Appalachian State University, located in Boone, North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains, prepares students to lead purposeful lives as engaged global citizens who understand their responsibilities in creating a sustainable future for all. The transformational Appalachian experience promotes a spirit of inclusion that brings people together in inspiring ways to acquire and create knowledge, to grow holistically, to act with passion and determination, and embrace diversity and difference. Appalachian enrolls about 18,000 students, has a low faculty-to-student ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and graduate majors. It is one of 16 universities in the University of North Carolina system.
Leadership
Dr. Sheri Noren Everts serves as Appalachian’s chancellor. The university is governed by the university’s Board of Trustees and the University of North Carolina system’s Board of Governors.
Vision and Strategic Direction
Appalachian State University aspires to be the destination institution for dedicated students who seek challenging academic programs and co-curricular experiences, engaged faculty and a vibrant campus culture that will shape them into engaged, responsible global citizens. Inspired by the ideal of sustainable community, we seek to deliver the Southeast’s best comprehensive, progressive education.
Facts and History
Appalachian was founded in 1899. The pioneering spirit necessary to overcome the mountains’ hardships quickly characterized the institution, giving Appalachian a special niche in higher education that continues today. After more than a century, students still feel the pull of this unique place to transform their lives, and Appalachian has remained focused on providing students with educational experiences that are not only life-changing but world-changing.
University of North Carolina System of Higher Learning
Appalachian State University is one of 16 universities in the University of North Carolina System of Higher Learning.
Voluntary System of Accountability College Portrait
The Voluntary System of Accountability (VSA) College Portrait is a source of basic, comparable information designed for anyone to learn more about public 4-year colleges and universities. The VSA project was created to provide a mechanism for public institutions to demonstrate transparency and accountability; provide a streamlined college information tool for students, families, high school counselors, and other consumers; and support institutions in the measurement and reporting of student learning outcomes through original research and by providing a forum for collaboration and exchange. Learn more >>
At a glance
Appalachian State University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award baccalaureate, master's, intermediate, and doctoral degrees.
- 18,295 students
- Undergraduate vs. graduate
- 16,595 undergraduate
- 1,700 graduate
- Main campus vs. distance education
- 17,064 main campus
- 1,231 distance education
- Undergraduate vs. graduate
- 1,596 total new transfer students (main campus and distance)
- 16,674 in state, 1,621 out of state
- 16:1 student/faculty ratio
- 27 - average class size
- 99% of full-time faculty have doctorate, first professional degree, or other terminal degree
- 120,000 living alumni from all 50 states and many countries across the globe
- 15% total ethnic minorities * (just under 17% among first-year students)
- Undergraduate costs, 2016-17 academic year:
$14,416 in state
$28,932 out of state
(includes tuition and fees for 12+ credit hours, standard option meal plan, standard room and board, and most textbooks)
See other room and board options
Read about the textbook rental program
* Combined percentage of self-declared African Americans, Asian Americans, Hispanic Americans and Native Americans in the U.S. citizen/legal resident portion of the student population. Actual counts may be higher, as some students choose not to report their ethnicity.
Recognition
- U.S. News and World Report's 2017 rankings
- Kiplinger's "Best College Value" for 2016
- Princeton Review's “Best in the Southeast” and “Green Colleges”
- Victory Media's Military Friendly Schools®
- SIERRA magazine's "Coolest Schools" for 2016
- STARS® Gold rating for sustainability achievements
- Second Nature’s national Climate Leadership Award winner
- Washington Monthly's "Best Bang for the Buck"
- Forbes' “America's Top Colleges 2016”
- Princeton Review's 2014 "The Best Value Colleges"
- Open Doors 2016 report on the nation's top institutions for the number of students who study abroad
The Value of An Appalachian Degree
View in-depth information on employment rates, wages, and ongoing higher education enrollment of graduates from University of North Carolina system schools here: http://www.nctower.com/
How does Appalachian prepare its graduates? Hear from our distinguished alumni.
Where can an Appalachian degree take you? Anywhere you want to go!
Why hire an App Grad? Hear what employers have to say.