Overview

Appalachian State University, commonly known as App State, is a public university situated in Boone, North Carolina. Established in 1899 as a teachers’ college, it was founded by brothers B. B. and D. D. Dougherty, along with Lillie Shull Dougherty. Initially focusing on teacher education, it expanded in 1967 and later became part of the University of North Carolina System in 1971.

As a higher education institution, Appalachian State University enrolls over 21,500 students and offers more than 150 college courses at the undergraduate level, along with 70 graduate degree programs, including two doctoral programs. The university is structured into eight colleges, including the College of Arts and Sciences, the Walker Business School, the Reich College of Education, and the Hayes School of Music. In 2023, it established an additional education center in Hickory.

The university’s athletic teams, known as the Mountaineers, compete in the Sun Belt Conference, except for select sports like wrestling, which are part of the Southern Conference.

History

Founded as Watauga Academy, the university was established through local efforts in Watauga County. Recognizing the need for formalized teacher training, D. D. Dougherty successfully lobbied for state funding, leading to the creation of the Appalachian Training School for Teachers in 1903. Over the decades, it evolved into the Appalachian State Normal School, then the Appalachian State Teachers College, before adopting its current name in 1967.

By the mid-20th century, the institution achieved accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, and in 1948, a graduate school was introduced. Under the leadership of William H. Plemmons and later Herbert Wey, the university expanded significantly, adding multiple degree programs and increasing student enrollment. In 1972, it officially became part of the University of North Carolina system.

Academics and Campus

Today, Appalachian State University is recognized among the top US universities, ranking third in the Regional Universities South category in the 2025 edition of Best Colleges. The institution follows a semester-based academic calendar and spans 1,200 acres in the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains, offering students a vibrant learning center with access to over 150 undergraduate and graduate majors.

The university provides opportunities for hands-on learning through organizations like the Center of Entrepreneurship and WASU, its student-run radio station. It also features numerous student-led activities, including Greek life, clubs, and the Appalachian Popular Programming Society, which organizes events such as film screenings and concerts.

With a strong presence in athletics, the Mountaineers have over 20 varsity teams and more than 80 recreational sports clubs. The football team, competing in NCAA Division I, gained national attention when it secured a historic victory over Michigan.

Graduate students at Appalachian State University can pursue advanced degrees in fields such as business and education, including a Master of Education program offered by the Reich College of Education. The university has produced notable alumni, including Stephen Dubner, co-author of Freakonomics.

Additionally, Appalachian State is recognized among cheap tuition colleges, with in-state tuition and fees of $8,135 and out-of-state tuition and fees of $25,768, making it a cost-effective choice among colleges and universities in the United States.

Campus

Situated in the Blue Ridge Mountains of northwestern North Carolina, Appalachian State University is among the highest-elevated higher education institutions east of the Mississippi River, standing at 3,333 feet (1,016 m). This public university is located in downtown Boone, a town with a population of 19,092, while the university itself enrolls 21,253 students. The campus covers 1,300 acres (5.3 km2), including a 410-acre (1.7 km2) main campus that houses 20 residence halls, three primary dining facilities, 30 academic buildings, and 11 recreational and athletic facilities.

The heart of the educational institution is known as Sanford Mall, an open grassy quad surrounded by the student union, dining halls, and library. Sanford Hall, bordering the mall, honors Terry Sanford, a former state governor. Rivers Street, a major thoroughfare for both the town and the American university, divides the campus into eastern and western sections, connected by pedestrian tunnels and a bridge.

The eastern section features Sanford Mall, Plemmons Student Union, Roess Dining Hall, Carol Grotnes Belk Library and Information Commons, and two residential communities. The western portion includes Trivette Dining Hall, the Student Recreation Center, Quinn Recreation Center, Kidd Brewer Stadium, and additional residence halls such as Stadium Heights and Yosef Hollow. At the northern end, Bodenheimer Drive extends over Rivers Street, leading to Appalachian Heights, Mountaineer Hall, the Chancellor’s House, the Living Learning Center, and Jim and Bettie Smith Stadium. At the southern end, the George M. Holmes Convocation Center serves as the main gateway to this higher education institution.

