The designated undergraduate liberal arts university in the UNC system, UNC Asheville offers 30 majors in the Arts, Humanities, Natural and Social Sciences, Professional and Preprofessional areas leading to the baccalaureate degree as well as a master of liberal arts program. Nationally recognized for its required Humanities sequence and the Undergraduate Research Program, which promotes close faculty-student interaction and unique research experiences in all disciplines. The Asheville Experience emphasizes an integrative approach to learning and development. The University of North Carolina at Asheville is committed to equality of educational opportunity, and seeks to recruit and enroll a diverse student body. Our scenic 265-acre campus is located in the vibrant city of Asheville, a mecca for the arts, music, festivals and moviemaking. Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville is a haven for both urban and outdoor adventures.

UNC Asheville's reputation as a high-quality public liberal arts university extends beyond the state. UNC Asheville has received national recognition for its integrative approach to the liberal arts, specifically its Undergraduate Research and Humanities programs. The noteworthy combination of innovative academic programs, interdisciplinary study and low cost draws praise from the national college guidebooks annually. The popular Fiske Guide to Colleges ranks UNCA among its top 20 Best Buys in public higher education, saying, "The University of North Carolina at Asheville offers all the perks that are generally associated with pricier private institutions: rigorous academics, small classes and a beautiful setting. And it does it for a fraction of the cost. All the ingredients for a superior college experience lie in wait at Asheville: strong academics, dedicated professors and an administration that continues to push for excellence." The Princeton Review: the Best 311 Colleges, lists UNCA in this select group, saying, "For students who seek a public education in a smaller campus environment, this is a great choice." And U.S. News & World Report's annual college rankings places UNCA fourth in the nation among public liberal arts colleges.

The current campus comprises about 30 buildings for classrooms, administration, residence and recreation, with a new Master Plan in place for expansion over 20 years. The newest buildings on the scenic mountain campus are two residence halls, South Ridge and West Ridge; a state-of-the-art Health and Fitness Center, which adjoins Justice Athletic Center; and the Dining Hall. UNCA's location one mile north of downtown Asheville (population 75,000) is convenient to the city's amenities of shopping, restaurants, art and crafts galleries, and nightlife, and it is minutes from some of the country's most spectacular mountain scenery and outdoor activities in the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains. Under the leadership of Anne Ponder, who took office October 1, 2005, UNCA is charting a new course toward building the premier public liberal arts university in the country, with emphasis on academic excellence, community partnerships and service learning.