21,000+ students
first in their families to attend college
Top 3 graduation rate in the UNC System 1/3
Top 3
first-year to sophomore retention rate in the UNC System
Your Mountain of Opportunity
For 125 years, Appalachian State University has stayed true to its commitment to educational access and excellence, honoring its rural mountain heritage through teaching, research and service.
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.
150+ undergraduate majors
80+ graduate programs Accelerated Master’s Program saves time and money – earn your bachelor’s and master’s degrees in as little as 5 years
Blaze Your Own Trail
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.
First Steps
Every Mountaineer’s journey begins with general education, a core element for success as you prepare to live and work in today’s ever-changing world. You’ll examine complex questions and learn to build a powerful case with confidence in areas such as history, humanities and natural and social sciences.
Academic Destinations
Your academic journey will allow you to explore hundreds of degrees – in Boone and Hickory, or online.
Beaver College of Health Sciences
The Beaver College of Health Sciences is dedicated to enhancing health and quality of life in our state and beyond. Prepare for a career in Public Health and Exercise Science, Nursing, Nutrition and Health Care Management, Recreation Management and Physical Education, Rehabilitation Sciences or Social Work.
College of Arts and Sciences
Learn what it takes to thrive and prepare for a career of the future with courses of study in the humanities and the social, mathematical and natural sciences.
College of Fine and Applied Arts
This dynamic and innovative college includes opportunities to develop and apply skills in Applied Design, Art, Communication, Military Science and Leadership, Sustainable Development, Sustainable Technology and the Built Environment and Theatre and Dance.
U.S. News & World Report 7 years in a row
Hayes School of Music
Transform your passion for music into a profession for a lifetime. The Hayes School of Music prepares young musicians for professional lives as performers, composers, music educators, music therapists, conductors and music industry professionals, ensuring the next generation of musical leadership for the state, region and nation.
Reich College of Education
Odds are, one of your favorite teachers is a graduate of the Reich College of Education – App State educators work in almost every county in NC. Find your place in the education field – as a teacher, a specialist or an administrator.
Walker College of Business
In the College of Business, you’ll find opportunities for international experiences, explore sustainable business practices, sample entrepreneurial programs and participate in real-world applications with industry. The college has the highest enrollment of full-time, undergraduate business students in the UNC System.
The Honors College
Helping extraordinary students develop independent and creative thinking and high-level research skills, the Honors College serves a diverse group of high-achieving, highpotential and highly motivated students from all majors.
Williams School of Graduate Studies
Already thinking about graduate school? Good choice. You’ll partner with faculty in creating new knowledge while opening up new and exciting paths in your career. You may even be able to start your graduate courses early if you choose one of our Accelerated Master’s degrees.
Dr. Shea Tuberty and chemistry and environmental science major George Hotelling ‘24 team up for hands-on fieldwork. Here, they are performing ecotoxicology reports on a local creek, studying the impact of contaminants on biological organisms.
#1 in the Nation
national board certified teachers 8 years in a row
16:1 student-to-faculty ratio
25 average class size
Majors
Learn, collaborate, explore and dive deep into your passions.
