About App State

As a premier public institution, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives as global citizens who understand and engage their responsibilities in creating a sustainable future for all. The App State 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 to embrace diversity and difference. As one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System, App State enrolls more than 21,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and 80 graduate majors at its Boone and Hickory campuses and through App State Online.

Leadership

Dr. Heather Hulburt Norris serves as interim chancellor of App State. 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

App State aspires to be the destination institution for dedicated students who seek challenging academic programs and cocurricular 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

App State was founded in 1899. The pioneering spirit necessary to overcome the mountains’ hardships quickly characterized the institution, giving App State 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 App State 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

App State is one of 17 institutions in the University of North Carolina System.

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Degrees

At a Glance

App State is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award baccalaureate, master's, intermediate and doctoral degrees.

Fall 2023

21,253 students
- 19,405 undergraduate
  (Boone and Hickory campuses and App State Online)
- 1,848 graduate
  (Boone and Hickory campuses and App State Online)
19% racially and/or ethnically underrepresented*
16:1 student-to-faculty ratio
25 average class size
98% of full-time faculty hold a doctorate, first professional degree or master's degree
More than 147,000 living alumni from all 50 states and many countries across the globe
Undergraduate costs, 2023-24 academic year:
$20,339 in state
$37,335 out of state
(includes tuition and fees for 12+ credit hours, standard meal plan, standard room and board, and most textbooks)

See other room and board options
Read about the textbook rental program

* Combined percentage of students who self-identify as Hispanic of any race; American Indian or Alaska Native; Black or African American; Asian; Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, two or more races; or are Nonresident Alien. This percentage is taken from the total number of students who elect to report their racial and/or ethnic identities, as well as Nonresident Alien students. Actual counts may be higher, as some students choose not to report their race or ethnicity.

Recognition

The Value of An App State 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/

App State grads enjoy first destination success, whether they seek employment or graduate school after graduation.

Where can an App State degree take you? Anywhere you want to go!

Why hire an App State Grad? Hear what employers have to say.