Appalachian State University is the premier public undergraduate institution in the Southeast and home to over 20,000 students. International students thrive at App State. Our safe and friendly learning environment offers opportunities to meet lifelong friends and pursue invigorating academic challenges.

Academic Excellence

Among the country’s best higher education institutions.

App State offers over 150 undergraduate majors and 80 graduate programs housed in six academic colleges and schools; College of Arts & Sciences, Walker College of Business, Reich College of Education, College of Fine and Applied Arts, Beaver College of Health Sciences, and Hayes School of Music. Appalachian State offers a University College for students exploring their academic options and Honors College for high ability and high achieving students looking to add a unique experience to their academic career. App State offers both on-campus and online options. Explore all programs at https://www.appstate.edu/academics.

App State focuses on the individual and takes pride in its student/faculty ratio of 16:1. Small classes, which average 25 students, contribute to a first- to second-year retention rate of 86.2% (more than 4 percentage points above the national average).

National publications annually recognize App State as one of the nation’s top-performing schools for its academics, value, innovation and student veteran services and programs to enhance the first-year experience, among other aspects.

• #1 Most Innovative School (U.S. News & World Report)
• #2 Best Undergraduate Teaching (U.S. News & World Report)
• #3 Best Public Schools in the South (U.S. News & World Report)
• “Best in the Southeast” (Princeton Review)
• Among world’s “Green Colleges” (Princeton Review)
• “Cool Schools” (Sierra Magazine)
• “Top” and “Best Value Colleges” in America (Forbes magazine)
• “Best College Values” (Kiplinger)

Funding Your Education

Keeping College Affordable

App State offers an outstanding education at a great value. Explore costs, as well as scholarships, student employment and other opportunities that can assist with study and living costs during your time as an App State student. Learn how you can fund your App State education at https://www.appstate.edu/costs.

Student Support Resources

App State has the resources and support students need to stay focused and on track — financially, academically and personally.

• Textbook rental program saves hundreds off the cost of attendance
• Mountaineer Food Hub & Free Store provides resources for the campus community
• Belk Library Technology Rental Desk allows students to check out digital equipment and accessories, including laptops, calculators, cameras, tablets, tripods and more
• IT Help Desk offers free technical support for students
• Career Development Center assists students in finding part-time job and internship opportunities — on and off campus

Campus Life

Find Your Community

Get involved and seek opportunities to discover your passions, develop valuable leadership skills and create lifelong bonds and friendships.

Pick from more than 400 clubs and organizations to get involved! From day one, you’ll be welcomed to be an active part in campus life: planning a campus event, racing with the solar car team or volunteering in the community. You can check out campus life at https://www.appstate.edu/campus-life.

Housing and Residential Learning Communities

At App State, students choose a community in which to live and learn. Whether you live on-campus, off-campus, with roommates or on your own, there's lots to consider and discover. 

App State has 20 residence halls on campus with nearly 6,200 residents. On-campus housing puts you within walking distance of campus resources, including classes, faculty offices, dining, recreation facilities and the library.

Residential Learning Communities (RLCs) provide the unique opportunity to live and learn with others who have similar interests. With over 16 RLCs on campus, you’ll find several interests to choose from, including service, sustainability, language and culture, outdoor activities, education, health and more.

Boone – Your Home Away From Home

Located in Boone, North Carolina, App State is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System. Boone is a classic college town — a place where folks always say hello, where the outdoors is your playground and where you’ll find a lively downtown scene just a block from campus.

The surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains attract outdoor enthusiasts year-round for hiking, rock climbing, kayaking, mountain biking and cycling, skiing, snowboarding, golf, fishing and agritourism. The Blue Ridge Parkway and Appalachian Trail are both located just minutes from campus.

• One of the safest cities in NC (SafeWise.com)
• “Best Places to Live and Play” (National Geographic magazine)
• Among “South’s Best college Towns” (Southern Living)
• 3,333 ft in elevation
• 50+ hiking trailheads within driving distance of campus
• 3 area ski resorts and terrain parks
• Free local bus services

Health, Wellness and Safety

A safe and healthy environment is key to your ability to focus on your education. App State brings a holistic approach to wellness and offers dedicated resources on our campus to help you navigate your years at App State safely and successfully.

Appalachian Cares is your source for wellness, health and safety information, resources and support for the campus community. To learn more, this is a good place to start: http://www.appcares.appstate.edu.