Asheville, NC, United States

Asheville may look like a quaint mountain town, but the reality is that it's a liberal arts college town through and through. The University of North Carolina at Asheville enrolls over 3,200 students, many from out of state, and the campus dominates the city's landscape and culture. While the school boasts a respectable 14:1 student-faculty ratio, bureaucracy is a persistent headache - the university has cycled through 17 different presidents and chancellors since 1927. And with the recent enrollment of just 12% of students from outside North Carolina, it's clear that Asheville caters more to in-state residents than transplants. If you're looking for an affordable, nature-focused college town with a vibrant arts scene, Asheville may be the place. But be prepared to navigate its academic politics.