Zach Covington, a first-year exercise science major at Appalachian, looks at his laptop while taking notes. Photo by Chase Reynolds
BOONE, N.C. — Appalachian State University’s online bachelor’s and graduate education programs are ranked among the best in the nation — within the top 26 percent of colleges and universities — for 2019, according to U.S. News and World Report.
In the publication’s newly released “2019 Best Online Programs” rankings, Appalachian was named to both the “Best Online Bachelor’s Programs” and “Best Online Graduate Education Programs” lists.
This year, Appalachian moved up 72 spots from its 2018 ranking for bachelor’s programs, placing at No. 93 out of 348 higher education institutions. Schools were assessed based on four categories: student engagement, student services and technology, faculty credentials and training, and peer reputation.
For graduate education programs, Appalachian ranked 77th out of 299 schools based on student excellence, student services and technology, student engagement, faculty credentials and training, and peer reputation.
“These rankings reflect the commitment our faculty and staff have in providing our students the best college experience,” said Dr. D. Terry Rawls, executive director of App State Online. “App State Online remains committed to supporting the expansion of higher education to meet the diverse needs of students, wherever they are, without sacrificing the Mountaineer experience.”
In U.S. News and World Report’s news release about the rankings, Anita Narayan, managing editor of education at U.S. News, said, “Online programs can offer a flexible learning environment for students who have to balance classes with working a full-time job, caring for their family or other responsibilities. The Best Online Programs rankings allow students to compare accredited programs and find those that best fit their education interests and career goals.”
Appalachian offers seven online bachelor’s programs: career and technical education, child development, communication studies, advertising, management, nursing, and workforce education and development.
Among online graduate education programs, Appalachian offers master’s degrees in curriculum specialist, educational media, elementary education, higher education, middle grades education, library science and school administration; the education specialist degrees in educational administration and higher education; a doctorate in educational leadership; and several graduate certificates in education.
About App State Online
Recognized as one of the top online education destinations in the country by U.S. News & World Report, App State Online is designed to meet students wherever they are — whether they are seeking a degree, a credential or looking to sharpen their personal and/or professional skills. Through App State Online, Appalachian State University offers innovative, flexible and accredited undergraduate and graduate programs. Learn more at https://online.appstate.edu.
About Appalachian State University
As a premier public institution, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives. App State is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System, with a national reputation for innovative teaching and opening access to a high-quality, cost-effective education. The university enrolls more than 21,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and 80 graduate majors at its Boone and Hickory campuses and through App State Online. Learn more at https://www.appstate.edu.
What do you think?
Share your feedback on this story.
![Is Carb Cycling the Key to Increasing Your Endurance? [faculty featured]](/_images/_posts/2025/06/carb-cycling-600x400.jpg)
![App State researcher develops AI-driven microscope to detect poultry parasites [faculty featured]](/_images/_posts/2025/06/ai-driven-microscope-600x400.jpg)
