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ASHEVILLE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCEEDUCATIONWESTERN NORTH CAROLINAIn the Asheville area, the education and business community work closely together to build theelements necessary to support a vibrant economy.ASHEVILLECHAMBER.ORG/RESEARCH-ECONOMY/
THE UNIVERSITYOF NORTH CAROLINAAT ASHEVILLEUNC Asheville is one of the top public liberal arts universities in the nation according to U.S.News and World Report and part of the University of North Carolina System. Approximately4,000 students from across the globe call UNCA their educational institution and home.UNC Asheville is also recognized for theNational Conference on UndergraduateResearch (NCUR) as a program ofdistinction by U.S. News and WorldReports national rankings.UNC Asheville founded NCUR in 1987 toaddress research questions of interest ina scholarly and creative manner.More than 60 percent of UNC Asheville’sstudents complete original research intheir field of study, an opportunity usuallyfound only in graduate programs.#2#7NATIONALLY FOR“MAKING AN IMPACT”The Princeton Review, 2018IN NATIONAL PUBLICLIBERAL ARTS COLLEGESU.S. News & World Report, 2018Programs ofDistinction:Life SciencesAn array of math and science programs are offered with opportunitiesfor scholarships and research through the GlaxoSmithKline Foundation. Photography: Courtesy of UNC Asheville1 ASHEVILLECHAMBER.ORG/RESEARCH-ECONOMY/Within UNC Asheville’sLife Sciences coursework,degrees such as Biology andChemistry are offered withstate-of-the-art researchlabs preparing students withthe background neededfor Master’s and Ph.D.programs. The AtmosphericScience program providesopportunities to connectwith National Centers forEnvironmental Information,one of the nation’s largestweather data centers.
MechatronicsThe Mechatronics and Two-Plus-Two EngineeringPrograms are two of the most unique and valuableprograms offered in the state of North Carolina.Programs ofDistinction:Both engineeringprograms are offered asa result of a partnershipbetween UNC Ashevilleand NC State designed tounite the best engineeringcourses with a rich liberalarts foundation. Manystudents who participatein these programs (over350 students since theirconception) continueto work in the Ashevillearea once they have theirdegrees. Photography: Courtesy of UNC AshevilleMusic TechnologyAn extremely selective hybrid degree in MusicTechnology that combines music, math, computerscience, engineering, electronics, and business.Programs of Distinction:At UNC Asheville the musicdepartment features a keypartnership with Bob MoogElectronic Music Studio. Throughthis partnership, it plays animportant role in developingtalent for the growing musicindustry in the area. The musicindustry was estimated tocontribute 383M in total outputand supported nearly 3,400 jobsin Buncombe county in 2016. 2
ASHEVILLE-BUNCOMBETECHNICALCOMMUNITY COLLEGEOver 25,000 students enroll in Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College (A-BTech) every year, making it one of the largest institutions for higher learning in the region.A-B Tech has 3 campuses across Asheville, Enka, and Madison County and is part of the North CarolinaCommunity College System. More than 60 curriculum programs across 5 divisions including AdvancedManufacturing, Healthcare, Entrepreneurship, and Culinary Arts and Hospitality.Breweries and Supply ChainA-B Tech’s Craft Beverage Institute of the Southeast provides the trainingneeded to meet the professional standards and fundamental demands ofAsheville and Buncombe County’s spectacular beverage industries.Programs of