Accounting◊
Actuarial Science◊
Advertising
Anthropology
Apparel Design and Merchandising
Architectural Technology and Design
Art and Visual Culture
Art Education (K-12)*
Biology*
Building Sciences
Career and Technical Education*◊
Chemistry*
Child Development*
Communication Sciences and Disorders
Communication Studies
Community and Regional Planning
Computer Information Systems
Computer Science
Construction Management
Criminal Justice
Cybersecurity
Dance Studies
Digital Journalism
Economics
Electronic Media/Broadcasting
Elementary Education*
English◊
English, Secondary Education*
Environmental Science
Exercise Science
Fermentation Sciences
Finance and Banking◊
Forensic Science
Gender, Women’s and Sexuality Studies
Geography
Geology*
Global Studies
Graphic Communications
Management
Graphic Design
Health and Physical Education (K-12)*
Health Care Management
Health Sciences
History
History/Social Studies Education*
Hospitality and Tourism Management
Industrial Design
Interdisciplinary Studies
Interior Design
International Business
Languages, Literatures and Cultures*
Management
Marketing
Mathematics*
Middle Grades Education (6-9)*
Music Education (K-12)*
Music Industry Studies
Music Performance
Music Therapy
Nursing
Nutrition and Foods
Philosophy
Photography
Physics*
Political Science
Professional Studies
Psychology
Public Health
Public Relations
Recreation Management
Religious Studies
Risk Management and Insurance
Social Work
Sociology
Special Education (K-12)*
Studio Art
Supply Chain Management
Sustainable Building Systems
Sustainable Development
Sustainable Technology
Theatre Arts*
Pre-Professional Programs
Pre-Dental
Pre-Engineering
Pre-Forest Resources
Pre-Medical
Pre-Pharmacy
Pre-Physician Assistant
Pre-Physical Therapy
Pre-Theology
Pre-Veterinarian
Studies in pre-professional areas are available within a variety of majors and require early consultation with academic advisors.
App State Online Programs
Advertising
Career and Technical Education
Child Development
Communication Studies
Health Care Management
Health Sciences
Management
Middle Grades Education
Nutrition and Foods
Professional Studies
RN-BSN
Social Work
Supply Chain Management
Veterinary Technology
* Majors available as Teacher Education.
◊ Majors also available at our Hickory campus.
Keep Exploring
Search by profession, program name, location or discipline to find the program that fits you.
appstate.edu/majors
Not ready to decide?
That’s OK! We are here to help guide you through the process of making a decision about your major and future career path.
careers.appstate.edu/exploremajors-and-careers
The App State Experience
Step into a challenging and supportive academic environment where you'll thrive. Here, you'll gain a global perspective, champion sustainability, immerse yourself in research and build a strong sense of community through service.
Research
App State prepares the problemsolvers of tomorrow. From your very first semester, you'll dive into research that opens doors to sought-after internships and post-graduate degrees.
and centers
endeavors with faculty
Dr. Rahman Tashakkori and senior computer science major Tayo Olofintuyi use the App State Multipurpose Apiary Informatics System to monitor honeybee hives. This research supports vital pollinators and agriculture while preparing students to be leaders in fields like apiary informatics, combining computer science and biology.
Sustainability
Sustainability at App State is not a trend, it’s a tradition. 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.
Global Learning
At App State, you’ll have opportunities to explore the world at home or abroad. Through study abroad, international studies courses, and collaborative research with scholars, students and faculty from around the world, you will engage in experiences that increase your knowledge of global issues, regions and cultures.
Community and Service
Mountaineers move mountains. Through service and outreach, on campus and beyond, you’ll discover the difference you can make for others, and learn more about yourself.
Your Path to Success at App State
At App State, you have the resources and support needed to stay focused and on track – academically, financially, and personally.
Academics and Advising
The Disco Student Learning Center offers resources and support to help you learn more effectively – whether you're struggling with a class or just need a little extra help.
Academic Advising is key to timely graduation and fundamental to student success. Your assigned academic advisor will help you learn the requirements needed to achieve your goals.
The University Writing Center is a free resource available to all students. Experienced writers and attentive readers serve as consultants who will work with you one-on-one.
Career Development Center assists you in finding internship and part-time job opportunities, and with resumé reviews, interview preparation, career coaching and more.
Wellness, Health and Safety
Appalachian Cares is your source for wellness, health and safety information, resources, and support for the campus community. This is a good place to start –appcares.appstate.edu.
Student Health Service is a primary care campus health clinic helping to meet the needs of App State students.
Counseling and Psychological Services assists the App State Community in maximizing the personal growth and development of its members. Services focus on education, prevention, remediation and crisis management.
Wellness and Prevention Services serves all students through the promotion of healthy behaviors, risk behavior modification services and advocacy for campuswide health policies, which facilitate student success and holistic well-being.
The App State Police Department keeps our university safe and works to maintain a welcoming community for our students, employees and visitors.
The Office of Environmental Health, Safety & Emergency Management works in coordination with other departments to ensure a safe and prepared campus environment.
