Appalachian State University is the premier public undergraduate institution in the Southeast and home to over 20,000 students. International students thrive at App State. Our safe and friendly learning environment offers opportunities to meet lifelong friends and pursue invigorating academic challenges.

Academic Excellence

Among the country’s best higher education institutions.

App State offers more than 150 undergraduate programs and 80 graduate programs. 

The campus focuses on the individual and takes pride in its student/faculty ratio of 16:1. Small classes, which average 25 students, contribute to a first- to second-year retention rate of 86.2% (more than 4 percentage points above the national average).

National publications annually recognize App State as one of the nation’s top-performing schools for its academics, value, innovation and student veteran services and programs to enhance the first-year experience, among other aspects.

• #1 Most Innovative School (U.S. News & World Report)
• #2 Best Undergraduate Teaching (U.S. News & World Report)
• #3 Best Public Schools in the South (U.S. News & World Report)
• “Best in the Southeast” (Princeton Review)
• Among world’s “Green Colleges” (Princeton Review)
• “Top” and “Best Value Colleges” in America (Forbes magazine)
• “Best College Values” (Kiplinger)

Funding Your Education

Keeping College Affordable

App State offers an outstanding education at a great value. Students can apply for scholarships, student employment and other opportunities that can assist with study and living costs during your time as an App State student. 

Student Support Resources

App State has the resources and support students need to stay focused and on track — financially, academically and personally.

• Office of International Education and Development serves as a resource for international students
• Students can improve English proficiency through the AppELS English Language Institute. AppELS offers intensive English classes, advising, cultural engagement, and experiential learning. 
• Resources for students to rent textbooks, digital equipment and accessories, including laptops, calculators, cameras, tablets, tripods and more
• Career Development Center assists students in finding part-time job and internship opportunities — on and off campus
   

Campus Life

Find Your Community

Get involved and seek opportunities to discover your passions, develop valuable leadership skills and create lifelong bonds and friendships.

Pick from the 400+ student clubs and organizations to get involved and make friends! From day one, you’ll be welcomed to be an active part in campus life.

• 30+ multicultural and international student clubs such as the Chinese Culture Club or International Appalachian
• 20 club sports and 80+ intramural sports such as soccer, tennis and rugby
• 90+ academic clubs including the International Business Student Association, App State Robotics club, and the Future Healthcare Executives club
• 100+ community service organizations 

In addition to our 400 clubs and organizations, App State offers 600+ cultural events on campus each year such as concerts, art exhibits, theatre and dance performances. The Office of International Education and Development also offers cultural and social opportunities for international students.

Housing 

At App State, students choose a community in which to live and learn. Whether you live on-campus, off-campus, with roommates or on your own, there's lots to consider and discover. 

First-year students are guaranteed on-campus. Transfer students have the opportunity to apply for on-campus housing, but the majority chose to live off-campus. 

App State has a dedicated office for off-campus housing resources to help students find their home in Boone. 
 

Boone – Your Home Away From Home

Located in Boone, North Carolina, App State is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System. Boone is a classic university town — a place where folks always say hello, where the outdoors is your playground and where you’ll find a lively downtown scene just a block from campus.

The surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains attract outdoor enthusiasts year-round for hiking, rock climbing, kayaking, mountain biking and cycling, skiing, snowboarding, golf, fishing and agritourism. The Blue Ridge Parkway and Appalachian Trail are both located just minutes from campus.

• One of the safest cities in NC (SafeWise.com)
• “Best Places to Live and Play” (National Geographic magazine)
• Among “South’s Best college Towns” (Southern Living)
• 3,333 feet (1,016 meters) in elevation in the Blue Ridge Mountains
• 50+ hiking trails near campus
• 3 area ski resorts, 1 within 10 minutes to campus 
• Free local bus services