A well-rounded education comes from not only the classroom experiences, but also hands on and life experiences.  UNC Asheville faculty encourage students to branch out and learn about community through the Key Center for Service Learning, and about the world through the Study Abroad/Study Away program. Furthermore, UNC Asheville is one of the leading universities in the country for undergraduate research. Yearly, hundreds of students participate in individual or faculty research, often leading to publications in academic journals. Such experiences largely contribute to the high success rate of alumni who choose to go on to graduate, law and medical schools.

Location is one of the biggest draws for prospective students.  Asheville is a city of 69,000 with strong music, art and cultural scenes.  Recent accolades for the city of Asheville include top ten places to live in the U.S., top twenty-five arts destinations, top ten literary destinations, top five biking towns and top ten whitewater towns.  Students also enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, kayaking and rock climbing either on their own or through the university Outdoor Education Program.

Students enjoy cheering on the intercollegiate division I athletic teams. UNC Asheville is a member of the Big South Conference with teams in men’s Baseball, women’s Volleyball and men’s and women’s Tennis, Soccer, Track and Field, Cross Country and Basketball.

UNC Asheville students come from around the world.  The student body is composed of people from all over North Carolina, 36 other states and 18 different countries.  All types of diversity are cherished at the university.  Student groups include International Student Association, the Black Student Association, Asian Students in Asheville and Jewish Student Association.

If students are looking for quality academics, plenty of professor/student contact, a beautiful campus and exciting campus life, UNC Asheville offers it all.  Prospective students are encouraged to visit the campus, and see for themselves why the university has been called North Carolina’s best kept secret.*

*2004 Princeton Review, The best 351 Colleges