From Staff Reports

 As the region continues to rebound, University of North Carolina Asheville “is going the extra mile to support its students,” UNCA announced in a Nov. 26 press release.

“With the generous support of the North Carolina General Assembly, UNC Asheville will offer grants for this coming spring semester that cover up to the full cost of in-state tuition, $2,061,” the release added.

UNCA Chancellor Kimberly van Noort was quoted in the release as saying the following:

“There’s never been a better time to join the Bulldog community. We are so grateful to the N.C. General Assembly for  providing funding for this program that will eliminate or substantially reduce the cost of tuition for our students.” 

The release added, “No additional application is needed, and any current students whose financial aid package doesn’t already cover the cost of tuition for Spring 2025 will automatically receive the award. 

“New first-time and transfer students starting in Spring 2025 may also be eligible for tuition grant funds upon enrollment. 

“The application deadline for Spring 2025 has also been extended to Dec. 6, with classes beginning Jan. 13. 

“Applications are still welcomed after the Spring Semester Regular Decision deadline, and are considered on a space-available basis,” the release noted. 

Students also will receive an on-campus housing credit of about $900 for Spring 2025, and students with active residential meal plans will receive a dining credit of $760-$840. 

All university credits are calculated to reflect the 35 days during which UNCA was unable to offer housing, dining or parking on campus as a result of Helene.

UNCA students who receive the Next N.C. Scholarship have seen their scholarship amount increase by about $850, the release stated. The Helene Hardship Grants, supported by the UNC Asheville Disaster Relief Fund, were awarded in October. 

“These benefits are intended to recognize the difficulties caused by Helene and to ease the financial impact on our students, who have shown extraordinary resilience despite the challenges we’ve faced from the storm,” the release quoted van Noort as saying.