 13:1
Peer median 14 : 1
Graduation rate
44.3%
4-year; 6-year rate 58.7%
Peer median 26.9%
“Peers” are all 85 public baccalaureate colleges in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).
About
The University of North Carolina Asheville (UNCA) is a public liberal arts university located in the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. It is known for its strong emphasis on undergraduate education and offers a unique blend of academic rigor and a supportive environment. With a commitment to fostering critical thinking, creativity, and personal growth, UNCA's mission is reflected in its motto, “To prepare students for lives of purpose and success.” The university prides itself on a small student-to-faculty ratio, which ensures personalized attention and mentorship, allowing students to engage deeply with their professors and peers.
In addition to its academic offerings, UNCA boasts a vibrant campus life enriched by a diverse array of student organizations, cultural events, and outdoor activities, making it an ideal place for students to explore their interests and develop lifelong friendships. The university is particularly known for its commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship, which is evident in its campus initiatives and community engagement. With a strong focus on experiential learning, UNCA encourages students to participate in internships, service learning, and research projects, preparing them for successful careers after graduation. The university's location in Asheville, a city renowned for its artistic community and stunning natural beauty, provides students with ample opportunities for exploration and adventure, further enhancing their college experience.
Analysis of Key Data Trends at the University of North Carolina Asheville
The data from the University of North Carolina Asheville reveals several noteworthy trends, particularly in tuition costs, student enrollment, and graduation rates. Over the years, there has been a steady increase in tuition fees for both in-state and out-of-state undergraduate students. For instance, in 2014, in-state tuition was $6,241, which rose to $7,461 by 2024, representing an increase of approximately 19.5%. Similarly, out-of-state tuition jumped from $20,063 to $24,809 during the same period, marking an increase of about 23.8%. This upward trend in tuition costs could impact student accessibility and enrollment, particularly for out-of-state students.
Conversely, student enrollment figures show a concerning decline. The number of undergraduate students decreased from 3,736 in 2014 to just 2,914 in 2023, a drop of nearly 22%. This decline raises questions about the university's appeal and the factors influencing student choice, especially considering the rising tuition costs. The reduction in graduate students is even more pronounced, with numbers plummeting from 48 in 2014 to zero in 2023. This calls for an urgent review of graduate programs and support services to attract and retain graduate students.
Graduation rates have exhibited some fluctuations, with the on-time graduation rate improving from approximately 30% in 2013 to 47.5% in 2023. This positive trend is encouraging, but the retention rate has fallen from about 78% in 2013 to 68.6% in 2023, indicating that while more students may be graduating on time, fewer are remaining at the university from year to year.
Overall, the interplay between rising tuition, declining student numbers, and varying graduation rates presents a complex challenge for the University of North Carolina Asheville. Addressing these issues will be critical for enhancing the university's viability and attractiveness in the competitive higher education landscape.
This collegeRanked colleges nearby
- Setting
- Small city
- Nearest major city
- Greenville, about 60 mi
- Nearest international airport
- Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT), about 100 mi
- Also known as
- UNC Asheville
- Academic calendar
- Semester
- Religious affiliation
- Not applicable
- President
- Dr. Kimberly van Noort (Chancellor)
- Phone
- 8282516600
- City
- Asheville, North Carolina
- Address
- One University Heights, Asheville, NC 28804-8510
Rankings & Admission
Peer median 80.5% · all 85 public baccalaureate colleges in the U.S.
Acceptance rate by gender, 2025
In 2020: men 80.3%, women 86.1%.
Data insights
Analysis of Admission Trends at the University of North Carolina Asheville
The admission data from the University of North Carolina Asheville reveals notable trends regarding male and female acceptance rates over the years. From 2009 to 2023, the acceptance rate for male applicants has fluctuated significantly, starting at approximately 70.14% in 2009 and peaking at 90.96% in 2019. This surge can be attributed to the increasing number of applications and possible strategic shifts in the university's admission policies aimed at enhancing diversity.
