Financial support and grants help UNCA boost enrollment amid hurricane recovery efforts

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — UNC Asheville (UNCA) has announced an increase in student enrollment despite challenges stemming from Hurricane Helene.

According to a release, UNCA's headcount for the 2025 spring semester is 2,801, which is an increase of 1.9% compared to the spring semester of 2024, and a 4. 7% increase from the spring semester of 2023.

The release said the increase in enrollment was aided by financial assistance provided to students amid Helene, and with support from the North Carolina General Assembly, UNCA was able to offer grants for spring semester tuition, which covered up to the full cost of in-state tuition.

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The release also said the university offered two financial aid grants for those who experienced hardship as a result of the hurricane and, coupled with tuition grants, totaled $3,500 in emergency aid.

"These successes are indicative of the years of behind-the-scenes work done to right the ship, even before it was affected by Helene," Chancellor Kimberly van Noort said in the release. "I can't say enough about everyone's efforts — faculty and staff — both in recruiting our students and supporting them through one of the most difficult challenges our University and region have ever faced."