Distinction:Hospitality remains a cornerstone ofthe Tourism economy in the AshevilleBuncombe area. Breweries had a totaloutput of 934M in our Asheville BreweriesEconomic Contribution Study (2016). A-BTech is equipped with the Craft BeverageInstitute (CBI) of the Southeast program tosupport Hospitality. Created with our regionin mind, the CBI is designed to support thegrowing craft beverage industry in WesternNorth Carolina by preparing individualsfor brewery and distillery operations,management, distribution, economics,marketing, and many more careers.1 of only 2PROGRAMS IN THE NATIONFOR CRAFT BREWING3 ASHEVILLECHAMBER.ORG/RESEARCH-ECONOMY/ Photography: Courtesy of Capital at Play
Advanced ManufacturingAt A-B Tech, the Advanced Manufacturing Center is astate of the art teaching facility focused on buildingand sustaining a skilled workforce.Programs of Distinction:A-B Tech’s AdvancedManufacturing Center is a15,000 square foot buildingdevoted to providing training inthe Advanced Manufacturingsector. Through the center,hands-on training is availablefor Computer Numerical Control(CNC) and manual machiningequipment, labs and equipmentfor specialized composites andrepair, mechatronics, industrialmaintenance (e.g. electrical,hydraulics, pneumatics,industrial controls, motors, etc.),metals, and more.Information TechnologyA-B Tech offers a wide variety of certificates within IT,providing students with essential workplace skills.Programs ofDistinction:A-B Tech has certificatesranging from ComputerBasics to Cisco CertifiedNetwork Associate(CCNA) preparation.In combination withAdvanced Manufacturingprograms, the CADTechnology certificateprovides invaluable skillsfor 2-D and 3-D technicaldrawings.We are fortunate to haveworkforce partners inBuncombe County thatmove at the speed ofbusiness. From forwardthinking intern andapprenticeship opportunitiesto customized training,nimble programming,engaged mentors and strongalumni networks on tap – ourpartners understand theglobal competition for talentand what Buncombe Countybusiness needs to thrive.— April BrownDirector of WorkforceEconomicDevelopment Coalition 4
WESTERNCAROLINAUNIVERSITYAlso part of the UNC System, Western Carolina University (WCU) enrollment totals more than11,000 students. In addition to 115 majors and concentrations, Western Carolina also has 60graduate programs.Western Carolina is approximately 50 milesfrom Asheville and sits on 600 acres of gorgeousmountainous area. Several of their graduateprograms operate from a satellite campus inAsheville’s popular Biltmore Park. For example,4 doctoral, 9 masters, and 4 baccalaureatecompletion programs are available. These includedegrees in Business, Counseling, EducationLeadership, Engineering, Nursing, PhysicalTherapy, Public Affairs and others to continue1 oftheBestSCHOOLSTO EARN AN MBAThe Princeton Review, 2018education and professional development.Business AdministrationThe Western Carolina Business Administration Program positionsstudents for success in a variety of industries from financial institutions,manufacturing firms, healthcare companies, and non-profit organizations. Photography: Courtesy of Western Carolina University5 ASHEVILLECHAMBER.ORG/RESEARCH-ECONOMY/Programs ofDistinction:Within WCU’s BusinessAdministration Programis home to the nationallyrenowned Center forEntrepreneurship andInnovation, as well asthe Master of ProjectManagement program.At the satellite campus inBiltmore Park, this programis flexible and designed forthe working professional.In addition, this programis fully accredited by theAssociation to AdvanceCollegiate Schools ofBusiness (AACSB), aninternational organization.
