Mars Hill College is located in one of the most beautiful regions of the Eastern US, the mountains of WNC. The town, which derives its name from the college, has a population of about 2,200 and is 20 minutes north of Asheville North Carolina, 45 minutes SW of Johnson City Tennessee. 194-acre campus, which sits at an elevation of 2,330 feet. Mars Hill College is the oldest educational institution on its original site in Western North Carolina. Founded by a small group of pioneer citizens, descendents of original settlers in the area. Founded around 1856. 1370 students; 1133 are Traditional, 214 are AGS (Adult and Graduate Studies) undergrads, 19 are AGS graduate students, and 4 are ISEP/dual enrolled.