From Staff Reports

The University of North Carolina Asheville has been recognized in the 2025 Carnegie Classifications with two designations 'that align with the university’s distinctive academic mission and its longstanding commitment to student access,' UNCA announced in an April 24 press release.

To that end, UNCA has been classified as a Special Focus: Arts and Sciences institution in the 2025 Institutional Classification.

"This designation reflects UNC Asheville’s central mission as a public university focused on providing rigorous, interdisciplinary education in the arts and sciences," the release stated. "The classification includes just six percent of colleges and universities nationwide marking UNC Asheville as a leader in delivering focused, high-impact undergraduate education.

"The university also earned a Higher Access, Medium Earnings designation in the new Student Access and Earnings Classification, highlighting the University’s success in enrolling students from diverse backgrounds and preparing graduates for strong economic outcomes. This classification considers data on Pell Grant recipients and underrepresented students, along with post-attendance earnings benchmarked against local economic conditions," the release noted.