by our College Data Analytics TeamIs Appalachian State worth the money? College Factual’s value analysis weighs the quality of education against the cost. Here is the verdict.
Appalachian State is ranked #1,340 out of 3,211 schools for value nationwide, earning a value grade of F. Within North Carolina, it ranks #71 of 124 for value.
Among the majors Appalachian State offers, these rank best for value nationally.
| Major | National Value Rank |
|---|---|
| Commercial Photography | #1 of 9 |
| Environmental Engineering Technology/Environmental Technology | #2 of 4 |
| Environment / Natural Resources | #2 of 4 |
| Environmental Control Technology | #2 of 5 |
| Education/Teaching of Individuals with Specific Learning Disabilities | #8 of 22 |
| Special Education | #8 of 22 |
| Music Management | #9 of 27 |
| Accounting / Finance | #10 of 21 |
| Insurance | #10 of 21 |
| Other Linguistic, Comparative, & Related Language Studies & Services | #10 of 18 |
Read the full Appalachian State value report below — how it ranks within its state, how it ranks nationwide, what a degree actually costs, and whether it makes financial sense.
Appalachian State University is ranked #9 out of #128 in North Carolina for quality and #71 out of #124 for North Carolina value.
Do you qualify for in-state tuition? Check the Appalachian State financial aid page to be sure.
Appalachian State University is ranked #1,340 out of 3,211 for value nationwide.
Based on our analysis of other colleges at similar price points, Appalachian State University is overpriced for the quality of education it provides.
Averaged across all students — those who receive aid and those who pay full price — a year at Appalachian State costs about $20,361. Over a standard four-year bachelor's program, that adds up to an estimated $81,445 for the degree.
| Amount | |
|---|---|
| Sticker Price (before aid) | $23,131 / year |
| Net Price (students receiving aid) | $16,836 / year |
| Average Cost (all students) | $20,361 / year |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $81,445 |
*The average cost weights the net price paid by aid recipients against the sticker price paid by everyone else. The 4-year figure assumes the standard bachelor's length; your actual time to graduate and price may differ.
Your price depends heavily on your family income and the aid you qualify for. See the Appalachian State net price page for a fuller breakdown of what you might actually pay.
The price you actually pay depends on your circumstances — most students do not pay the full sticker price.
Here is how the estimated 4-year cost of a Appalachian State degree breaks down by aid group, against its national value ranking.
| Nationwide Value by Aid Group | Avg Degree Cost | Value Rank | Value Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students with No Aid | $92,524 | — | — |
| All Students | $81,445 | #1,340 | F |
| Only Students Receiving Aid | $67,344 | — | — |
| In-State Value by Aid Group | Avg Degree Cost | Value Rank | Value Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students with No Aid | $92,524 | — | — |
| All Students | $81,445 | #71 | F |
| Only Students Receiving Aid | $67,344 | — | — |
*College Factual publishes a single overall value ranking (the All Students row). The cost rows show what each aid group pays toward the same degree.
You can also see how the average net price at Appalachian State shifts with family income:
| Family Income | Avg Net Price / Year |
|---|---|
| $0–$30K | $8,370 |
| $30K–$48K | $11,507 |
| $48K–$75K | $15,766 |
| $75K–$110K | $20,796 |
| Over $110K | $21,991 |
About 44% of Appalachian State undergraduates receive grant or scholarship aid, averaging $8,899 per year. Get more details on the Appalachian State financial aid you may qualify for.
College Factual determines value by weighing a school’s average total cost against its educational quality, then comparing it to other schools in the same quality tier. See the Appalachian State net price page for the cost detail.
Read the full Best for the Money Ranking Methodology.