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Appalachian State University

Boone, NC·Public·19,304 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and students who want a large campus community. no major red flags in the data. a public school with 19,304 students.

89%
Accept
19,304
Students
$16,487
Net Price
73%
Grad Rate
$43,600
Earnings
10 yr
$15,750
Debt

About This School

Appalachian State University is a public institution located in Boone, North Carolina with approximately 19,304 undergraduate students enrolled. Appalachian State University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 89%. The average net price after financial aid is $16,487 per year. The graduation rate is 73%, and the typical graduate earns $43,600 within 10 years of enrollment.

Appalachian State University, or App State, is a public research university in Boone, North Carolina, United States. It was founded as a teachers' college in 1899 by brothers B. B. and D. D. Dougherty and the latter's wife, Lillie Shull Dougherty. The university expanded to include other programs in 1967 and joined the University of North Carolina System in 1971.

Worth considering if you're looking for an affordable public university experience in a scenic mountain setting — at just $16,487/year average net price and only $15,750 in median debt at graduation, App State is one of the better values in the Southeast. The 85% freshman retention rate suggests students are generally happy once they arrive, and the 73% graduation rate is solid though not exceptional. The one honest caveat: median earnings of $43,600 a decade after enrollment are modest, so students should be intentional about their major and career planning rather than assuming the degree alone will open doors.

Founded
1899
Setting
Distant town

Popular Programs

Business & Marketing22%
Education9%
Health Professions9%
Psychology8%
Visual & Performing Arts6%
Communications6%
Social Sciences5%
Biological Sciences4%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Charlotte FlairLuke CombsSteven M. GreerFranklin GrahamTed BuddDavid WeberMelissa Morrison-HowardEric ChurchCharles FrazierStephen J. DubnerHoward Coble

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite1187
Reading 75th %ile650
Math 75th %ile630

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite27

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$7,541
Out-of-State Tuition
$24,537
Avg Net Price
$16,487
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants26%
Median debt at graduation$15,750

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
73%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
85%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$43,600
after enrollment
Median Debt
$15,750
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$15,750
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$34,300
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$43,600
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 2.8x

Solid return. Earnings outpace debt, though major choice matters.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White81%
Black3%
Hispanic/Latino9%
Asian2%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (19,304 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Appalachian State University

287 Rivers St

Boone, NC 28608

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in North Carolina

Browse all North Carolina schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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