Appalachian State University

Appalachian State University is a large public master's university (large program) located in Boone, North Carolina, with an undergraduate enrollment of 19,444. The institution offers master's-level programs across multiple professional and academic fields alongside its undergraduate curriculum, serving students seeking advanced credentials in applied disciplines. As a public institution primarily funded through state appropriations and federal grants, it operates within the broader North Carolina postsecondary education landscape and is regionally accredited, making its credits and degrees eligible for federal financial aid. With a 90% acceptance rate, admission is open to most applicants. The 90% acceptance rate reflects a broadly open admissions approach serving a wide range of students. Net price for families earning \$48,001–$75,000 averages $15,204 per year. The highest program-level earnings outcomes are in CIP 00 — 10-year median earnings among aid recipients in these fields reach $111,173. The 4-year graduation rate is 74%, 29 percentage points above the national average of 45%. Among students who received federal financial aid, 10-year median earnings are $51,836. FIRE rates the campus commitment to free expression at 73/100, indicating strong speech protections.