Total StudentsASHEVILLE AREA HIGHEREDUCATION MARKET281,475WITHIN 25-MILE RADIUS**Enrolled Students: 20,000Completions: 4,238WITHIN 50-MILE RADIUS**Enrolled Students: 82,200Completions: 18,879WITHIN 100-MILE RADIUS** University of North Carolina at AshevilleA-B Tech Community CollegeMontreat CollegeWarren Wilson CollegeMars Hill UniversityBrevard CollegeHaywood Community CollegeBlue Ridge Community CollegeSouth College - AshevilleFurman UniversityWestern Carolina University*McDowell Tech Community CollegeNorth Greenville UniversityGreenville Technical CollegeEast Tennessee State University*Schools that have a satellitecampus in Asheville**Not a comprehensive list andsubject to changeTENSESENEnrolled Students: 281,475Completions: 71,714Western Piedmont Community CollegeAppalachian State UniversityClemson UniversityLenoir-Rhyne University*University of North Carolina at CharlotteUniversity of Tennessee at KnoxvilleWofford CollegeUniversity of South Carolina UpstateCarson Newman UniversityConverse CollegeTri-County Community CollegeGardner-Webb UniversityPellissippi State Community CollegeEHNORTNAILOCARGGEORIAOLIRACSOUTHNAMap represents above select educationalinstitutions, not comprehensive and subject to change 6
APPALACHIANSTATELocated 90 miles northeast of Asheville, Appalachian State University is part of the Universityof North Carolina system and is regularly cited as a best value in public education. The schoolcombines the attributes of a small liberal arts college with those of a large research university.Programs of Distinction:NursingAt Appalachian State, theAppalachian State University’s 3-year average National CouncilBSN, RN to BSN, and MSNLicensure Examination (NCLEX) is at 94%, higher than the Stateprograms are availablewithin nursing. BSN is a(82%) and National (86%) averages.baccalaureate program tobuild foundation for graduatenursing education for thosewho do not have a registerednursing license. The RN to BSNonline program is designedfor registered nurses seekingthe BSN degree. The MSNis a master’s program toprepare registered nurses forleadership roles as educatorsin a variety of academic orclinical environments. Photography: Courtesy of Marie Freeman, Appalachian State UniversityLENOIR-RHYNELenoir-Rhyne is a private collegebased in Hickory with a Centerfor graduate studies in Asheville.The local campus furthersstudent education by specificallyoffering master’s level programsin 10 areas including BusinessAdministration, Nursing, PublicHealth, Counseling, SustainabilityStudies, and Writing.Programs ofDistinction:An innovative programdesigned to engage inproviding sustainabilitychallenges across a widerange of fields such asclimate change, economicdysfunction, biodiversitydecline, and more.7 ASHEVILLECHAMBER.ORG/RESEARCH-ECONOMY/ Photography: Courtesy of Lenoir-RhyneSustainabilityStudiesMaster’s of Science
MONTREATA private Christianfour-year college withsatellite campusesin Asheville andfour other locationsacross North Carolina.Montreat College offersundergraduate, adultundergraduate, andgraduate programs witha focus on the School ofArts and Sciences.Programs ofDistinction:Montreat College isdesignated a NationalCenter of AcademicExcellence in Cyber DefenseEducation by the NationalSecurity Agency (NSA)and the Department ofHomeland Security (DHS).CybersecurityOne of the most rapidlyexpanding fields in the worldMARS HILLA private four-year college locatedin neighboring Madison Countywith a satellite campus in Asheville.The school offers 30 majorsincluding Business Administrationand Management, ComputerScience, and graduate studies inelementary education. Offeredin the evening, the school’s AdultStudies program is designed to fitthe needs of working adults.Programs ofDistinction:Students are provided skillsto analyze and tackle globalissues while navigating theincreasing complexity of ourglobalized world. Studentsgain experience withpolitical science, history,economics, and more.InternationalStudiesStudies of complex global issuesWARREN WILSONA small, private four-year collegelocated in the Swannanoa Valleynear Asheville. Popular majorsinclude focus on the sciences,including Environmental Studies.Warren Wilson offers a uniqueexperience, providing high-qualityexperiential education along withan integrated work program.Students focus 10-20 hours a weekon community programs andinitiatives outside of class.Programs ofDistinction:Warren Wilson establishedthis program in 1976, taughtby nationally-recognizedMFA faculty. Their facultyinclude Pulitzer and NationalBook Award winners from awide-range of backgrounds. Photography: Courtesy of Warren WilsonFine Arts Programfor WritersNationally renownedMaster’s Program 8
ASHEVILLE CITY &BUNCOMBE COUNTYSCHOOLSThere are approximately 30,000 enthusiastic, young students in the Asheville City andBuncombe County public school systems.100% of school districts in100%North Carolina can accessthe Internet at speeds of 100kbps per student in bothurban and rural areas.Our schools areconnected witha wide varietyof tools thatenhance learningLaptopsSTEM SchoolProgramsBuncombe County Schoolsopened the Nesbitt DiscoveryAcademy in 2014 to provideopportunities for students toengage in innovative STEMcurriculum. Asheville City’s Schoolof Inquiry and Life Sciences atAsheville (SILSA) additionally offersSTEM opportunities to high schoolstudents.9 ille Area educators and businessleaders collaborate to better engageyoung people in their learning. Teachersand leaders recognize the importance ofequipping young students with the skillsfor success in a globalized era. Studentsin middle and high schools build criticalthinking and problem-solving techniquesthrough hands-on learning and aninnovative curriculum that emphasizeScience, Technology, Engineering, andMath (STEM) topics. Two new schools,Buncombe County Schools DiscoveryAcademy and the Franklin School ofInnovation Charter School opened in2014, expand opportunities for students toengage in inquiry-based learning.
