UNC Asheville received high marks in the 2009 edition of U.S. News & World Report's "America's Best Colleges"

U.S. News & World Report has awarded high marks to UNC Asheville for its innovations, undergraduate research, and affordability in the new edition of America's Best Colleges, available online today. UNC Asheville also had the honor of being one of just 24 colleges in the nation to be profiled in the guide's "Road Trips" section.

UNC Asheville is ranked fifth among 17 liberal arts colleges in the nation as a "School to Watch" for having recently made the most promising and innovative changes. Davidson College was the only other college in North Carolina included as a liberal arts "School to Watch."

The "Schools to Watch" is a new ranking this year for U.S. News & World Report. In spring 2008, U.S. News & World Report asked college presidents, provosts and admissions deans to nominate up to 10 colleges in the nation that are making improvements and innovations in academics, faculty, students, campus life, diversity or facilities. The 70 colleges and universities that received the most nominations, those deemed to be schools everyone should be watching, were grouped by academic classification -- national universities, liberal arts colleges, master's level universities, and baccalaureate colleges.

"It is always affirming for all of us at UNC Asheville to be recognized for the work we do for our students," said UNC Asheville Chancellor Anne Ponder. "Our interdisciplinary Humanities Program and Undergraduate Research Program set national standards. Our recent redesign of our general education curriculum, known as integrative liberal studies, and plans for our new N.C. Center for Health & Wellness and Craft Campus carry forward that spirit."

UNC Asheville's Undergraduate Research Program was among a handful to be listed by U.S. News & World Report as among the best regarded in the nation. This section of the guide lists eight academic programs that contain "outstanding examples of academic programs that are believed to lead to student success." UNC Asheville's Undergraduate Research Program is one among only 33 colleges and universities in the nation to be included in the Undergraduate Research/Creative Projects category. UNC Asheville, which founded the National Council for Undergraduate Research, has made this roster every year since U.S. News & World Report started the listing seven years ago.

U.S. News & World Report also compiled a list of colleges and universities whose students in the class of 2007 graduated with the heaviest and lightest debt loads. UNC Asheville ranks 24th among the 25 liberal arts colleges, both private and public, whose students graduated with the least debt. It is the only liberal arts college in North Carolina to make the list.

The "Road Trip" profile highlighted the close relationship between students and faculty, and the undergraduate research experience of two UNC Asheville students. To see UNC Asheville's profile in the Mid-Atlantic Road Trip story, go to www.usnews.com/articles/education/best-colleges/2008/08/21/mid-atlantic-road-trip-unc-asheville.html.