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Instructor Mark Boatright teaches students in the Department of Health and Exercise Science. Photo by Marie Freeman

A clear path for student success

Compiled by Linda Coutant
Posted Aug. 23, 2019 at 1:10 p.m.

Appalachian State University provides the resources and support students need to stay focused and on track — academically, financially and personally.

“Our Early Intervention Team, Upward Bound program and Student Learning Center services — guided by the work of our stellar faculty — represent just a few of the programs that have led to Appalachian’s impressive overall retention rate to reach sophomore status, which is nearly 20 percent above the national average. This is among many reasons why Appalachian is the premier, public undergraduate institution in the state of North Carolina,” Chancellor Sheri Everts said.

Other points of pride:

  • Appalachian’s six-year graduation rate for its 2012 first-year cohort is 72%.
  • 72% of Appalachian graduates are paying off student debt as compared to the 47% national average. (Source: College Scorecard)
  • The number of rural students who completed an undergraduate degree increased 12.8% between 2014 and 2018.
  • Also between 2014 and 2018, the number of first generation students enrolled at Appalachian increased 39%, while the number of underrepresented students increased 37%.

Learn more about how Appalachian guides and supports its students for success:

Career development at App State prepares students for a lifetime of employability
Career development at App State prepares students for a lifetime of employability
Aug. 16, 2019

Appalachian State University’s Career Development Center provides strategic career development resources — including career counselors, signature events and student employment.

Read the story
Wellness and Student Success at Appalachian
Wellness and Student Success at Appalachian

Why 8 dimensions of wellness are important to students’ holistic balance

Aug. 3, 2018

Dr. Alex F. Howard explains why staying healthy in multiple ways impacts a student’s ability to stay and complete a degree.

Read the story
Student success — early intervention is key
Student success — early intervention is key
June 26, 2018

Dr. Greg Lester, executive director of academic advising and student success, says early intervention is key for students who are struggling academically. The Office of Student Success offers help at Appalachian.

Read the story
Mental health — a key to academic and social success
Mental health — a key to academic and social success

Appalachian offers year-round programming on mental health awareness, self-care and suicide prevention

Feb. 27, 2019

A variety of opportunities help students keep mental health and self-care a priority, explains Coordinator for Student Mental Wellness Elizabeth Cavallaro.

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Financing the dream — staying fiscally afloat at Appalachian
Financing the dream — staying fiscally afloat at Appalachian
Aug. 24, 2018

FAFSA. FSEOG. ACOG. Acronyms abound when exploring how to pay for college. At Appalachian, interpreters are in place to help students and their families navigate the process of securing financial aid.

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Important Resources and Services
  • Office of Student Success
  • Student Learning Center
  • Office of Student Financial Aid
  • Student Employment
  • Counseling and Psychological Services Center
  • Department of Wellness and Prevention Services
  • Early Intervention Team
  • Office of Disability Resources
  • Student Health Service
Are you a first-generation college student?
Are you a first-generation college student?

You’re not alone. Many of Appalachian’s faculty and staff were once, too. They share their personal stories and words of advice to incoming students.

Learn more

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.

Important Resources and Services
  • Office of Student Success
  • Student Learning Center
  • Office of Student Financial Aid
  • Student Employment
  • Counseling and Psychological Services Center
  • Department of Wellness and Prevention Services
  • Early Intervention Team
  • Office of Disability Resources
  • Student Health Service
Are you a first-generation college student?
Are you a first-generation college student?

You’re not alone. Many of Appalachian’s faculty and staff were once, too. They share their personal stories and words of advice to incoming students.

Learn more

What do you think?

Share your feedback on this story.

Share

Topics

  • Community Engagement
  • Health and Wellness
  • Students

What do you think?

Share your feedback on this story.

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Appalachian Today is an online publication of Appalachian State University. This website consolidates university news, feature stories, events, photo galleries, videos and podcasts.

If you cannot find what you're looking for here, please refer to the following sources:

  • Podcasts may be found at Appalachian State University Podcasts
  • Stories and press releases published prior to Jan. 1, 2015 may be found in University Communications Records at the Special Collections Research Center.
  • Events may be found in the University Calendar

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Archives

Appalachian Today is an online publication of Appalachian State University. This website consolidates university news, feature stories, events, photo galleries, videos and podcasts.

If you cannot find what you're looking for here, please refer to the following sources:

  • Podcasts may be found at Appalachian State University Podcasts
  • Stories and press releases published prior to Jan. 1, 2015 may be found in University Communications Records at the Special Collections Research Center.
  • Events may be found in the University Calendar
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