Appalachian Safety App can turn your phone into an additional personal safety device.
Mountaineer Safe Walk is a campus safety escort service for students at any Boone campus building or parking lot during the evening hours.
650+ annual employer visits through on-campus career fairs
91.5% of undergraduates are employed and/or enrolled in a postsecondary institution within 1 year of graduation
400+ clubs and organizations
150+ community-focused groups that serve locally and beyond
35 sororities and fraternities
Interfraternity Council, Multicultural Greek Council, National Pan-Hellenic Council and Panhellenic Council
Meet Your Community
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.
Game On
Whether you’re a Mountaineers fan, an outdoor enthusiast, looking to play for fun, wanting to prioritize fitness or all of the above, App State has plenty to offer.
Join your friends at all games – for all sports
50-foot climbing wall in the Student Rec Center
Explore the Arts
App State presents vibrant arts and humanities programs that enrich the cultural and intellectual climate of the campus and region. With performances, exhibitions and workshops happening nearly every day, there's always something to inspire and engage you.
14 exhibition and performance venues on campus
arts and humanities events and workshops each year
Bring Your APPetite
Do you eat two meals or five meals a day? Love to graze between classes? Need a place to study and grab a late-night snack? Our meal plan options offer plenty of choices to fit your lifestyle, budget and schedule.
locally owned food trucks and more)
27% of food served is sourced locally –from our own sustainable farm
100+ tons of pre-consumer organic material composted yearly
40% of university waste diverted from landfills through reduction, recycling and composting
Make Yourself at Home
Part of the App State Experience in Boone is living on campus. You’ll be within walking distance of campus resources with quick, easy access to classes, faculty offices, dining, recreation facilities, the library, events and more.
Whether you live in a residence hall or not, App State’s campuses are designed to foster a strong sense of community with a variety of spaces on campus where students can meet and mingle.
Discover Your Perfect College Experience
App State’s distinct campuses offer diverse and dynamic learning environments that are sure to fit your needs, schedule and personality.
#1 Most Beautiful and Affordable Places to Live in the U.S.
Hickory Travel + Leisure
Our first home – Boone
App State’s historic Boone campus is nestled in one of the nation’s most picturesque and welcoming college towns. Boone offers a safe, friendly environment with a lively downtown filled with shops, restaurants and entertainment. Just minutes from campus, you’ll find more than 2 million acres of pristine national forests and parks, perfect for outdoor adventures and exploration.
Our newest home – Hickory
App State’s cutting-edge Hickory campus fosters a close-knit community of students and faculty. Conveniently located off Interstate 40 in the bustling Catawba Valley, Hickory is just a scenic 1-hour drive from Boone, making it the ideal choice for those seeking a balance of accessibility and connection.
Invest in Your Future
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, including grants, scholarships, student employment opportunities, Federal Work-Study programs and loans. You might be surprised how much support is available.
*Students enrolled at the Hickory campus are exempt from App State housing and meal plans. 2025-26 Estimated Costs
Scholarships
We're committed to making App State affordable for all students. We offer financial aid based on need, academic excellence and athletic achievement, along with opportunities for outside aid. We’re ready to help you and your family manage the cost of college in the most responsible, affordable way possible.
Apply
Apply to App State
Receive Decision File the FAFSA
Deposit
Apply by Nov. 1 You will be notified FAFSA Opens Dec. 1 May 1 and submit all supplemental 2-4 weeks after completing (School Code 002906) Submit your deposit to materials by Nov. 15 to be your application secure your spot! guaranteed consideration for most university scholarships
Application Checklist
Complete an application (apply using the Common Application)
Provide your official high school transcript(s)
Provide your official transcript(s) for any completed college coursework
Submit $65 application fee (or approved fee waiver)
Provide SAT or ACT scores
Complete your FAFSA at studentaid.gov (School Code 002906)
admissions.appstate.edu/apply
Undergraduate Admissions
Appalachian State University PO Box 32004 Boone, NC 28608
828-262-2120 admissions.appstate.edu Scan for a glimpse of Mountaineer life!
