Paying for College

The University of North Carolina Asheville offers its students a rigorous liberal arts and sciences education with robust hands-on experiences at a fraction of the cost.

Our Office of Financial Aid is here to ensure that college affordability is achievable and as straightforward as possible. Meet with our financial aid counselors one-on-one to explore what “paying for college” can really look like for you and your family!

Read on to learn more about our cost, types of financial aid, and how to choose from the funding opportunities available to you.

Affordable Liberal Arts & Sciences Education

UNC Asheville is invested in your education, and we have a longstanding history of providing an exceptional college experience that is affordable for students and their families. The Fiske Guide to Colleges named UNC Asheville a “Best Buy” in 2021, 2022, and 2024.

• 72% of students receive UNC Asheville scholarships and grants
• 48% of students are federal or state grant recipients
• $14,730 average net price for enrolled students
• $16,500 less debt than the national average.

Students at UNC Asheville can access additional resources to reduce costs beyond their bills so they can take full advantage of their college experience and all the offerings of Asheville, NC.    

• Opportunities for paid internships and significant research and study abroad grants and scholarships
• Discount rates at local art institutions, including the Asheville Symphony, Biltmore Estate, and Asheville’s two local theaters
• Access to free commuter bikes and affordable outdoor experiences, including discounted ski trips at Cataloochee Ski Area
• $1 ART bus rides, Asheville’s public transportation
• Free laundry in all UNC Asheville residence halls

Understanding the Cost of Your UNC Asheville Education

Your estimated Cost of Attendance at UNC Asheville includes direct and indirect costs.

• Direct costs appear on your bill and are paid to the University, including tuition and fees, housing, and meal plans.
• Indirect costs are not paid to the University, and are not included on your bill, but should be anticipated for your total college costs. Indirect costs include personal expenses, transportation, books, and supplies.

When the Office of Financial Aid determines how much aid you can receive, they base it on your total Cost of Attendance (COA), which includes both direct and indirect costs.

Your tuition rate can be impacted by two main factors — your enrollment status (part-time or full-time enrollment) and your residency. In-state residents pay a lower rate than out-of-state residents. Our financial aid counselors can help you understand required and non-required fees along with costs for on-campus housing and meal plans.

When estimating your out-of-pocket expense, remember to factor in the support you receive from your financial aid package to see a more accurate picture of your Cost of Attendance at UNC Asheville.

Ways to Pay for College

Consider the different types of financial aid available to you and how they can contribute to your long-term success, both at UNC Asheville and in your life after graduation.

We award financial aid on two main criteria: need-based, which is calculated according to your FAFSA and family financial circumstances, and merit-based, which is awarded according to factors like your academic standing, leadership experience, and community involvement.

Scholarships

Scholarships are “free money” that you do not need to repay. At UNC Asheville, all first-time first-year applicants are automatically considered for University Merit Award based on their academic profile.

Currently enrolled undergraduates can reach out to academic departments about their specialized scholarship opportunities. In the spring, undergraduates are invited to apply for additional UNC Asheville scholarships through the Scholarship Portal. 

Services like the College Foundation of North Carolina and the Free Scholarship Search, FastWeb, and Going Merry, host databases promoting other private scholarships that can be applied to your bill.

Student Loans

Filing the FAFSA can make you eligible for federal student loans, which have fixed interest rates. You’ll complete entrance counseling for your loan as a first-time borrower. After graduation, you’ll have a six-month grace period before loan repayment begins.

You may also choose to apply for private education loans, which may have higher interest rates than federal loans. Our financial aid counselors can direct you to resources for comparing private loan options.

Other Aid Types

Depending on your financial situation and planned involvement on campus, you may be eligible for more ways to pay for college. Many of our students qualify for need-based grants, athletic financial aid, and the federal work-study (FWS) program.

FWS allows you to earn federal funding through part-time employment related to your skills and interests, either on campus or with a local nonprofit agency. The FAFSA is required to receive FWS.

Financial Aid Award Letter – What It Is and How to Read It

Once you’ve received an admission decision and our Office of Financial Aid processes your completed FAFSA, you’ll receive your financial aid award letter. This letter will include the total cost of attendance along with your financial aid options.

We’ll calculate your net cost—the Cost of Attendance after scholarships and grants are applied—so you can see a more accurate annual cost that must be covered out-of-pocket or by loans, work study, private scholarships, or other types of financial aid.

Once you understand your net cost, you and your family can determine how to financially prepare for college. The financial aid award letter also helps you compare UNC Asheville’s financial aid award with those from other institutions.

You’ll have the opportunity to send an appeal letter if your financial situation has changed due to special circumstances like job loss since your initial application. Contact the Office of Financial Aid for the appropriate forms. You will be required to submit supporting documentation before your request is reviewed.

When you’ve made your decision to attend UNC Asheville and have reviewed your financial aid letter, you can accept all or part of your financial aid package through OnePort.

Have More Questions? Schedule an Appointment with a Financial Aid Counselor

Find support around paying for college through UNC Asheville’s Office of Financial Aid. We’ll answer your questions and offer advice about loans, scholarships, completing the FAFSA, verification selection, and more as you navigate this important process.

Earn a World-Renowned Degree from UNC Asheville at an Affordable Cost

At UNC Asheville, you can receive an affordable education from a top-ranked public university while enjoying the unique benefits of a tight-knit community. Join our innovative learners, inclusive collaborators, and bold explorers on a campus that celebrates and centers the liberal arts and sciences!