Asheville is the place to be. From the great outdoors to urban adventures, we have it all, including being a thriving college town, with a public university vital to our arts and culture, innovation and technology, and community well-being.

UNC Asheville stands at the heart of Asheville, at the edge of downtown and at the gateway to the River Arts District with more than 3,800 undergrad students from about 37 states + 28 countries.

Locally known for its expertise in STEAM education, atmospheric sciences, and public health, just to name a few, UNCA is a national leader – one of the nation’s top public liberal arts universities (ranking at no. 7 in U.S. News and World Report) and has been featured in multiple rankings like The Princeton Review as one of the “Best Schools for Making an Impact.” And, UNCA sure does make an impact on Asheville – just as much as the school makes an impact on its students.

The university alone generates $450 million in total economic impact to the Asheville area. From an alumni education premium of $96.1 million – to outside visitor contributions of $15.3 million – UNC Asheville brings economic growth to both the Asheville and WNC area. In addition to what it does for the city, there are many ways the community can get involved with the university.



Here are 5 university programs that welcome community involvement. A.k.a. the best way to be involved both on and off campus. ⬇️

If you need an excuse to visit campus, the Botanical Gardens of Asheville (151 W.T. Weaver Blvd.), is a great way to get outdoors + check out the thriving community just up the road.

Or if you or a family you know is starting to look at college options, put Junior Preview Day on your calendar for Saturday, March 23. It’s when UNCA invites high school juniors to visit and have different hands-on experiences + conversations to take the anxiety out of what to expect at college.

Share with the biggest Bulldog fan you know here.⬇️

As a UNC Asheville alumna (representing Class of 2017), I still try to stay connected with the campus. You’ll always catch me at sporting events. The university offers so much to those who live in Asheville, and is involved in many community events as it is.

Do you find community involvement opportunities with UNC Asheville? Share your story here.

– Audra