The Princeton Review recently released its 2008 survey of Best Value in Public Colleges with the University of North Carolina Asheville(UNCA) being rated as number three in the country out of 650 colleges and universities. Two Best Values lists are presented, one for Public Colleges and the other for private institutions. UNCA is the only North Carolina college or university to be rated on the public list. The Review praises UNC Asheville's growing national academic reputation, noting that the University "offers the quality education of a private school at a public school price." It also favorably notes the University's numerous academic options, small class size and strong focus on the liberal arts and sciences. The full article can be found here.

The presence of schools like UNCA plus a variety of strong private colleges in the area help contribute to Asheville's unique culture, eclectic diversity and strong ecological and environmental focus. The other four year colleges close to Asheville include the strong environmental school Warren Wilson College, along with the Christian Liberal Arts school Montreat College. and the liberal arts schools Mars Hill College located in the city of Mars Hill. Few areas can boast of such a unique combination of public and private liberal arts colleges in such close proximity to each other. Their presence combined with a strong arts community really make Asheville a special place to live, at least IMHO.