WE’RE HERE TO HELP!
The Office of Financial Aid is here to support you with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and answer any questions you have about college affordability. All students who intend to apply for or renew their financial aid for the 2024-2025 academic year must complete the FAFSA at fafsa.gov. Please submit your FAFSA as soon as possible.
Want help with the FAFSA? Schedule a one-on-one appointment with a Financial Aid Counselor, contact us at finaid@unca.edu or 828.251.6535, or visit us on the second floor of Brown Hall Mon.-Fri. from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. for a walk-in appointment.
We believe that money shouldn’t stand in the way of your education. At UNC Asheville, we offer a full range of merit- and need-based financial aid options, and we will work one-on-one with you to make your education possible.
Explore Financial Aid Options
Understanding your financial aid options starts with understanding how much college will cost you. Then, you can learn more about different kinds of financial aid, identify what you are eligible for, and learn how to apply.
Net Price Calculator
Estimating what you will pay for college can be challenging, but using our Net Price Calculator makes it much simpler. The Net Price Calculator is a secure tool that provides you with a personalized net price estimate based on your unique characteristics, cost of attendance, and the financial aid provided to UNC Asheville students in the previous year.
Our Commitment to Affordability
~70%
of students receive financial aid
>$6M
in annual scholarships to students
$14K
less debt than the national average for graduate loan holders
Our Financial Aid Team
Shannon Shepherd
Director of Financial Aid
Email: sshepher@unca.edu
Phone: 828.251.6543
What’s a favorite book, movie, or TV show you enjoy? Why?
“My favorite TV show, which has unfortunately ended, is This is Us. I also enjoyed the Blacklist and Bridgerton. They all touch on my love of suspense, love, and family.”
What is your favorite UNC Asheville tradition?
“I really enjoy Turning of the Maples. It is a beautiful time of the year filled with delicious treats and comradery.”
What is your favorite spot on campus?
“It is hard to choose a favorite spot, but my favorite thing to do is walk around the campus and take in its beauty while gaining steps toward my daily 10,000 step goal.”
Education
- Master of Entrepreneurship, Western Carolina University
Brian P. Davis ’06
Associate Director of Financial Aid
for University Scholarships
Email: bdavis@unca.edu
Phone: 828.251.6543
What is your favorite UNC Asheville memory?
“Numerous memories to choose from my time at UNC Asheville. I’ll lump some together and say just spending time with my various roommates and friends. Location or activity didn’t matter, just being together and building our little community.”
If you could give one piece of advice to incoming students, what would it be?
“Don’t be afraid to try new things. Be brave. From the little things like trying new foods, for me it was grapes, yes grapes, to the bigger things like studying abroad. You can experience these new things. You are brave.”
What was your favorite class while you were attending UNC Asheville?
“I truly enjoyed all but two classes I took during undergrad at UNC Asheville. Two classes always quickly come to mind for me; we had incredible discussions in my Humanities 214 course and we built incredible community in my Blue Banner course.”
Education
- Masters of Project Management, Western Carolina University
- Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication, UNC Asheville
Adrienne Lennon
Financial Aid Counselor
Email: alennon@unca.edu
Phone: 828.251.6985
What is your favorite spot on campus?
“The Lookout Observatory.”
What is your favorite spot or activity in Asheville?
“I love to hike one of the many trails that surround the city.”
If you could give one piece of advice to incoming students, what would it be?
“You’ve got this!”
Education
- Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, University of West Florida
Vicki McElheny
Assistant Director of Financial Aid
Email: vmcelhen@unca.edu
Phone: 828.251.6536
What is your favorite spot on campus?
“On a clear day, standing on the top step of Ramsey Library. My view… our flag on the Quad and Mt. Pisgah in the background.”
What is your favorite UNC Asheville tradition?
“Virtual Running of the Maples. It makes you get out and enjoy our beautiful area!”
What is a favorite book, movie, or TV show you enjoy? Why?
“Aerial America TV show on the Smithsonian Channel…you never have to leave the comfort of your own home to see every state and learn a lot of their history in 1 hour.”
Phounam Pin
Financial Aid Counselor
Email: ppin@unca.edu
Phone: 828.251.6535
What is your favorite spot on campus?
“The UNC Asheville Lookout Mountain.”
What is your favorite spot or activity in Asheville?
“Bike riding!”
What is a misconception about financial aid that you often encounter?
“Some students thought they could be an independent student on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at the age of 21. But they have to be at least 24 years old. Unless, they are married, an active military member, or have a child.”
Education
- Bachelor of Arts in Government and Women’s and Gender Studies, Smith College
Hunter Yarborough
Associate Director of Financial Aid
Email: hyarboro@unca.edu
Phone: 828.251.6535
What is your favorite spot or activity in Asheville?
“Biking at Bent Creek”
What is your favorite spot on campus?
“The gazebo behind Zeis.”
What is your go-to advice for students feeling stressed during the college application process?
“Stay in touch with the Admission and Financial Aid offices so that you do not miss important deadlines and funding opportunities. Remember, the process is likely going to be a little different at each institution you applied to.”
Education
- Master of Education in Higher Education Student Affairs, Western Carolina University
- Bachelor of Science in Wilderness Leadership and Experiential Education, Brevard College
Connect to Financial Aid Resources
Our team of admission and financial aid counselors are here to help you understand your options and navigate the process of applying for financial aid.
Federal Emergency Grants for Students
In response to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the United States Congress authorized federal financial support to institutions. A significant portion of the funding is for direct student emergency grants.
UNC Asheville’s Student Emergency Fund
Current students who meet certain criteria may be eligible to receive financial assistance from UNC Asheville’s Student Emergency Fund.
Take the Next Step
Have Questions? Contact the Financial Aid Team!
Ask questions and get advice from the University of North Carolina Asheville if you need assistance with applying for Financial Aid.
| Phone: 828.251.6535 |
| Email: finaid@unca.edu |
| FAFSA Code: 002907 |
| Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. |
