Specifically, the release quoted van Noort as saying, “As an innovative public liberal arts and sciences university of the future, UNC Asheville is increasingly a destination of choice because of our student-centered focus, hands-on learning and career-ready emphasis.”

She added, “Our graduates are prepared to move directly into careers not only because of the quality of learning that occurs with our talented faculty but also because of the high-impact practices they experience as UNC Asheville students.”

The long-time education editor for The New York Times, Edward Fiske, created his Fiske Guide to Colleges to provide better information for college-bound students and their families as they navigate the college search process. "It is recognized by many as the top-rated guide to the best colleges," the UNCA release stated.

"UNC Asheville scored highly in academics, social life, and quality of life, and was given the top ranking as inexpensive and having low average debt for students," the release added.

"Affordability is a key strength of the university. Over the last five years, the average accumulated debt for all graduates has been below $12,000. Qualified North Carolina residents whose family adjusted gross income is $80,000 or less are also now eligible for the new Access Asheville financial aid program, which guarantees full tuition and fees, currently valued at $7,501 per year.

"Input from current students is also factored into the narrative written for each institution, providing an insider’s look at the school."

The UNCA release then asserted, "With all these factors combined, Fiske concludes, 'The University of North Carolina Asheville offers all 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.'"

In terms of its “beautiful setting,” Fiske highlights the university’s ideal location “in the heart of North Carolina’s gorgeous Blue Ridge Mountains,” adding that “the 360-acre campus lies in the middle of one million acres of federal and state forest near the tallest mountain in the East and the most heavily visited national park in the country,” the UNCA release noted.

"Regarding academics, Fiske cites the broad-based, interdisciplinary approach to education for which UNC Asheville is known."

The Fiske report stated, “Asheville’s general education curriculum, the Liberal Arts Core, is required of all undergraduates, In addition to first-year and senior-capstone liberal arts seminars, students must take courses in eight areas spanning the humanities, sciences, and mathematics.”

The UNCA release stated, "Beyond its strong foundation in the liberal arts and sciences, Fiske also highlights one of UNC Asheville’s many unique academic offerings."

Specifically, Fisked noted: “A joint B.S. degree in engineering (with a concentration in mechatronics) with North Carolina State University is the only such program in the state and is one of the fastest-growing majors."

In addition to mechatronics engineering, UNC Asheville students can choose among 60 different wide-ranging majors, minors, concentrations and pre-professional programs.

"Fiske sums up its narrative about UNC Asheville with this high praise: 'Indeed, all the ingredients for a superior college experience lie in wait at Asheville: strong academics, dedicated professors, and an administration that continues to push for excellence,'” the UNCA release stated.