DON'T THINK YOU CAN AFFORD COLLEGE? Scholarships, grants and low-interest loans are available - more than $6,000 a year for a qualified NC resident! Filing a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is easy and FREE. Every school has a Financial Aid department to help you. Click on a school's logo below to visit the financial aid web page for that institution. DO YOU THINK THAT HIGHER EDUCATION IS JUST FOR SOMEONE GETTING OUT OF HIGH SCHOOL? Some employers will pay for part (or all!) of your college education! Many nearby schools offer evening, weekend and online programs for working adults. A new degree can lead to the perfect job, or a promotion at your current job. Click on a school's logo below to check out continuing education, distance learning and accelerated degree programs close to your home. ARE YOU TRYING TO FIND A SCHOOL OR PROGRAM THAT SUITS YOU, BUT OVERLOOKING THE PERFECT DEGREE OPPORTUNITY IN YOUR OWN BACKYARD? Many schools are adding new degrees and concentrations. Admissions counselors can advise you about programs that might suit you! Click on a school's logo below to see what areas of study are currently offered right here in Western North Carolina!

Select a topic to learn more: Areas of Study • Success Stories • Financial Aid & Grants • Continuing Education & Distance Learning Transfer With Your 2-Year Degree • Special Needs Services

Western Carolina University has created a wonderful community service online called digitalheritage.org. The program teams up the electronic media department with the University’s Mountain Heritage Center to bring real life historical stories of the Appalachian Mountains. Click HERE to find out why and how Western Carolina University is bringing these wonderful historical stories to the entire world. Back to Top

This is Josh Michael, he works at Clear Channel Communications in Asheville and graduated from Western Carolina University in Cullowhee.  He grew up in the Black Mountain area and decided that Western, a local college was the best fit for him.  Find out WHY Josh chose to go to college close to home and what benefits he found at a mountain area college. Hear Josh's Story!   Back to Top

Don't let finances keep you from going to college. Scholarships, grants, work-study programs, and loans are available to help. Click the links below to find out more! Back to Top

If you're recently out of school and now realize you may need to further your education, check out what our local colleges and universities have to offer in Continued Education and Distance Learning. Back to Top

Do you have a 2-year degree and are looking for a higher degree? Most two-year degrees transfer easily to four-year programs at mountain area colleges and universities. Click the links below to find out what each institution has to offer! Back to Top

Do you or your loved ones have a special need that is getting in the way of pursuing a college education? Support services are available at mountain area colleges and universities. Don't let challenges be a barrier, click the links below to find out what each institution has to offer! Back to Top