BOONE, N.C. — Appalachian State University’s online bachelor’s and graduate education programs, offered through App State Online, continue to be ranked among the best in the nation — according to U.S. News & World Report.

In the publication’s newly released “2020 Best Online Programs” rankings, Appalachian was named to both the “Best Online Bachelor’s Programs” and “Best Online Graduate Education Programs” lists, and — for the first time — was recognized for “Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for Veterans.”

“Appalachian State University is highly committed to making higher education accessible to everyone,” said Dr. Ben Powell, Appalachian’s interim vice provost of online learning.

“Like its main campus equivalent, the App State Online experience is special. From their first point of contact, prospective students receive personal attention from caring App State Online staff who guide them through the application process,” he said. “Once enrolled, online students engage with the same world-class faculty who teach our on-campus students.”

This year, Appalachian ranked within the top one-third of U.S. colleges and universities for its bachelor’s programs. 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 advanced over its 2019 ranking, placing within the top 25% of schools nationally. The rankings were based on student excellence, student services and technology, student engagement, faculty credentials and training, and peer reputation.

Appalachian was newly recognized in the 2020 rankings for the value its online bachelor's programs present student veterans and active-duty military members. The university, named to U.S. News’ “2020 Best Online Programs for Veterans” list, ranks among national public and private higher education institutions offering online bachelor’s degrees that are “affordable, accessible and reputable” for this student population.

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 the following areas:

• Curriculum specialist.
• Educational media.
• Elementary education.
• Higher education.
• Middle grades education.
• Library science.
• School administration.

Additionally, the university offers education specialist degrees in educational administration and higher education; a doctorate in educational leadership; and several graduate certificates in education.

Learn more about App State Online by visiting online.appstate.edu.

See the full rankings.

What do you think?

Share your feedback on this story.

App State Online

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, App State offers innovative, flexible and accredited undergraduate and graduate programs.

Learn more

US News and World Report recognizes Appalachian for ‘Best Online Programs’

Jan. 15, 2019

Appalachian’s online bachelor’s and graduate education programs rank among the best in the nation for 2019, according to U.S. News and World Report.

Read the story

App State ranked a 'Best' by 5 national publications

Sep. 19, 2019

Appalachian has been recognized as one of the nation’s top-performing schools for its academics, value, innovation and student veteran services, among other aspects.

Read the story

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 the premier public undergraduate institution in the Southeast, 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, affordable education for all. 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.