Financial Aid & Scholarships

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We’re Here To Help

The Office of Financial Aid is here to support you with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and answer any questions you have about college affordability. All students who intend to apply for or renew their financial aid for the 2025-2026 academic year must complete the FAFSA at fafsa.gov. Please submit your FAFSA as soon as possible.

Want help with the FAFSA? Schedule a one-on-one appointment with a Financial Aid Counselor, contact us at finaid@unca.edu or 828.251.6535, or visit us on the second floor of Brown Hall Mon.-Fri. from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. for a walk-in appointment.

Explore Financial Aid Options


Net Price Calculator

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Net Price Calculator

Estimating what you will pay for college can be challenging, but using our Net Price Calculator makes it much simpler. The Net Price Calculator is a secure tool that provides you with a personalized net price estimate based on your unique characteristics, cost of attendance, and the financial aid provided to UNC Asheville students in the previous year.

Estimate Your Cost


Our Commitment to Affordability

We believe that money shouldn’t stand in the way of your education. At UNC Asheville, we offer a full range of merit- and need-based financial aid options, and we will work one-on-one with you to make your education possible.

~ 82 %

of students receive financial aid

>$ 21 M

in annual scholarships to students

$ 16 K+

less debt than the national average for graduate loan holders

UNC Asheville’s Student Care Fund

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UNC Asheville’s Student Care Fund

The Student Care Fund (formerly the Student Emergency Fund) helps UNC Asheville students facing unexpected financial hardships that could derail their academic success. A collaboration between the Divisions of Student Affairs, University Advancement, and Academic Affairs, the fund provides up to $500 per approved request to assist with emergencies such as a family member’s death, serious illness, medical crisis, accident, job loss, or other urgent, life-altering situations. Students should apply after exhausting other resources and must provide documentation of need. Awards are not intended to replace financial aid and may affect aid packages. Funds do not need to be repaid, though students are encouraged to give back when able, and availability depends on donations from the campus community and university supporters.

Learn more and Apply Here


Our Financial Aid Team

Shannon Shepherd

Shannon Shepherd

Director of Financial Aid

Office: 238 Brown Hall
Phone: 828-251-6535
Email: sshepher@unca.edu

Brian P. Davis ’06

Brian P. Davis ’06

Associate Director of Financial Aid for University Scholarships

Office: 240 Brown Hall
Phone: 828-251-6535
Email: bdavis@unca.edu

Hunter Yarborough

Hunter Yarborough

Associate Director of Financial Aid

Office: 139 Brown Hall
Phone: 828-251-6535
Email: hyarboro@unca.edu

Max Mauney

Max Mauney

Assistant Director of Financial Aid

Office: Brown Hall
Email: hmauney1@unca.edu

Shawn Wellman

Shawn Wellman

Financial Aid Counselor

Office: 241 Brown Hall
Phone: 828-251-6535
Email: swellman@unca.edu

Ashley Sams

Ashley Sams

Financial Aid Counselor

Office: 243 Brown Hall
Email: asams1@unca.edu

Have Questions? Contact the Financial Aid Team!

Ask questions and get advice from the University of North Carolina Asheville if you need assistance with applying for Financial Aid.

Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Phone: 828.251.6535
Email: finaid@unca.edu
Federal School Code for FAFSA: 002907