Appalachian State University
About Appalachian State University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Appalachian State University is a public university in Boone, North Carolina, part of the UNC System. It is set in the Blue Ridge Mountains and offers strong programs in education, business, and the sciences. The campus is known for its outdoor recreation and sustainability initiatives.
Founded
1899
Location
Boone, North Carolina
Students
21,454
Institution
Public
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
90.1%
Open admission
Graduation Rate
74.5%
Near national average
In-State Tuition
$7,579
Out-of-state: $25,212
Avg Net Price
$16,836
After financial aid
SAT Average
1214
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$51,836
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Open Admission
Most students who apply are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
$65
Early
Nov 15
Regular
Rolling
Appalachian State University accepts the majority of applicants at 90.1%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
SAT Scores
1214/ 1600
ACT Scores
27/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Above Average
74.5% complete their degree within six years
Retention
83.7%
4-Year Grad
57%
6-Year Grad
73%
Teaching Quality
16:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
77.7%
$/Student
$8.7K
Class Size
Medium
While 57% finish in 4 years, 83.7% of freshmen do return for sophomore year. Many students here may take a bit longer, but they stick with it.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$7,579
In-State
$25,212
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$12,868
Books & Supplies
$800
Total Cost of Attendance
$23,169
After Financial Aid
$16,836
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$9,325
Receive Grants
26.4%
Take Loans
36.6%
The full cost of attendance is about $23,169/yr for in-state students, including $12,868 for room and board. After aid, most pay around $16,836. Out-of-state tuition jumps to $25,212.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Appalachian State University fund their education.
While in School
26.4%
Get Grants
Free money
36.6%
Take Loans
Must repay
$56,100
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$20,231
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$214/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Only 36.6% of students take out federal loans, and those who do graduate with a median of $20,231. Many students here manage to minimize borrowing.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Appalachian State University.
Gender
55.3%
Female
45%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
19,444
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
2,010
Graduates
25%
First-Gen
21 yrs
Avg Age
5.8%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 55% of the student body. 25% are first-generation college students.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
Town: Distant
Campus Quick Facts
19,444
Students
public
Institution
Medium
Campus Size
Master's
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
Yes
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
No
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Appalachian State University fields 11 varsity teams with 508 student athletes, about 3% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division I-FBS
Conference
Sun Belt
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
11
Biggest: Track & Cross Country
Student Athletes
508
3% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
56% / 44%
285
Men
223
Women
6
Men's Teams
8
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Appalachian State Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$51,836
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Psychology, General
$27K
317 grads
1yr Earnings
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness
$25K
255 grads
1yr Earnings
Business Administration, Management and Operations
$44K
251 grads
1yr Earnings
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
$41K
250 grads
1yr Earnings
Marketing
$43K
204 grads
1yr Earnings
Biology, General
$30K
165 grads
1yr Earnings
Graduates earn about $44K six years out, growing to $52K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Appalachian State University
What is the acceptance rate at Appalachian State University?▾
How much does Appalachian State University cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Appalachian State University?▾
How much do Appalachian State University graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.