HELP- UNCA vs ASU-- Visual Art & Watauga Residential

College Search & Selection
1

I’m currently a senior and I need to make a decision about where I’m going to college by the end of this month. I’ve narrowed it down to UNC Asheville and Appalachian State University. I’m planning on majoring in visual arts-- my overall plan is to do 2 years at a state university and then transfer to SCAD or do 4 years at a state university and do grad school at SCAD (i just can’t afford all 4 years there). I’m trying to compare the art departments of both schools. I’m having trouble figuring out which has a better/more reputable art program
The ASU art dpt seemed bigger, but I liked the one at Asheville a little more I think? But i’d like to hear from someone who has actually been in one of the programs.
I like the city of asheville and the campus overall more at UNCA, but I got into the Watauga Residential program at Appalachian, which I don’t want to pass up if it’s really worth going to since its only a 2 year program

Please help!!!

2

I think UNC Asheville has a better arts program than App State due to Asheville being one of the most artistic cities in the south. UNCA’s art department is smaller likely because it’s a smaller school (3,000 students vs 18,000).Overall I would recommend UNCA for art because Asheville is like the San Francisco of the South.

3

Have you spent an Admitted Student Day at both? You should really try - not just to tour, but to actually sit in on a required Freshman class + a visual art class, eat in the cafeteria (not just for the food, but to see if students are social, friendly…), read the campus paper to see what issues concern the students and whether they can discuss them with respect and professionalism, talk with students and professors, etc.
Both have their advantages, so you should really do the visits.

4

Yes, I have spent an admitted student day at both