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University of North Carolina Asheville

Asheville, NC·Public·2,790 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and families looking for lower cost. no major red flags in the data. a public school with 2,790 students.

94%
Accept
2,790
Students
$12,865
Net Price
55%
Grad Rate
$38,800
Earnings
10 yr
$14,138
Debt

About This School

University of North Carolina Asheville is a public institution located in Asheville, North Carolina with approximately 2,790 undergraduate students enrolled. University of North Carolina Asheville has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 94%. The average net price after financial aid is $12,865 per year. The graduation rate is 55%, and the typical graduate earns $38,800 within 10 years of enrollment.

The University of North Carolina at Asheville is a public liberal arts university in Asheville, North Carolina, United States. UNC Asheville is the designated liberal arts institution in the University of North Carolina system. It is a member and the headquarters of the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges.

The numbers tell a mixed story here: the affordable net price of $12,865/year and low median debt of $14,138 make this one of the better financial values in public liberal arts, and the Asheville location is genuinely appealing for students drawn to arts, outdoors, and a creative community. However, the 55% graduation rate and 73% freshman retention rate suggest a meaningful number of students either leave or struggle to finish, which is worth taking seriously. Worth considering if you're self-directed, cost-conscious, and drawn to a small liberal arts environment — but have an honest conversation about what support systems you'll need to cross the finish line.

Founded
1927
Setting
Small city

Popular Programs

Visual & Performing Arts12%
Psychology12%
Social Sciences10%
Business & Marketing10%
English7%
Biological Sciences6%
Communications6%
Physical Sciences5%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Princess Sophie of RomaniaJason Faunt

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite1247
Reading 75th %ile690
Math 75th %ile660

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite26

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$7,461
Out-of-State Tuition
$24,809
Avg Net Price
$12,865
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants31%
Median debt at graduation$14,138

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
55%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
73%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$38,800
after enrollment
Median Debt
$14,138
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$14,138
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$30,000
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$38,800
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 2.7x

Solid return. Earnings outpace debt, though major choice matters.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White74%
Black5%
Hispanic/Latino10%
Asian1%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (2,790 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

University of North Carolina Asheville

One University Heights

Asheville, NC 28804-8510

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in North Carolina

Browse all North Carolina schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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