Conversely, the acceptance rate for female applicants has shown a more stable yet declining trend, starting at around 80.01% in 2009 and reaching a high of 95.19% in 2019. However, this figure has decreased to approximately 75.32% by 2023, indicating a tougher admission landscape for female candidates in recent years.
The enrollment numbers have also varied, with a notable peak in 2019 when 788 students were admitted. This spike may reflect both the university's growing reputation and its efforts to attract a larger student body. Interestingly, the number of denied applicants has consistently remained high, particularly in 2014 and 2023, where the number of denials reached 1,092 and 1,099 respectively. This increase in denial rates combined with a decrease in acceptance rates for females could signal the university's commitment to maintaining high academic standards amid rising competition.
In summary, while the University of North Carolina Asheville has experienced an overall positive trend in admission rates, the disparities between male and female acceptance rates raise questions about equity and access in the admission process. It will be essential for the university to address these issues moving forward to ensure a balanced and inclusive academic environment.
School and Program Rankings
U.S. News school and program rankings · Click a school to see its programs, and a program for its full ranking
Undergraduate Rankings · 2027 edition
Social Sciences and Humanities1 programs—
Ranks in blue are top 10 · ▲▼ change from the previous edition · “—” means no overall ranking for that school · Medical schools are ranked in tiers since the 2025 edition
Test Scores
2025 admitted students, 25th–75th percentile · 7% submitted SAT, 17% submitted ACT · SAT/ACT optional: considered if submitted
Data insights
Analysis of Admission Test Scores at UNC Asheville
The admissions data from the University of North Carolina Asheville reveals significant trends in both SAT and ACT score submissions over the years. Notably, the percentage of applicants submitting SAT scores has dramatically decreased from 96% in 2007 to a mere 16% in 2023. This decline suggests a shift in the admissions landscape, possibly influenced by the growing trend of colleges adopting test-optional policies in recent years.
Examining the score ranges, we notice that the 25th percentile SAT reading score started at 540 in 2007 and reached 600 by 2023, with the 75th percentile scores also showing a positive upward trend. This indicates that while fewer students are submitting scores, the quality of those scores among those who do has improved. The most recent figures show a 25th percentile reading score of 600 and a 75th percentile score of 685, reflecting the university's commitment to attracting academically strong candidates.
On the ACT side, the data exhibits a similar pattern, with fewer submissions but an improvement in scores among those who participated. The ACT composite scores also indicate a higher performance over the years, although specific figures are not detailed in this dataset.
Overall, the trends at UNC Asheville mirror broader national patterns in college admissions, where institutions are increasingly prioritizing holistic evaluations over standardized test scores. This shift may encourage a more diverse applicant pool, as students who may have previously felt discouraged by standardized testing can now present their strengths through other avenues. As the landscape continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how these trends impact the university's admission strategies and student demographics in the coming years.
How Hard Is It to Get In
about 9 in 10
7,378 applicants in 2025, 91.9% admitted
6,782 admitted 596 not admitted Yield 10.7%
Degrees & Majors
Graduates in 2025 (first major)
U.S. studentsInternational
Popular graduate programs
- Public Health, General · Master's13 (8% international)
Data insights
Analysis of Graduation Data from University of North Carolina Asheville
The graduation data from the University of North Carolina Asheville reveals interesting trends in various academic disciplines for the year 2023. The most notable observation is that Psychology leads with 77 graduates at the bachelor's level, followed closely by Environmental Studies with 57. This trend indicates a growing interest in mental health and environmental issues, which are critical topics in contemporary society and reflect increasing societal focus on well-being and sustainability.
Moreover, the data shows a robust presence of international students, particularly in Business Administration, where 4 out of 46 graduates are international students. This highlights the university's appeal to global students in fields perceived as having strong career prospects. However, the number of international graduates remains relatively low across other disciplines, suggesting potential areas for growth in attracting international talent.
On the other end, fields like Public Health Education and Promotion and Mass Communication are noteworthy for their lower graduation numbers, with 33 and 37 graduates respectively. Given the increasing global emphasis on public health, especially post-pandemic, these programs may benefit from enhanced recruitment strategies to better align with labor market demands.