Career and Technical EducationThe mission of CTE is to offer dynamic 21st century programsto students based on the 16 national career clusters that alignwith the business and industry sectors in our area.Programs of Distinction:Both Asheville City andBuncombe County Schoolsprovide Career and TechnicalEducation (CTE) to preparestudents for future careersand higher education. CTEprovides students a way to earncollege credits and credentialssought by local industries andbusinesses. The CTE curriculumalso develops life and softskills such as decision-making,communication, criticalthinking, creative thinking,problem solving, leadership, andmore.Public Schools Mean SAT Scores4-Year Cohort GraduationRates 2017-2018Asheville CityBuncombe CountyHaywood CountyHenderson CountyMadison CountyNorth Carolina359 — 89.4%1,953 — 87.8%586 — 85.3%1,064 — 91.4%209 — 86.8%120,079 — alAsheville City18663.1%5775391,115Buncombe County Schools83146.6%5635511,114Haywood County Schools15027.0%5535331,086Henderson County Schools32534.4%5605421,1033115.3%5375271,065North Carolina44,32544.0%5425321,074United States1,426,258N/A5275171,044Madison County SchoolsAt Buncombe County Schools our mission statement echoes the state’s focuson preparing students to be ‘Career and College Ready,’ and we count onour community partners to help us in that endeavor. The experiences ourstudents have can lead to a job right out of high school, with the impetus tosecure further education for career advancement.— Dr. Tony BaldwinSuperintendent, Buncombe County Schools 10
EDUCATIONALATTAINMENTAsheville 1744,39381,79714,9436,684,672213,649,147Less than 9th Grade2.4%3.3%3.6%4.0%8.4%5.2%5.6%9th to 12th Grade, no Diploma5.4%6.7%9.4%7.3%9.1%8.5%7.4%High School Graduate18.5%24.5%28.6%26.2%30.6%26.4%27.5%Some College, no s Degree7.7%8.0%12.4%8.9%9.4%9.1%8.2%Bachelor's Degree28.8%22.5%14.5%19.2%14.3%18.8%18.8%Graduate Degree18.1%14.1%9.2%10.5%10.4%10.2%11.5%Population 25 Years and OverMore Research Reports at: AshevilleChamber.org/Research-Economy/ADDITIONAL SOURCES: US Census Bureau, Education Superhighway, EMSI, IPEDS, and highlighted schools’ sources.PLEASE CONTACT USHEIDI REIBER Director of Research828.258.6120, hreiber@ashevillechamber.orgMAXWELL OLLE Research Analyst828.258.6114, EARCH-ECONOMY
At A-B Tech, the Advanced Manufacturing Center is a state of the art teaching facility focused on building and sustaining a skilled workforce. Programs of Distinction: A-B Tech’s Advanced Manufacturing Center is a 15,000 square foot building devoted to providing training