Turchin Center for the Visual Arts

As the largest visual arts center in northwestern North Carolina, eastern Tennessee, and southwestern Virginia, the Turchin Center for the Visual Arts is a key learning center for students pursuing creative disciplines. Opened in 2003, it hosts rotating exhibits, some of which highlight Appalachian culture, and provides educational outreach programs. Additionally, the Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts, a 1,635-seat venue, welcomes performers from around the world.

Appalachian State University Preserve

This 67-acre nature preserve, designated a State Natural Area in 1999, serves as an outdoor education center, offering conservation, research, and recreation opportunities for students and faculty. It plays an essential role in environmental education at the university.

Administration

Governance at Appalachian State University is overseen by the University of North Carolina Board of Governors, which sets policies for colleges and universities across the state. The chancellor manages day-to-day operations, with support from the provost, vice-chancellors, and other administrative offices. Faculty, staff, and students contribute to decision-making through the Faculty Senate, Staff Senate, Graduate Student Association Senate, and Student Government Association.

Admissions

As a prominent state university of New York system member, Appalachian State University maintains an acceptance rate of 89%, with an early acceptance rate of 89.4%. SAT scores for admitted students range from 1100 to 1280, while ACT scores typically fall between 21 and 27. High school GPA is a critical factor in the admissions process, while class rank is considered, though recommendation letters are not required. Prospective students can find further details through College Compass.

Academics

Appalachian State University ranks among the top US universities, earning recognition from multiple national sources. The institution’s library, the Carol Grotnes Belk Library & Information Commons, holds over 1.871 million bound volumes, 1.5 million microforms, 24,000 sound recordings, and 14,000 videos. It also features specialized collections, such as the W.L. Eury Appalachian Collection and the Stock Car Racing Collection, including materials donated by the family of Richard Petty.

This higher education institution offers 176 undergraduate and 42 graduate programs across eight colleges and one graduate school:

College of Arts and Sciences
College of Fine and Applied Arts
Beaver College of Health Sciences
Hayes School of Music
The Honors College
Reich College of Education
University College
Walker College of Business
Cratis D. Williams School of Graduate Studies

Watauga Residential College

Established in 1972, Watauga Residential College is an innovative educational institution designed to foster interdisciplinary learning. Initially based in Watauga Hall, it later relocated to East Hall and eventually to the Living Learning Center in 2003. The college integrates coursework, community-based research, and multicultural immersion, requiring first-year students to reside within the learning center for a more cohesive academic experience.

Off-Campus Centers

Appalachian State University extends its educational reach through off-campus centers in Hickory, Morganton, and Hudson. These education centers provide undergraduate and graduate college courses in fields such as Elementary Education, Advertising, Criminal Justice, Management, Social Work, and Psychology. The flexible format enables students to balance family, work, and education.

Publications

Faculty and students at this American university contribute to various academic and research publications, including:

IMPULSE: The Premier Undergraduate Neuroscience Journal (Department of Psychology)
Appalachian Business Review (Walker College of Business)
Appalachian Journal (Center for Appalachian Studies)
Appalachian Today (University Magazine)
Cold Mountain Review (Department of English)
The Appalachian (student newspaper)
The Peel Literature & Arts Review (annual student arts publication)

Research Centers and Institutes

The university hosts several research institutions supporting diverse academic fields:

Appalachian Energy Center (includes Renewable Energy Initiative, Small Wind R&D Site, and Collaborative Biodiesel Project)
Center for Appalachian Studies
Center for Entrepreneurship
Center for Judaic, Holocaust, & Peace Studies
Math and Science Education Center
National Center for Developmental Education
Goodnight Family Sustainable Development Program
The Human Performance Lab
Henderson Springs LGBTQ+ Center
Women’s Center
Multicultural Center

Affordable Tuition

As a public university, Appalachian State University is recognized among cheap tuition colleges, providing cost-effective college courses for students pursuing higher education. It offers diverse programs, including business school degrees, psychology universities, and specialized programs such as the Master of Education degree, ensuring comprehensive learning opportunities for students seeking academic advancement.

Appalachian State University – History, Profile, Academics, Ranking