Lastly, it is significant to note that there are no graduates reported in several categories, such as doctoral programs, suggesting limited advanced study opportunities in these areas. This could impact the university's ability to attract students interested in pursuing higher education in these fields. Overall, the data underscores the importance of continuous evaluation of program offerings and student recruitment strategies to meet both student interests and workforce needs.
All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard
*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|
| Digital Arts. | $29,482 | ||
| Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts, General. | - | ||
| Art/Art Studies, General. | $25,938 | ||
| Fine/Studio Arts, General. | $25,938 | ||
| Art History, Criticism and Conservation. | $25,938 | ||
| Music, General. | $27,063 | ||
| Jazz/Jazz Studies. | $27,063 | ||
| Music Technology. | $27,063 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|
| Psychology, General. | $33,379 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management, General. | $44,390 | ||
| Accounting. | $50,711 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anthropology, General. | - | ||
| Economics, General. | - | ||
| Political Science and Government, General. | $37,354 | ||
| Sociology, General. | $31,417 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|
| Environmental Studies. | $33,438 | ||
| Environmental Science. | $33,438 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Health, General. | $25,697 | ||
| Public Health Education and Promotion. | $25,697 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Language and Literature, General. | $27,533 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biology/Biological Sciences, General. | $35,637 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mass Communication/Media Studies. | $29,140 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|
| History, General. | $39,833 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science. | $56,018 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering, General. | $72,468 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies. | $32,867 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology, General. | - | ||
| Chemistry, General. | $37,613 | ||
| Physics, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics, General. | $46,656 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foreign Languages and Literatures, General. | - | ||
| Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|
| Philosophy. | - | ||
| Religion/Religious Studies. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|
| Women's Studies. | - |
Students
3,056 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 41:59 · Freshman retention 72.1%
- Continuing undergraduates 1,899
- First-year undergraduates 722
- Graduate students 24
- Transfers and others 411
Undergraduate race and ethnicity (3,032)
Age distribution
Bachelor's
Graduate students
Data insights
Demographic Insights at University of North Carolina Asheville
The student body composition at the University of North Carolina Asheville in 2023 reveals significant trends regarding gender and diversity among the different classifications of students. The data highlights a total of 2,902 students, which includes freshmen, continuing undergraduates, transfer students, and graduates. Notably, female students constitute a majority across all classifications, particularly among freshmen, where they make up 61.7% of the population. This trend towards female predominance suggests a growing recognition of women's academic achievements and aspirations in higher education.
In terms of racial and ethnic diversity, the breakdown indicates that White students remain the largest demographic group, particularly among continuing undergraduates, which aligns with broader national trends in higher education. However, the presence of Asian, Latino, and Black students indicates a gradual shift toward a more diverse student body, reflecting the university's commitment to inclusivity.
Interestingly, the data shows a relatively lower representation of international students, which could suggest potential areas for growth in attracting a more global audience. As universities increasingly emphasize diversity and inclusion, UNC Asheville may want to consider strategic initiatives to enhance its international recruitment efforts.
Overall, these demographics not only provide insight into the university's current population but also underscore the evolving landscape of higher education in the United States, where gender balance and diversity continue to be critical focal points for academic institutions.
Demographic Insights on Student Age Composition
The age distribution of students at the University of North Carolina Asheville in 2023 presents an interesting perspective on the typical college demographic. The majority of the student body, comprising both undergraduates and graduates, falls within the traditional college age range of 18 to 24 years. Specifically, those aged 18-19 represent 36.8% of the total student population, while the 20-21 age group accounts for 38.4%. This indicates a strong presence of younger students, likely reflecting the university’s appeal to recent high school graduates.
Interestingly, the data shows no graduate students under the age of 25, suggesting that most students pursue their undergraduate degrees before considering further education. The absence of older students in the graduate category may highlight a trend where individuals tend to complete their postgraduate studies later in life, potentially after gaining professional experience.
The representation of students aged 25 and older is minimal, with only 6.6% of the total population falling within the 25-34 age range and even fewer beyond that. This could indicate that the university is primarily attracting younger students who are either fresh out of high school or transitioning directly from undergraduate programs.
Furthermore, the gender distribution is fairly balanced among the undergraduate population, with a slightly higher number of female students overall. This reflects broader educational trends where women are increasingly enrolling in higher education institutions. As the landscape of higher education continues to evolve, institutions may need to adapt their programs and services to cater to a more diverse age range of students, including non-traditional learners seeking to return to academia.
International Students
International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 85 public baccalaureate colleges in the U.S.
64 in 2025 · 1.5% in 2016
1 in 2025 · 3.0% in 2016
Data insights
Trends in International Student Enrollment at UNC Asheville
The data concerning international student enrollment at the University of North Carolina Asheville reveals notable trends over the years. From 2004 to 2023, the percentage of international undergraduate students has seen fluctuations, peaking at 1.54% in 2023. This indicates a gradual increase in international representation among the undergraduate population, particularly evident in the most recent years where the figures have risen from 0.80% in 2021 to 1.54% in 2023.
In contrast, the graduate student numbers present a different narrative. The available data shows a significant drop in international graduate students in recent years, with a peak of 58 in 2013 but with subsequent years exhibiting lower figures, culminating in only 5 international graduate students reported in 2021. This decline suggests challenges in attracting graduate students, which could be attributed to various factors, including geopolitical issues, changes in visa policies, or the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on international mobility.
The overall trend reflects the broader dynamics of international student mobility in the United States, where many institutions have experienced shifts in enrollment due to changing global circumstances. As the higher education landscape continues to evolve, UNC Asheville may need to adopt new strategies to bolster its appeal to both undergraduate and graduate international students. Enhanced international recruitment efforts and support services could be pivotal in reversing the decline in graduate enrollment while maintaining the growth in the undergraduate sector.
Cost
2025 cost per year (out-of-state)
$38,841
- Undergrad tuition (out-of-state)
- $24,849
- Undergraduate tuition (in-state)
- $7,501
- Room and board
- $13,992
- Graduate tuition
- $24,615
Peer median tuition + room and board $29,573 · all 85 public baccalaureate colleges in the U.S.
Tuition rose 12% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 68%.
Finances · fiscal year 2024
Revenue$122M
Expenses$112M
Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)
Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 85 public baccalaureate colleges in the U.S.
Campus Life
Athletics and varsity athletes NCAA · Big South Conference
Big South Conference: basketball, baseball, cross country
| NCAA Division I without football | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Track and Field and Cross Country (combined) | 93 | 83 |
| Soccer | 37 | 31 |
| Baseball | 39 | - |
| Basketball | 16 | 15 |
| Swimming and Diving (combined) | - | 31 |
| Volleyball | - | 30 |
| Tennis | 10 | 10 |
| Golf | - | 10 |
| NCAA Division I without football | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Track and Field and Cross Country (combined) | 88 | 75 |
| Soccer | 35 | 26 |
| Baseball | 38 | - |
| Volleyball | - | 34 |
| Swimming and Diving (combined) | - | 32 |
| Basketball | 15 | 14 |
| Tennis | 8 | 11 |
| Golf | - | 10 |
| NCAA Division I without football | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Track and Field and Cross Country (combined) | 70 | 53 |
| Soccer | 33 | 27 |
| Baseball | 37 | - |
| Swimming and Diving (combined) | - | 30 |
| Basketball | 15 | 13 |
| Tennis | 8 | 10 |
| Volleyball | - | 16 |
| Golf | - | 9 |
Nearby & Safety
Ranked colleges nearby
-
Furman UniversityGreenville · 48.4 mi
Liberal Arts #57
-
Wofford CollegeSpartanburg · 57.7 mi
Liberal Arts #68
-
Clemson UniversityClemson · 66.6 mi
U.S. News #80
-
The University of Tennessee-KnoxvilleKnoxville · 79.7 mi
U.S. News #109
-
Davidson CollegeDavidson · 97.1 mi
Liberal Arts #16
-
University of North Carolina at CharlotteCharlotte · 105.5 mi
U.S. News #169
-
University of GeorgiaAthens · 123.6 mi
U.S. News #52
-
Wake Forest UniversityWinston-Salem · 133.0 mi
U.S. News #34
-
University of South Carolina-ColumbiaColumbia · 141.9 mi
U.S. News #121
Data insights
Here are some notable nearby schools to the University of North Carolina Asheville:
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Furman University - Ranked 46th in the 2024 US News rankings, Furman is a private liberal arts university located in Greenville, South Carolina.
