RALEIGH, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — The UNC System is reporting that the three universities in western North Carolina have increased in enrollment this semester as the area continues to recover from Hurricane Helene.
The September storm that devastated that part of the state led to disruptions in the academic year for thousands of students and their families. Classes and athletic events were canceled for weeks at the institutions.
The three universities enroll more than 34,000 students combined.
Compared to spring 2024, enrollment this semester increased:
- 2.2% at Appalachian State University,
- 1.9% at UNC Asheville and
- 1.7% at Western Carolina University
Compared to spring 2023, current enrollment is higher by:
- 6.8% at App State,
- 4.7% at UNC Asheville and
- 3.3% at Western Carolina.
Emergency funding from the N.C. General Assembly allowed the universities to fix damaged infrastructure, boost financial aid, and cover spring tuition for all students at UNC Asheville.
“That public support makes a real difference in the lives of those students and the recovery of the mountains,” UNC System President Peter Hans said. “It speaks volumes about the strength of our universities and the people of Western North Carolina that Hurricane Helene has not stopped our students from pursuing their dreams.”
Helene led to the deaths of more than 100 people in the state and caused catastrophic flooding to buildings and infrastructure across the region. Hard-hit UNC Asheville had to move instruction online for the remainder of the fall semester because the city’s water system was nonfunctioning. All three campuses are fully operational now, with classes and activities underway and repairs continuing or complete.
Emergency grants helped offset hurricane-related expenses for students, some of whom evacuated or lost belongings in the disaster. Students from hurricane-impacted counties but attending other state universities were also eligible for financial aid.
