Appalachian State University: Student Population And More

how many students attend appalachian state university

Appalachian State University, founded in 1899, is a public research university in Boone, North Carolina, with a new campus in Hickory that opened in 2023. The university has a national reputation for innovative teaching and providing access to a high-quality, affordable education for all. It offers more than 150 undergraduate and 70-80 graduate degree programs, including two doctoral programs. The university enrolls over 21,000 students, with a record-breaking 21,570 students enrolled in the fall of 2024.

Characteristics Values
Enrollment in Fall 2024 21,570
Enrollment in Fall 2023 21,253
Enrollment in Fall 2024 (Transfer Students) 5,160
Number of Campuses 2
Names of Campuses Boone, Hickory
Number of Degree Programs 150+ Undergraduate, 70+ Graduate
Number of Colleges 8
Names of Colleges 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, Honors College, University College
Number of Alumni 150,000+
Year Founded 1899
Founding Names Watauga Academy, Appalachian State Teachers College

shunstudent

Appalachian State University's 2023 enrolment

Appalachian State University, founded in 1899, is a public research university in Boone, North Carolina, with a new campus in Hickory opened in 2023. The university is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System, and has a national reputation for innovative teaching and providing access to high-quality, affordable education for all.

App State offers more than 150 undergraduate and 80 graduate degree programs, including doctorate degrees in education and psychology, through its many colleges. These include the College of Arts and Sciences, the Walker College of Business, the Reich College of Education, the College of Fine and Applied Arts, the Beaver College of Health Sciences, the Hayes School of Music, and University College.

App State's 2023 enrolment figures show that the university welcomed its largest-ever student body in its 124-year history. A total of 21,253 students enrolled at App State for the fall of 2023, an 18.6% increase in underrepresented students, making it the most diverse student body to date. The student body also comprised the largest first-year and online student populations in the university's history.

The university's enrolment figures have continued to grow, with 21,570 students enrolled for fall 2024, including 5,160 transfer students—the largest transfer student population in App State's history.

shunstudent

The university's expansion over time

Appalachian State University, founded in 1899, has expanded significantly over time, both in terms of its academic offerings and physical campus. The university was established as a teachers' college by brothers B.B. and D.D. Dougherty and the latter's wife, Lillie Shull Dougherty. Over the years, it has grown into a comprehensive institution offering a wide range of academic programs and currently enrolls over 21,000 students, making it one of the largest universities in the University of North Carolina System.

In 1929, the school expanded its offerings and became a four-year degree-granting institution, renamed as Appalachian State Teachers College. This expansion included degree programs in primary grades education, physical education, math, English, science, and history. The college continued to grow and gained national recognition, receiving accreditation from the American Association for Teacher Education in 1939 and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools in 1942.

Appalachian State Teachers College underwent a significant transformation in 1948 with the formation of a graduate school, marking its evolution beyond a single-purpose teachers' college. This expansion continued under the leadership of William H. Plemmons from 1955 to 1967, during which the campus expanded with new buildings, and enrollment grew to nearly 5,000 students. In 1967, the college became Appalachian State University, reflecting its diversification into a multipurpose regional university.

The university joined the University of North Carolina System in 1971 and has since established itself as a premier public institution, known for its innovative teaching and commitment to providing high-quality, affordable education. Today, Appalachian State University offers over 150 undergraduate and 80 graduate degree programs, including doctorate degrees in education and psychology. The university's academic programs are organized across eight colleges: the College of Arts and Sciences, the Walker College of Business, the Reich College of Education, the College of Fine and Applied Arts, the Beaver College of Health Sciences, the Honors College, the Hayes School of Music, and University College.

In addition to its academic expansion, the university has also grown physically, with two main campuses in Boone and Hickory. The Boone campus, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, and the Hickory campus, located in the Catawba Valley, offer unique experiences that shape how the campus communities live, work, and learn together. The university is committed to sustainability and has received recognition for its efforts, including the Tree Campus USA certification. The expansion of the Hickory campus is currently underway, along with several other major construction projects, to enhance the Appalachian State University experience.

shunstudent

The number of undergraduate programs

Appalachian State University, founded 124 years ago, is a premier public institution with a national reputation for innovative teaching and access to high-quality, affordable education. The university enrolls more than 21,000 students and has a low student-to-faculty ratio.