-
Wofford College - This college is ranked 59th and is known for its strong liberal arts curriculum, located in Spartanburg, South Carolina.
-
Clemson University - Ranked 86th, Clemson is a public research university in Clemson, South Carolina, recognized for its engineering and agricultural programs.
-
University of Georgia - With a rank of 47, this public university in Athens, Georgia, is known for its extensive research and diverse academic offerings.
-
Wake Forest University - Ranked 47th, Wake Forest is a private university in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, known for its strong emphasis on liberal arts education.
-
Davidson College - This highly regarded liberal arts college is ranked 16th and is located in Davidson, North Carolina.
-
Emory University - Emory, ranked 24th, is a private research university in Atlanta, Georgia, known for its strong programs in health and the liberal arts.
These institutions provide a variety of educational opportunities and are well-respected in their respective fields.
Peer median 4.9 · all 85 public baccalaureate colleges in the U.S.
Incidents, 2023–2025
From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.
Data insights
Analysis of Crime Statistics at the University of North Carolina Asheville
The crime statistics for the University of North Carolina Asheville over the past decade reveal a notable trend in campus safety. The data shows a significant decrease in the average number of crimes per 1,000 students, from 19.46 in 2013 to a low of 6.72 in 2021. This reduction could signal improved safety measures or greater awareness and prevention strategies implemented by the university.
A closer look at the specific types of offenses highlights the prevalence of firearm-related arrests, which, although fluctuating, indicate a continuous concern. The number of drug arrests and alcohol-related incidents also demands attention, as these categories contribute to the overall campus crime rates. With the rise in discussions surrounding mental health and substance abuse, universities like UNC Asheville face the challenge of addressing these issues through comprehensive support systems rather than solely punitive measures.
Interestingly, the year 2021 reflects one of the lowest crime rates, possibly influenced by the pandemic, which led to reduced campus activity. However, as students return to campus life, it is vital for the administration to maintain the progress made in safety and to continue fostering an environment that prioritizes student well-being.
Overall, while the trends are encouraging, ongoing vigilance and proactive strategies remain essential to ensure that the university environment is safe and conducive to learning. More resources may be needed to address the underlying causes of crime, particularly related to substance abuse and mental health, thereby fostering a more supportive community. For more information on how crime rates are calculated, please refer to this link: Crime Rate Calculation.
Notable Alumni
All 24Notable alumni of University of North Carolina at Asheville include Princess Sofia of Romania (Romanian royal family member and photographer), Jason Faunt (Actor in Power Rangers Time Force) and Keith Hornsby (Former professional basketball player).
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Princess Sofia of Romania 1957–
Romanian royal family member and photographer
-
Jason Faunt 1974–
Actor in Power Rangers Time Force
-
Keith Hornsby 1992–
Former professional basketball player
-
Andrew Rowsey 1994–
Former professional basketball player
-
Kenny George 1987–
American basketball player
-
Tony Campana 1986–
Former MLB center fielder
-
Ty Wigginton 1977–
Former MLB infielder
-
Mike Shildt 1968–
Former Major League Baseball manager and coach
-
Jaleel Roberts 1992–
Former professional basketball player
See all 24 notable alumni of University of North Carolina at Asheville →
References and Data Sources
Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.