Appalachian maintains top positions in U.S. News & World Report rankings

Posted Sep. 9, 2015 at 9:32 a.m.

BOONE—Appalachian State University has once again received top honors in U.S. News and World Report 2016 rankings related to the university’s academics, cost, retention and graduation rates, value and other factors.

Appalachian is ranked third among top public regional universities in the South, and 10th among top regional public and private universities in the South. Appalachian has placed among the top 15 public and private southern universities since the rankings were first published in 1986.

“We are honored to be recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top regional university again,” said Chancellor Sheri N. Everts. “I am proud that Appalachian’s long-recognized, strong foundation of teaching and research combined with our pioneering spirit continues to result in recognition of our faculty, staff, and most importantly, provides a transformational experience for our students.”

The university was also ranked 13th among southern regional universities in the magazine’s “Best Value Schools” list and included as an “A+ Schools for B Students” among a list of 23 public and private institutions.

In addition Appalachian was ranked sixth among nine southern regional universities for “Best Undergraduate Teaching.” This ranking, derived from input from college presidents, provosts and admissions deans at peer institutions, cites schools “where the faculty have an unusually strong commitment to undergraduate teaching.”

A new category this year is “Most Innovative Schools.” Appalachian was tied for fourth among a list of nine southern regional universities. According to the magazine, “College presidents, provosts and admissions deans were asked to nominate up to 10 colleges or universities in their U.S. News Best Colleges ranking category that are making the most innovative improvements in terms of curriculum, faculty, students, campus life, technology or facilities.” The magazine added the ranking “so that college officials could pick schools that the public should be watching because of the cutting-edge changes being made on their campuses.”

U.S. News & World Report also lists universities and colleges with “Academic Programs to Look For” that feature “outstanding examples of academic programs that are believed to lead to student success.” Appalachian was included among universities and colleges cited for their first-year experiences programs and learning communities.

About Appalachian State University

As the premier public undergraduate institution in the Southeast, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives as global citizens who understand and engage their responsibilities in creating a sustainable future for all. The Appalachian Experience promotes a spirit of inclusion that brings people together in inspiring ways to acquire and create knowledge, to grow holistically, to act with passion and determination, and to embrace diversity and difference. Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Appalachian is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System. Appalachian enrolls nearly 21,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and graduate majors.