As a premier public institution, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives. App State is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System, with a national reputation for innovative teaching and opening access to a high-quality, affordable education for all. The university 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.
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 2024
- 21,570 students
- 19,560 undergraduate
(Boone and Hickory campuses and App State Online) - 2,010 graduate
(Boone and Hickory campuses and App State Online)
- 19,560 undergraduate
- 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 150,000 living alumni from all 50 states and many countries across the globe
- Undergraduate costs, 2024-25 academic year:
$20,003 in state
$38,636 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
Recognition
- U.S. News & World Report’s 2024 rankings
- U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Online Programs”
- Niche’s 2025 “Best Colleges in America” rankings
- The Princeton Review’s “The Best 390 Colleges: 2025 Edition”
- Money.com’s “The Best Colleges in America” list for 2024
- Forbes’ “America's Top Colleges” for 2024-2025
- The Wall Street Journal’s 2025 “Best Colleges in the U.S.” rankings
- VIQTORY’s Military Friendly Schools®
- Military Times’ 2023 “Best for Vets: Colleges” rankings
- Second Nature’s national Climate Leadership Award winner
- Open Doors 2023 report on the nation’s top institutions for the number of students who study abroad
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.