UNC Ashevile garners “best buy” recognition from Fiske Guide

From UNC Asheville:

UNC Asheville Named a “Best Buy” in Fiske Guide to Colleges 2017; Environmental Studies Program Cited for Strength in Career Preparation

UNC Asheville has been named to the very select list of “Best Buy” universities in Fiske Guide to Colleges 2017, released on July 1. The guide, created by former New York Times education editor Edward Fiske, calls UNC Asheville “one of the best educational bargains in the country.” Additionally, for the 13th consecutive year, UNC Asheville’s Environmental Studies Program was named to the Fiske Guide’s list of pre-professional programs with unusual strength in preparing students for careers.

Covering schools in the U.S., Canada and the U.K, the 2017 Fiske Best Buy list includes only 21 public and 26 private colleges and universities. Joining UNC Asheville on this exclusive list are five other North Carolina schools: UNC-Chapel Hill, N.C. State University, Elon University, Guilford College and Warren Wilson College.

“A public liberal arts education is great preparation for the fast-changing economy of the future, and at UNC Asheville, that exceptional education comes at an affordable price,” said Chancellor Mary K. Grant. “Our students gain experience in problem-solving, undergraduate research, and working as part of interdisciplinary teams. And at the same time, they combine technical skills and critical thinking with deep knowledge in content areas. Employers recognize the value of a liberal arts degree, and we are thrilled that the Fiske Guide does as well.”

Describing UNC Asheville, the Fiske Guide says, “This public liberal arts university offers all of the perks that are generally associated with pricier private institutions: rigorous academics, small classes, and a beautiful setting. And it does it for a fraction of the cost. The university continues to integrate experiential learning into its traditional curriculum, emphasizing internships and service-learning experiences.”

Students quoted in the Fiske Guide offer perspectives on the UNC Asheville experience, with the guide noting that “Students can take advantage of Asheville’s strengths as a global source of information for weather forecasting and as a center of digital imaging, and, of course, fine arts and studio crafts.”

Professors also are given high marks. “All of my professors have been incredibly helpful and understanding whenever I have approached them with a problem,” cheers one psychology major quoted in the guide.

Additionally, notes the Fiske Guide, “The college is surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Smokies, where students can hike and rock climb; water buffs can go rafting and kayaking on nearby rivers. Pre-orientation wilderness trips help build friendships among freshmen.”

UNC Asheville’s pre-orientation sessions, called pre-rendezblue, start for new students in August. Students interested in admission for Fall 2017 can apply for early action by Nov. 15, 2016. To apply, visit admissions.unca.edu/apply.

Fiske’s assessment echoes many other prominent college rankings. UNC Asheville is ranked first nationally on The Princeton Review’s Best Schools for Making an Impact list. U.S. News & World Report ranks UNC Asheville eighth in the nation among public liberal arts colleges. The university has been designated a 2016 Military Friendly® School by Victory Media and ranked as a “best value” by The Princeton Review and by Kiplinger’s Personal Finance.