Apply as a First-Year Student

Hone your skills and amplify your passions in a collaborative community of creatives and innovators. Apply for first-year admission to UNC Asheville as a high school student or if you have not received college credit since graduating from high school. 

Before starting your application, find out more about the requirements and deadlines for first-year applicants, and learn what makes UNC Asheville a transformative start.

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First-Year Student Application Requirements

Review key information about the admissions process.

Apply using the Common Application or CFNC Application.

Students Applying for Spring 2025

Obtain at least a 2.5 weighted high school GPA or a minimum standardized test score of 19 (ACT) or 1010 (SAT).

Test scores are not required for Spring 2025 applicants.

Students Applying for Fall 2025 or Spring 2026

Obtain at least a 2.5 weighted high school GPA.

Students with a weighted GPA between 2.5 and 2.79 are required to submit a standardized test score. There is no minimum score requirement.

Test scores are not required for students with a weighted GPA of 2.8 or higher.

Students Applying for Fall 2026 and Beyond

Obtain at least a 2.5 weighted high school GPA.

Students with a weighted GPA between 2.5 and 2.79 are required to submit a minimum standardized test score of a 17 (ACT) or a 930 (SAT).

Test scores are not required for students with a weighted GPA of 2.8 or higher.

To submit test scores, use the following school codes: 3064 (ACT) and 5013 (SAT).

To be eligible for admission, a student should present a minimum of 15 units of high school coursework within four traditional academic areas – English, mathematics, sciences, and social studies.

Minimum Course Requirements

  • 4 units of English
  • 4 units of college preparatory mathematics
    • 2 levels of algebra
    • 1 level of geometry
    • 1 higher level mathematics course for which algebra II is a prerequisite
    • For students attending a North Carolina public high school, the fourth unit of math must be one of the below courses. For all other students, the fourth math must be comparable to one of the courses listed below or be approved by the Office of Admission & Financial Aid.
      • AP Calculus
      • AP Statistics
      • Pre-Calculus
      • Discrete Mathematics
      • IB Mathematics Level II
      • Integrated Mathematics IV
      • Advanced Functions and Modeling
      • Essentials for College Math
  • 3 units in science
    • 1 life or biological science (e.g. biology)
    • 1 physical science (e.g. physical science, chemistry, physics)
    • 1 laboratory science
  • 2 units of social studies
    • 1 in United States history
    • Students who do not have the unit in U.S. history may be admitted on the condition that they pass at least three semester hours in that subject by the end of the sophomore year.
  • 2 additional units from English, mathematics, science, social studies, world languages, or computer science
    • These courses should be selected in alignment with a student’s academic and career objectives. Completion of two sequential world language courses is recommended.

If your high school record lacks any of the units mentioned above or if you hold a GED, you may present at least one of the following to meet minimum eligibility for admission:

  • Complete at least 24 total transferable semester hours from an accredited college or university (excluding hours awarded by AP, IB or other credit by exam) after receiving your GED or high school equivalency; OR
  • Be at least 21 years of age by the time you enroll in your first term at UNC Asheville.

If you do not meet the minimum course requirements and cannot present one of the alternatives listed above, you may still apply for admission. We encourage you to explain in your application what circumstances may have prevented you from fulfilling these course requirements.

Pay the non-refundable application fee of $75. UNC Asheville waives the application fee for all students who apply during CFNC’s Free Application Week, which is historically the third week in October. Fee waivers outside of this week are also available through CommonApp and CFNC. If you have questions about the application fee or fee waivers, please contact the Office of Admission and Financial Aid.

Direct your high school to send your official transcripts to UNC Asheville’s Office of Admission and Financial Aid at admissions@unca.edu or:

Brown Hall – Lower Level, CPO #1320
One University Heights
Asheville, NC 28804

Complete Your Common Application Complete Your CFNC Application
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Admission Deadlines

When you apply by one of our Early Action or Regular Decision deadlines, you ensure that your academic, community, and extracurricular experience will be considered with your application. Our Early Action deadline allows first-year applicants to receive their application decisions sooner, so they can get a head-start preparing for life as a UNC Asheville Bulldog! 

Early Action admission is not a binding commitment.

Fall Enrollment:
  • Early Action: November 1
  • Regular Decision: February 1

Students who apply by the February 1 Regular Decision deadline are automatically considered for University Merit Award.

Applications for fall enrollment that are submitted after the Regular Decision deadline are considered on a space-available basis.

Spring Enrollment:
  • Regular Decision: December 6 (temporary extension for Spring 2025)

Learn More About Tuition and Financial Aid

At UNC Asheville, you’ll obtain a world-expanding education at an affordable cost. Our commitment to academic excellence is born out of small class sizes, dedicated professor-mentors, and our position as a top-ranked public university.

First-time applicants are automatically considered for University Merit Award to help cover their Cost of Attendance!

Learn more about our low tuition rates and substantial financial aid opportunities.

Why Apply to UNC Asheville?

Our roots grow deep in strong communities, engaging student life, and the unbound potential of the liberal arts and sciences. Here at UNC Asheville, you never have to ask “What if?” Instead, you ask “What’s next?”

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A Dynamic Student Life

Form long-lasting connections with your peers and professors. Invest in your passions in student organizations and activities, from joining a book club to supporting sustainability. Take part in campus-wide traditions like Rockypalooza and Greenfest. Immerse yourself in an uplifting culture of collaboration and creativity. 

Student Life
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65+ Liberal Arts and Sciences Programs

Explore your interests and life purpose with our 65+ academic programs grounded in critical thinking and hands-on learning. Learning from our experienced faculty, you will develop deep understandings and apply your knowledge in real-world settings, including our nationally recognized undergraduate research program.

Our Academics
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Our Unique Location in Asheville

Our tight-knit city on the doorstep of the Blue Ridge Mountains is a hub for young professionals. Our graduates build on internship and networking experiences at UNC Asheville to launch exciting careers right here in a community formed of thriving artists, adventurous explorers, and innovative scholars!

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 Start Your Application to UNC Asheville

Pursue your bold ideas in the classroom, the lab, the field, and wherever else you want to take them. Your future starts at UNC Asheville—all you have to do is apply!

Request Information Contact Admission Apply: Common App Apply: CFNC

Have Questions? Contact the Admission Team! 

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

Phone: 828.251.6481
Email: admissions@unca.edu
Address:
UNC Asheville
Brown Hall, CPO #1320
One University Heights
Asheville, NC 28804
Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.