Appalachian State University, in North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains, prepares students to lead purposeful lives as global citizens who understand and engage 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. As one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina system, Appalachian enrolls about 19,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and graduate majors.
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.
At Appalachian, you will find a broad range of opportunities through which you can pursue an area of scholarship. Our low student-to-faculty ratio means your professors will also be your mentors.Our alumni go on to earn advanced degrees, start businesses, build distinguished military careers, work overseas and develop careers that take them in many directions, all while giving back to the communities in which they live and work.
For those holding master’s degrees, unemployment rates are 15% lower and earnings are nearly 20% higher. Master's degrees matter in the workplace, and at Appalachian, too. Find out about costs, how to apply, and how our accelerated admissions program can speed up your time to earn both a bachelor's and master's degree.If you are driven to further your education but need flexibility, Appalachian offers online, combination online and face-to-face, and remote campus location options to allow you to earn a graduate degree, as well as a number of certificate programs.
Appalachian's University Libraries include the Belk Library and Information Commons, the Erneston Music Libraryand University Archives and Records. These libraries welcome more than 1.2 million visitors each year. The Belk Library and Information Commons is open every day, 24 hours Sunday - Thursday, and features an impressive catalog of resources, including scholarly journals, books and primary source materials (manuscripts, rare books, photographs and more) for research projects, artistic work, new media development and more. In addition to an extensive multi-media computing laboratory, the libraries offer state-of-the-art technology instruction and training, including a multi-media editing suite, 3-D printer and media conversion services.
Known for leading small classes and using innovative, interdisciplinary and integrative curriculum, Appalachian faculty are dedicated to research and student mentorship and invested in new strategies and technologies.
Our interdisciplinary approach to inquiry-based learning begins with First Year Seminar and continues until graduation. From the moment you begin your Appalachian education, you’ll be expected to develop as a critical and creative thinker, an effective communicator, an inquisitive local-to-global learner and someone who understands and respects the responsibilities of community membership.
As students prepare for a world of increasing interconnectivity, technological innovation and leadership demands that haven't yet been conceived, Appalachian offers our students opportunities for academic rigor and challenge, support for their development as scholars, and world-class resources.
At Appalachian, research, scholarship and the production or performance of creative work — such as teaching, service and the arts — are crucial to both our institution and the communities we serve. Our faculty, students and staff expand the boundaries of their academic disciplines, discover answers to real world questions, enhance the quality of life in the region and beyond, enrich the K-16 classroom experience and contribute to economic development.
No matter what path you choose at Appalachian, we emphasize a “community of learners.” In this challenging and transformational environment, students and faculty together ask questions, explore ideas and cultivate understanding. They examine what they believe and delve into new possibilities. Appalachian’s six undergraduate colleges, one music school, and one graduate school offer more than 150 degree programs offered on campus, with off-campus and online options as well.
At Appalachian, campus life amplifies what you learn in the classroom. You will find hundreds of programs designed to enhance your cultural, intellectual, leadership, personal and professional development. We call these co-curricular experiences, because they support – and are supported by – the classroom learning experience.
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.Appalachian State University is one of 17 institutions in the University of North Carolina System.
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.
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Going to Appalachian State University was the worst decision I have ever made. I feel that I have wasted so much money and time there. I cannot speak for other majors, but I studied Recreation Management. This major needs work. Of the things I did learn, I cannot think of any real world application for most of them. I was required to take class after class of topics that had nothing to do with why I thought I wanted to go to ASU. I feel like college is about learning things you want to learn and having these classes add value to your future career. For a career focused in recreation or the outdoors, I could have gone to a number of other outdoor leadership institutions such as NOLS or the AMGA and I would have gained knowledge and experience, two things I gained very little of at ASU. Or better yet, I could have learned these things on my own rather than trying to learn it in a classroom. I have more debt than I will ever be able to pay off, only for the "accomplishment" of having a college degree. I would rather have experience and knowledge than a piece of paper and tens of thousands of dollars in debt. Of all of the graduates I know personally from Appalachian, most are now working outside of their field of study doing something they do not love and making very little money.
I did like the teachers in the Recreation program for the most part. They were pleasant and had a passion in their teaching. I just gained very little from the curriculum they were teaching.
As far as the student culture goes, there are lots of drunks and potheads; more so than other universities I have seen. I was once in a class where the discussion fell upon how to beat a drug test. I may have been the only one in this class of thirty that didn't have to worry about finding a way to cheat to pass a drug test.
Overall, going to Appalachian was an enormous mistake on my part; a decision I regret daily.
By Justin Bowling (Apr, 2018) |
This is a wonderful institution of higher learning that is chock full of impassioned educators dedicated to enhancing frontiers of research while sharing meaningful knowledge. Unique culture in the midst of Boone's warm and inclusive community makes App State feel like home.
By Tad Bixby (Mar, 2018) |
We love our “Happy Appy Days” with our kids! This university has great programs for kids and a great, fun and affordable activities to do with your family!
By Benita Cave Martin (Mar, 2018) |
It's an easy place to love, both the university and it's surroundings. 25+ years after leaving, I still get excited when I return.
By James Blakley (Mar, 2018) |
Had a wonderful tour yesterday! Drove from Charlotte and was shown the entire campus and felt like my daughter would fit in there great! I also felt so safe there. Everyone we met was so friendly and I do hope that she picks this to be her school her senior year! Great job on the tour Lawson he was superb!
By Lisa Weekley Hafer (Feb, 2018) |
Great place to visit & to attend school. Appreciate the locals & their heritage that remains. Lots of local artist & places to eat such as the historic Daniel Boone Inn & King Street Pharm & Grill. The Bible book store on hwy 321 is a family favorite. Staff inside are extremely pleasant & helpful. Finally, a visit to Blowing Rock completes it for my family. We love the local shops & friendly people. ?
By Steve Weeks (Jan, 2018) |
My daughter has attended Cannon Music Camp for the past two years and felt very welcomed and safe during her 3 weeks there. We have also attended the band festival there for the past several years with having two daughters in high school band. It is always a festival that we look forward to. A very beautiful campus! My daughter is hoping to attend ASU in the fall.
By Mary Adkins-Boyles (Oct, 2017) |
I graduated from App State 4 years ago and have some of my most favorite memories here. I met life long friends and mentors while living in an awesome snow globe for four years. App State provided me with so many opportunities and I feel very grateful. Love Boonetown and ASU
By Christine Gulledge (Oct, 2017) |
We love the town of Boone and the Appalachian State University is a great place for your child to study their life long dream. The University and Boone itself is such an inviting place to visit. We go there just to get away from home for a day or so. Love love it.
By Peggy Spicer (Oct, 2017) |
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Appalachian State University has been a transformative experience for my son; the quality of education is remarkable, and the enthusiastic staff truly invest in each student's journey to success.
By M.N. (Feb, 2024) |