Appalachian State University in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina offers incredible preparation for life and career success. We’re a special combination of people and place, set in one of the country’s most beautiful scenic locations – the perfect setting to strengthen your academic focus, discover your passions, enhance your leadership skills and take the next step in your life’s journey.

More Than a Location

Our beautiful setting in the Blue Ridge Mountains is more than a location – it profoundly shapes how our community lives, works and learns together.  Our commitment to sustainability is a tradition, not a trend, and Appalachian is an active steward of North Carolina’s interconnected financial, cultural and natural resources.

This commitment shows in many ways, including our tuition rates, textbook rental program, commitment to energy efficiency, economic viability and equitable citizenship. Because of this and much more, Appalachian ranks No. 5 out of 610 schools in MyPlan.com's 2017 student rankings for "Overall Satisfaction & Happiness with Choice."

Comprehensive Degree Offerings

Appalachian offers more than 150 undergraduate and graduate degree programs through its College of Arts and Sciences, College of Fine and Applied Arts, Reich College of Education, Walker College of Business, Hayes School of Music, Beaver College of Health Sciences and Cratis D. Williams School of Graduate Studies. Appalachian also offers a doctorate of education.

Undergraduate Research

Appalachian encourages opportunities for undergraduate students to participate in research projects alongside their professors. Their work is showcased during the annual Celebration of Student Research and Creative Endeavors held on campus as well as at professional conferences in the region and across the United States.

A Bachelor’s-to-Master’s Plan that Makes Sense

Many of our undergraduate students choose to build upon their undergraduate work, while saving tuition dollars, with Appalachian’s accelerated admissions program. It allows undergraduate students to enroll in graduate courses during their senior year and earn both a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree from Appalachian in about 5 years.

Graduate Studies

Appalachian offers more than 70 graduate degree and certificate programs, which prepare our students for success in the work force as well as in life.  At Appalachian, we like to say that “Masters Matter,” and our graduate students agree. Under the mentorship of their professors, our graduate students often conduct primary research, are published and present at professional conferences.

A Sustainable Mission

Appalachian’s leadership in sustainability is known nationally. Our three-branched approach asks us to consider if actions are sustainable economically, environmentally and equitably in relationship to our planet’s co-inhabitants.  These three areas often intersect to create a deep and real sustainability. Such commitment to research, creativity, innovation and practice is making a difference now and for our future.

Community and Civic Engagement

Appalachian is recognized nationally in the areas of community and civic engagement and service-learning. The intersection of classroom learning and real-world experience is a powerful combination.  This work sets us apart from other institutions and leads us all to value how our lives, no matter our professions, can become more meaningful by serving others. Appalachian’s commitment to service is evidenced across campus and beyond, which led to a recent community engagement classification by the Carnegie Foundation.

Student Health and Safety

A safe and healthy environment is key to our students’ ability to focus on their education and all the experiences that will positively shape a transformational Appalachian Experience.  Appalachian’s tradition of caring for students is a deep and broad commitment – one that extends throughout our entire community.

Global Proficiency

It’s not enough to be globally aware anymore.  At Appalachian, our students are engaging in multiple and varied experiences – both at home and abroad – to increase their knowledge of global issues, regions and cultures, improve their intercultural skills, and demonstrate global citizenship.