Students come to this vibrant place to grow and be inspired. Our challenging and supportive academic environment provides global perspectives, advocates for sustainability, enables research and builds community through service. Our innovative curriculum and dedicated faculty ensure you have the best opportunities for success.
App State is consistently ranked among the best value colleges in America. Here, you can invest in your future and get a greater return, for less. Explore a wide range of financial aid options. You might be surprised how much support is available.
How much does it cost to attend App State? Less than you might think.
25% of App State students graduate with zero college debt
Top 4 lowest average student debt
among 4-year public & private NC schools
Top 15% of Southern universities for least student debt
U.S. News & World Report
91.5% of undergraduates are employed or enrolled in postsecondary institution within 1 year of graduation
At App State, we do academics differently. Your path will be yours to create. You’ll explore courses across disciplines, providing rich opportunities to harness your passions or find new, untapped trails. Our faculty will mentor you, pointing you toward meaningful life experiences.
Top Public School
#2 in the South
U.S. News & World Report
16:1 student-to-faculty ratio
8 research centers and institutes
Most Innovative School
Top 3 in the South for eight years in a row
U.S. News & World Report
At App State, you'll find a community that will help you reach your personal and professional peaks – inside and outside the classroom. From the moment you set foot on campus, you’ll be welcomed to be an active part in campus life, with opportunities to explore your passions, build leadership skills and form lifelong friendships and professional connections.
400+clubs and organizations
150+ community-focused groups that serve locally and beyond
19 residence halls
10+ dining facilities (3 dining halls, 3 coffee shops, 3 markets, locally owned food trucks)
Our commitment to economic, social and environmental resilience is woven into the fabric of our academic and student life. Both in and beyond the classroom, you'll have opportunities to engage in research, creative thinking and active innovation that will make a difference here and around the world.
2,000+ courses incorporate sustainability
40% of university waste diverted from landfills through reduction, recycling and composting
Top Green Colleges
Princeton Review
Coolest School
Sierra magazine
Are you the kind of student who aspires to lead a purposeful life as a global citizen? Through study abroad trips, international studies courses, relationships with scholars from around the world and collaborative research abroad, you’ll have opportunities to engage in experiences that will increase your knowledge of global issues, regions and cultures.
#3 in the nation for number of students studying abroad
Open Doors 2024 report
Nearly 45 countries represented in App State’s student body
Top producer of Fulbright scholars who study, teach and/or research abroad
Scholarships and Financial Aid support to study abroad
App State's two campuses offer diverse and dynamic learning experiences. The historic Boone campus is set in one of the nation's most picturesque and welcoming college towns, known for its friendly atmosphere and lively downtown filled with shops, restaurants, and entertainment. App State’s cutting-edge Hickory campus fosters a close-knit community of students and faculty. Conveniently located off Interstate 40 in the Catawba Valley, Hickory is just a scenic 1-hour drive from Boone, making it the ideal choice for those seeking accessibility and connection.
One of the safest cities in NC - Boone
SafeWise.com
Best Places to Live and Play - Boone
National Geographic magazine
Top 25 College Football Stadium
ESPN
Best Places to Live in NC - Hickory
U.S. News & World Report