
One University Heights, Asheville, NC 28804-3299, USA


The University of North Carolina Asheville is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). This regional accreditation validates that the institution meets established standards for higher education quality and institutional effectiveness.
Admission to University of North Carolina Asheville requires applicants to have completed high school with a diploma, as GED certificates are not accepted. Prospective students must submit a record of their secondary school performance along with their high school GPA, both of which are mandatory components of the application. Additionally, recommendations are required, and while admission test scores are not specifically mandated, the university does require TOEFL scores for international applicants.
Although the university recommends competency assessments and other test scores, these are not compulsory. Applicants must also have completed college preparatory programs prior to admission. The institution does not offer open admission or dual credit options, but it does accept Advanced Placement (AP) credits.
Regarding standardized test performance, the average SAT score for admitted students is 1230, placing them in approximately the top 35 percent nationally. More specifically, the average SAT Math score is 595 and SAT Writing is 635, the latter ranking in the top 25 percent. The mean ACT score at University of North Carolina Asheville is 26, a figure that situates students in the top 40 percent.
The university receives a moderate volume of applications, with about 5,465 applicants annually. It maintains a high acceptance rate of 94 percent, reflecting an overall accessible admission policy. Of those admitted, roughly 630 students enroll each year, with enrollment slightly favoring women over men.
The University of North Carolina Asheville charges an application fee for prospective students submitting their applications. This fee is a standard part of the application process and helps the university cover administrative costs associated with reviewing applications. However, the specific amount of the application fee is not detailed here.
Applicants who face financial hardship may be eligible for a fee waiver, which can exempt them from this charge. These waivers are intended to ease the application process for students with limited financial resources, ensuring that the cost does not prevent qualified individuals from applying.
To request a fee waiver, prospective students usually need to provide documentation or meet certain criteria as outlined by the university's admissions office. The institution aims to support accessibility and reduce barriers for underrepresented or economically disadvantaged applicants.
University of North Carolina Asheville does not offer its own Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) programs on campus. However, students interested in pursuing ROTC commissions typically participate through cross-enrollment agreements with nearby institutions that provide Army, Navy, or Air Force ROTC training. This arrangement allows students to benefit from the university's academic environment while completing military officer training off-site.
University of North Carolina Asheville allows transfer students to enroll in the fall and spring terms, providing multiple opportunities throughout the academic year. The admissions process is considered moderately difficult, reflecting a balanced selectivity.
The university accepts transfer credits, including those earned through CLEP tests in both subject-specific and general areas, as well as credits from the Excelsior College Examination. Prospective transfer students are encouraged to submit letters of recommendation as part of their application packages.
University of North Carolina Asheville offers a variety of study abroad opportunities designed to enrich students' academic and cultural experiences. These programs include semester- and summer-long options that allow students to earn credits while immersing themselves in diverse environments around the world. The university facilitates partnerships with multiple institutions internationally, ensuring students can select programs that align with their academic goals and personal interests.
Students have access to a range of destinations and disciplines through faculty-led trips, exchange programs, and third-party providers. These program types vary in duration and intensity, accommodating different schedules and study plans. The university also provides support services to assist students with applying, preparing, and integrating their learning experience abroad.
By participating in these programs, students not only broaden their global perspectives but also develop valuable skills such as adaptability and cross-cultural communication, which are advantageous in an increasingly interconnected world.
Median composite SAT score
1230Median composite ACT score
26Percent of students submitting ACT scores
17.1%Percent of students submitting SAT scores
6.9%High school completions
High school diploma required and GED is not acceptedComputer required
NoComputer purchase/lease plan is available in the institution
YesSecondary school GPA
RequiredSecondary school rank
Data not availableSecondary school record
RequiredCompletion of college-preparatory program
RequiredRecommendations
RequiredFormal demonstration of competencies
RecommendedAdmission test scores
Data not availableTOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language
RequiredOther Test (Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)
RecommendedOpen admission policy
NoDual credit
NoCredit for life experiences
NoAdvanced placement (AP) credits
YesOrientation program
YesDisabilities services
YesOff-campus study
YesStudy abroad
YesWeekend/evening college
YesStudent can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization
YesPreparation at another institution required
NoApproved by the state for initial certification or licensure of teacher
YesEntrance difficulty for transfer students
ModerateGenerally accepts credits
YesAccept ACE recommendation for credit
YesPossible transfer
Fall, Spring