Appalachian State University Tuition & Financial Aid
Appalachian State University, a well-regarded higher education institution, offers tuition rates that are lower than the national average for both in-state and out-of-state students. For the 2024-25 academic year, tuition and fees at this public university stand at $8,135 for in-state students and $25,768 for out-of-state students. This makes it one of the cheap tuition colleges when compared to the national average of $12,201 for in-state and $29,084 for out-of-state students.
The listed tuition includes both tuition and fees—often called the sticker price—which can vary by educational institution. These fees contribute to services such as campus libraries, health facilities, technology resources, and student centers. When evaluating colleges and universities, it is essential to consider not just the tuition but also the total cost, which factors in housing, food, books, transportation, and other personal expenses. At Appalachian State University, the total cost is estimated at $24,089 for in-state students and $41,085 for out-of-state students. However, after financial aid and scholarships, the net price—what students actually pay—averages $13,948 for in-state and $33,436 for out-of-state students.
Tuition & Expenses Breakdown
- In-state tuition and fees: $8,135 (2024-25)
- Out-of-state tuition and fees: $25,768 (2024-25)
- Food and Housing: $12,868 (2024-25)
- Net price for federal loan recipients (2021-22): $14,765
Net Price by Family Income (2021-22)
- $0-$30,000: $7,715
- $30,001-$48,000: $10,023
- $48,001-$75,000: $14,949
- $75,001-$110,000: $19,120
- $110,001+: $20,133
Financial Aid at Appalachian State University
Many students at this American university receive financial aid to offset the cost of their higher education. Aid may be awarded based on financial need or merit. The average need-based scholarship or grant for first-year students was $9,529, with 43% of first-year students receiving need-based financial aid in 2022. Additionally, students received an average of $9,776 in need-based self-help aid, such as federal loans or work-study programs.
Merit-based aid, which is awarded for academic or other achievements, averaged $2,478 per student. Appalachian State University met 54% of its students’ financial aid needs, making it a competitive option among top US universities for affordability.
Student Loan Debt
Student loans play a significant role in financing college courses at Appalachian State University. The median federal loan debt for undergraduate borrowers was $20,231, with an estimated monthly payment of $214 over a 10-year repayment period at 5.05% interest.
Additionally, 10% of graduates took out private loans, with an average debt of $28,612.
Federal Loan Debt by Family Income
- $0-$30,000: $14,786
- $30,001-$75,000: $15,750
- $75,001+: $16,583
Among the 2023 graduating class, 53% of students had taken out loans, with an average total indebtedness of $24,059.
Exploring Affordable Options for Higher Education
As students consider colleges and graduate school opportunities, institutions like Appalachian State University offer cost-effective pathways to degrees in fields such as business, psychology, and education. With financial aid options and competitive tuition, this learning center provides access to quality higher education within the United States colleges system.
For those seeking a Master of Education or other advanced degrees, Appalachian State University, along with other state universities like the State University of New York, continues to be a strong choice for affordability and academic excellence.
Scholarships
Scholarships are a type of funding that you don’t need to pay back. Need-based scholarships take a student’s financial status into account. Merit-based scholarships are awarded to students for academic or athletic achievement. You might also qualify for a scholarship based on your community service involvement, unique hobbies or traits, your personal background, or a parent’s employer or military affiliation.
Some students receive enough in scholarship money to cover their tuition and living expenses. See the types of scholarships and grants available at Appalachian State University below.
Jobs
Working while in school can help lessen the burden of your student loans. Schools offer work-study programs to those who qualify and campus jobs to students looking to earn money in their free time. Some institutions match students with work-study positions, while others require them apply to the positions, like they would for any other job.
Begin your job search by checking whether your college has in-person or online job boards. Speak with professors, fellow students or career counselors for help finding a job related to your major and interests.