Appalachian State University logo

Appalachian State University

Boone, NC · Public

Visit Website →
88.6%
Acceptance
1180
SAT
$31,391
Sticker Price
$15,766
Net Price*
$51,836
Earnings
3.7 yrs
Payback
24,001
Applicants

*Net price for families earning $48k–$75k. See all income brackets →

Apply Now Admissions Info Financial Aid Net Price Calculator

What is Appalachian State University's acceptance rate?

Up 19.2 percentage points since 2018

With a 88.6% acceptance rate, Appalachian State University is considered accessible. The school has become slightly less competitive over the past five years. Applicants should focus on demonstrating strong academics, meaningful extracurriculars, and authentic personal essays to stand out in the applicant pool.

How many students apply to Appalachian State University?

Appalachian State University received 24,001 applications in 2023, up 49% since 2018. High application volume means admissions officers spend limited time per application—typically 8-15 minutes. Make every word count in your essays and ensure your application materials are error-free.

Applications
Admitted

How many admitted students enroll?

The yield rate of 20% is typical for a school of this caliber. Yield rate measures how many admitted students actually enroll—a key indicator of how desirable students find the school. Demonstrating genuine interest through campus visits, attending info sessions, and writing specific "Why Us" essays can improve your chances.

What are the most popular majors at Appalachian State University?

Psychology, General leads as the most popular major at Appalachian State University. Your intended major can affect admission chances—some programs are more competitive than others. Research department-specific requirements, faculty research, and career outcomes when choosing your major. Consider how your academic interests align with the school's strengths.

How have majors changed over time?

Degrees awarded by major, 2015-2023

How has tuition changed at Appalachian State University?

Out-of-state tuition has increased by 22% since 2015. Total cost of attendance (including fees and room & board) has grown 24% from $25,331 to $31,391.

Tuition (Out-of-State) Tuition (In-State) Total Cost

How much do Appalachian State University graduates earn by major?

Graduates in Computer Science earn among the highest salaries, with median earnings of $60,623 within two years of graduation. Earnings vary significantly by major—STEM and business fields typically offer higher starting salaries, while humanities and arts may have different career trajectories. Consider both passion and practical outcomes when choosing your field of study.

Computer Science $60,623
$9,348 $160,116
Registered Nursing, Nursing Ad... $56,415
$9,348 $160,116
Construction Management $55,693
$9,348 $160,116
Management Information Systems... $54,382
$9,348 $160,116
Finance and Financial Manageme... $54,296
$9,348 $160,116
Insurance $53,108
$9,348 $160,116
Accounting and Related Service... $44,989
$9,348 $160,116
Energy Systems Technologies/Te... $43,319
$9,348 $160,116
This school National avg

Appalachian State University Admissions Statistics (2018-2023)

Each row shows the admissions cycle for that academic year. Applicants is the total number of students who applied for freshman admission. Admitted shows how many received acceptance letters. Rate is the acceptance rate (admitted ÷ applicants) — lower percentages indicate more selective schools. Yield measures the percentage of admitted students who actually enrolled — a high yield (above 50%) suggests the school is a top choice for admitted students, while lower yields indicate students often choose other options. SAT shows the 25th-75th percentile range, meaning the middle 50% of enrolled students scored within this range. Data is sourced from IPEDS, the federal database where all US colleges report annually.

Year Applicants Admitted Rate Yield
2023 24,001 21,275 88.6% 19.9%
2022 22,255 18,489 83.1% 21.2%
2021 21,120 17,886 84.7% 22.9%
2020 18,178 14,453 79.5% 27.0%
2019 16,664 12,800 76.8% 27.4%
2018 16,154 11,221 69.5% 30.7%
2017 14,009 9,807 70.0% 33.7%
2016 13,202 9,020 68.3% 34.6%
2015 13,083 8,684 66.4% 35.1%

Is Appalachian State University worth it?

Calculate your personal ROI

4-Year Sticker Price --
4-Year Net Cost --
Earnings & ROI Range (10yr)
Conservative (25th pct) -- --
Expected (median) -- --
Optimistic (75th pct) -- --
Payback Period --

Estimates based on College Scorecard averages. Use official calculator →

Get a Personalized ROI Comparison

Compare net cost and ROI across your college shortlist — tailored to your family income and major.

No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

What do Appalachian State University graduates earn?

Median Earnings (10 years)
$51,836
Earnings Range (10th - 90th percentile)
$12,400 $51,836 median $69,900

Earnings vary widely: the bottom 10% earn $12,400 while the top 10% earn $69,900. Your outcome depends heavily on major, career path, and individual circumstances.

Median Earnings (6 years)
$43,663
Median Debt
$20,231
6-Year Graduation Rate
73.1%

How much does Appalachian State University cost?

The total cost of attendance at Appalachian State University is approximately $31,391 per year for out-of-state students. Remember: sticker price rarely equals actual cost. Most students receive financial aid, and net price varies significantly by family income. Use the school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate before ruling out any option based on cost alone.

In-State Tuition
$4,242
Out-of-State Tuition
$19,049
Fees
$3,168
Room & Board
$9,174
Total Cost of Attendance
$31,391

What You'll Actually Pay

Net price represents what families actually pay after grants and scholarships. The figures above are averages—your actual cost depends on family income, assets, and the school's aid policies. Many selective private schools are more affordable than public universities for middle and lower-income families due to generous institutional aid.

$0-30k income $8,370
$30-48k income $11,507
$48-75k income $15,766
$75-110k income $20,796
$110k+ income $21,991

Which majors pay the most?

  • Computer Science $60,623
  • Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing $56,415
  • Construction Management $55,693
  • Management Information Systems and Services $54,382
  • Finance and Financial Management Services $54,296

Who attends Appalachian State University?

Appalachian State University enrolls 21,253 students, with 1% from outside the United States. Women make up 57% of the student body. Campus diversity enriches the educational experience through varied perspectives and backgrounds. Consider how you'll contribute to and benefit from the campus community when crafting your application.

Total Enrollment 21,253
Retention Rate 85%
International 1%
Women 57%
Race/Ethnicity
White 81%
Hispanic 8%
Black 3%
Asian 2%

How much financial aid is available?

44% of students receive some form of financial aid at Appalachian State University. About 26% receive Pell Grants, indicating support for low-income students. Apply for aid regardless of your family's income level—merit scholarships and institutional grants are available to students at various income levels. Never assume you won't qualify.

Receive Grants 44%
Avg: $8,743 free money/year
Pell Grant Recipients 26%
Federal aid for <$60k income families
Have Federal Loans 38%
Avg: $6,175
School's Own Grants 45%
Avg: $3,529 from school funds

How much do professors earn?

Faculty salaries at Appalachian State University are above the national average, reflecting the school's investment in attracting and retaining talented professors. Higher faculty compensation often correlates with stronger research programs, better student mentorship, and more resources for academic departments. Look for opportunities to engage with faculty through research, office hours, and smaller seminars.

This school National avg

Image: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA)