Students living in a FEMA-designated North Carolina disaster-declared county are eligible to submit their application to UNC Asheville for free through December 1. We have also extended the Early Action deadline for students living in these counties.

All you have to do is start.


Now accepting applications for 2025-2026

Start your admission process and leap into an education where your learning reaches far beyond the classroom. From the high-energy heart of Asheville to the rugged terrain of the Blue Ridge Mountains, you’ll discover that what starts on our campus will extend into your community, your career, and the rest of your life. This page will help you navigate your first steps toward that exhiliarating future. Follow the application deadlines and requirements to become a UNC Asheville Bulldog today!

Rankings

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#9 National Public Liberal Arts Colleges

U.S. News & World Report 2024

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Best Buy School

Fiske Guide to Colleges 2021 and 2022

Where to Begin? Know Your Application Requirements & Deadlines

Before you apply to UNC Asheville, review our admission requirements and deadlines for each student type. 

Considerations for NC Counties Impacted by Helene

Applicants seeking first-year admission for Fall 2025 who live in a FEMA-designated North Carolina disaster-declared county are eligible to opt into Early Action review until December 1 at 11:59 p.m. local time. 2-3 business days after submitting the application, students in these counties will gain access to their AVLBound Portal, where they can complete the “Hurricane Helene Application Update Form” and opt-in to Early Action.

Additionally, all applicants living in these counties can also apply to UNC Asheville for free through December 1 at 11:59 p.m. using one of the below fee waivers.

Common App: Navigate to the “General Questions” section of UNC Asheville’s specific application questions. After selecting your preferred start term and admission plan, respond to “Do you intend to use one of these University of North Carolina Asheville fee waivers?” with “Live in a North Carolina disaster-declared county.”

CFNC Application: Complete your application and select “Fee Waiver” on the “Payment” section of the “Finish Application” tab.

For In-state Applicants: NC Residency

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NC Residency determines your eligibility for in-state tuition benefits at UNC Asheville. We recommend completing the Residency Determination Service early in your college search to ensure a timely and efficient application process.

Step-by-Step Guide on Applying to UNC Asheville

How Your Application Will be Reviewed

We review all applications to determine if they meet our minimum academic and course requirements. Additionally, we take a holistic approach to reviewing your application: we consider your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, personal commitments, and community engagement.

Admission decisions are released on a rolling basis.

Appeals for students who are not offered formal admission to UNC Asheville are considered on a case-by-case basis.

Statement on Civic Engagement

At UNC Asheville, our comprehensive admissions review process ensures each applicant is assessed on an individual basis with the safety of our campus as a primary consideration. We welcome peaceful action and purposeful civic engagement among UNC Asheville students, and also support those actions among our prospective students. Participation in non-violent civil protest and peaceful expression will not influence admissions decisions at UNC Asheville.

Take the Next Step

The University of North Carolina Asheville is where you can achieve your dreams—and discover new passions along the way. Apply today: your future awaits.

Have Questions? Contact the Admission Team! 

Ask questions and get advice from the University of North Carolina Asheville. We’re here to help!