There are numerous institutions of higher learning in and around Asheville. Some are public, others private with religious affiliations. Almost all boast beautiful and scenic campuses. Many students focus on environmental studies and are drawn to the area because of its convenient access to Pisgah National Park and the Smoky Mountains. Area colleges include the University of North Carolina at Asheville, Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, Black Mountain College, Brevard College, Mars Hill College, Montreat College, Warren Wilson College, and Western Carolina University.
Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
(828) 254-1921
340 Victoria Road
Asheville, NC 28801
The Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College offers pre-baccalaureate classes in Allied Health and Public Service, Arts and Sciences, Business and Hospitality Education, and Engineering and Applied Technology. The school consists of three campuses: Asheville, Enka, and Madison. In addition, courses are offered on-line.
Brevard College
(828) 883-8292
400 North Broad Street
Brevard, NC 28712
Located approximately 40 minutes south of Asheville, Brevard College is a private, United Methodist, liberal arts college. This smaller school enrolls about 700 students. 17 major fields of study are offered as well as 24 minors, including unique fields such as Exercise Science, and Wilderness Leadership Experiential Education that take place in the Pisgah National Forest, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Cradle of Forestry, regional museums, or area orchestras.
Mars Hill College
(866) 642-4968
100 Athletic Street
Mars Hill, NC 28745
About 20 miles north of Asheville, Mars Hills College is a private, Baptist, liberal-arts college. The 194 acre campus is home to 2,200 students. The school offers 30 major fields of study and 33 minors and is known for its music department.
Montreat College
(828) 669-8012
310 Gaither Circle
Montreat, NC 28757
Montreat College is a private, liberal arts, Christian college. The school enrolls approximately 1,035 students between its four campuses. They offer tailored pre-professional programs and masters programs in Education and Business Administration.
South College
(828) 252-2486
1567 Patton Avenue
Asheville, NC 28806
South College is a private, nonsectarian institution offering 9 Applied Science degrees and certificates in 4 fields. Classes are taught by practicing faculty and schedules are designed with the working student in mind.
University of North Carolina at Asheville
(828) 251-6600
1 University Heights
Asheville, NC 28804
The University of North Carolina at Asheville is a premier public liberal arts university and is the only designated liberal arts institution in the 16-campus University of North Carolina system. It is home to almost 3,500 undergrads and over 250 faculty. The campus, just north of downtown, is adjacent to the Asheville Botanical Gardens.
Warren Wilson College
(828) 298-3325
701 Warren Wilson Rd
Swannanoa, NC 28778
Located just east of Asheville in Swannanoa, Warren Wilson College is a small, private, liberal arts college. Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees are offered, as well as a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing. The college is home to about 800 students all of whom base their studies on the Triad, which consists of on-campus jobs, 100 hours of community service, and required academic courses. The school is home to approximately 900 students and is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church.
Western Carolina University
(828) 227-7211
1 Central Dr
Cullowhee, NC 28723
This public university is located about 55 miles west of Asheville. WCU offers bachelor, masters, and doctorate degrees. Between the main 600 acre campus in Cullowhee and the two satellite campuses, one in Asheville, one in Cherokee, NC, the school enrolls over 8,500 students. The university offers over 120 majors and has over 30 graduate-level programs.
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