App State offers more than 150 undergraduate programs and 80 graduate programs through its five undergraduate colleges, one music school, one Honors College, and one graduate school. The colleges offering undergraduate programs include:

  • College of Arts and Sciences
  • College of Fine and Applied Arts
  • Reich College of Education
  • Walker College of Business
  • Beaver College of Health Sciences
  • Hayes School of Music
  • University College

App State's undergraduate programs offer a wide range of courses spanning the humanities, social sciences, mathematical sciences, and natural sciences. The university is known for its small class sizes, high-quality student and faculty interaction, and excellent undergraduate research opportunities. The annual Celebration of Student Research and Creative Endeavors showcases the work of undergraduate students who participate in research projects alongside their professors.

In addition to its on-campus programs, App State also offers online undergraduate programs through App State Online, providing flexibility for students who cannot attend classes in person. The university's Hickory campus, located in the heart of the Catawba Valley, offers a combination of on-campus instruction and online courses.

shunstudent

Graduate programs offered

Appalachian State University, a public institution, offers more than 80 graduate programs across various schools, including the 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 Williams School of Graduate Studies. The university is committed to providing accessible, high-quality education with a low student-to-faculty ratio, fostering meaningful interactions between students and faculty.

The graduate programs offered by Appalachian State University include master's degrees, graduate certificates, specialist programs, and doctoral degrees. The university has been recognised for its Master of Science in Applied Data Analytics program, offered by the Walker College of Business, and ranked 11th in the nation by Fortune magazine for this program in 2024. This reflects the university's commitment to offering innovative and challenging academic programs.

App State's graduate programs are available both online and in-person, providing flexibility for students. The online education programs have consistently ranked among the top in the nation, according to US News & World Report. The university's graduate programs aim to deepen knowledge and advance careers, with Bureau of Labor Statistics indicating that those holding master's degrees can expect a 16% increase in pay.

Appalachian State University offers a seamless pathway for students enrolled in partner community colleges to complete their degrees through the Aspire Appalachian program. The university also provides support for transfer students through its Transfer Admissions and Engagement program, ensuring a smooth transition to the App State experience.

The university's graduate programs are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, ensuring the quality and recognition of the degrees. Appalachian State University is committed to providing a well-rounded education, encouraging undergraduate students to participate in research projects and showcasing their work through events like the annual Celebration of Student Research and Creative Endeavors.

shunstudent

The number of campuses

Appalachian State University, also known as App State, is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of northwestern North Carolina. Its main campus is in downtown Boone, a town of 19,092 people, compared to an ASU enrollment of over 21,000 students. The campus covers 1,300 acres, including a main campus of 410 acres with 20 residence halls, 3 main dining facilities, 30 academic buildings, and 11 recreation/athletic facilities. The university's elevation is 3,333 feet, making it one of the highest-elevated universities east of the Mississippi River.

The university has a second campus in Hickory, nestled in the Catawba Valley at the foothills of the mountains. The Hickory campus offers a small college feel with the prestige of being the Southeast's premier public undergraduate institution. Students at this campus benefit from small class sizes, high-quality student and faculty interaction, and exciting undergraduate research opportunities. The renovation of the Hickory campus is one of several major construction projects underway to enhance the App State Experience.

In addition to its physical campuses, App State offers online programs with a growing enrollment. The university provides a seamless pathway for students enrolled at nine partner community colleges to complete their degrees online through the Aspire Appalachian program. App State Online allows students to experience the same excellence that the university is known for, including access to innovative teaching and high-quality, affordable education.

App State is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System. The university is governed by its Board of Trustees and the University of North Carolina System's Board of Governors, which sets university policies. The chancellor, currently Dr. Heather Hulburt Norris, oversees the daily operations of the university and delegates duties to the provost, vice-chancellors, and other administrative offices.

Frequently asked questions

As of Fall 2024, 21,570 students are enrolled at Appalachian State University, including 5,160 transfer students.

21,253 students were enrolled at Appalachian State University in Fall 2023.

The highest enrollment at Appalachian State University was in Fall 2024, with 21,570 students.

When Appalachian State University first opened in 1899 as Watauga Academy, there were 53 students enrolled.

Enrollment at Appalachian State University grew to nearly 5,000 students by 1955.

Written by
Reviewed by
Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment