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U.S. News & World Report, The Princeton Review, Forbes magazine, Money.com, The Wall Street Journal and Washington Monthly magazine have all named App State among the nation’s “best” and “top” schools for 2024–25, recognizing the university for its academics, innovation, value, benefits for student veterans and more. Pictured Oct. 15, trees begin to change into fall colors on App State’s Boone campus. Photo by Wes Craig and Chase Reynolds

App State earns rankings among the best schools in the nation, Southeast for 2024–25

US News has named the university a top 3 regional university for innovation, undergraduate teaching and veterans support

“Our reputation for educational excellence, which has endured for 125 years, is a testament to the transformative power of an App State education — to improve the lives and communities of our state, nation, and world.”

App State Interim Chancellor Heather Norris

By Jessica Stump
Posted Oct. 31, 2024 at 4:57 p.m.

BOONE, N.C. — The latest college rankings of six national publications, including U.S. News & World Report, The Princeton Review and Forbes magazine, have one thing in common: All place Appalachian State University among the best schools in the nation — and the Southeast — for the 2024–25 academic year.

“Our reputation for educational excellence, which has endured for 125 years, is a testament to the transformative power of an App State education — to improve the lives and communities of our state, nation, and world.”

App State Interim Chancellor Heather Norris

Lauding the university for its academics, innovation, value, benefits for student veterans, programs to enhance the first-year experience and other aspects, the publications have named App State to the following lists for 2024 and 2025:

  • “Best Colleges” rankings for 2025 — U.S. News & World Report
  • “The Best 390 Colleges” and “Best Colleges: Region by Region” rankings for 2025 — The Princeton Review
  • “America’s Top Colleges” rankings for 2024–25 — Forbes magazine
  • “Best Colleges in America” for 2024 — Money.com
  • “Best Colleges in the U.S.” for 2025 — The Wall Street Journal
  • “Best Bang for the Buck” college rankings and “Master’s University Rankings” for 2024 — Washington Monthly magazine
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App State students are pictured in a classroom on the university’s Boone campus. Photo by Chase Reynolds

“These latest accolades reflect the commitment and dedicated efforts of our faculty and staff in fostering student success through comprehensive support, including helping students graduate on time,” said App State Interim Chancellor Heather Norris. “We’re preparing Mountaineers to become the leaders and innovators of tomorrow.”

She continued: “Our reputation for educational excellence, which has endured for 125 years, is a testament to the transformative power of an App State education — to improve the lives and communities of our state, nation, and world.”

Read on to learn more about App State’s 2024–25 accolades.

A ‘Best College’ for 2025 — U.S. News & World Report

App State earned several top-five positions in U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 “Best Colleges” rankings for regional universities in the South, released Sept. 24. Schools recognized in the publication’s Regional Universities rankings category offer a broad range of undergraduate programs and master’s programs but few doctoral programs.

Notable U.S. News rankings for App State included:

  • No. 2 in Top Public Schools in the South, with App State earning this accolade for the second consecutive year.
  • No. 2 in Best Colleges for Veterans among Southern universities — a distinction App State has held for four consecutive years.
  • No. 3 in Most Innovative Schools in the South. The university has been recognized as a top three school in this category for eight consecutive years. Schools recognized in this category were identified by top college officials for making innovative improvements in curriculum, faculty, students, campus life, technology or facilities.
  • No. 3 in the Best Undergraduate Teaching category among Southern universities, recognizing the high-quality instruction App State provides its undergraduate students. App State has placed within the top three schools in this category for eight straight years.
  • No. 3 in Best Regional Universities of the South for the second year in a row.

Additionally, App State was recognized among Southern universities for Best Value and for Top Performers on Social Mobility, which recognizes schools that are successful at advancing social mobility by enrolling and graduating large proportions of students receiving the Pell Grant. App State was also ranked among the top institutions nationwide for First-Year Experiences, which recognizes schools for the experiences they provide first-year students, such as first-year seminar programs.

In February, U.S. News ranked App State Online programs among the nation’s best for 2024, naming the university in its “Best Online Bachelor’s Programs,” “Best Online Master’s in Education Programs,” “Best Online MBA Programs” and “Best Online Master’s in Nursing Programs” lists — all part of U.S. News’ 2024 “Best Online Programs” rankings.

Since the U.S. News’ “Best Colleges” rankings were first published annually, beginning in 1987, App State has consistently placed among the top 15 public and private Southern universities.

Access U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 “Best Colleges” rankings.

Learn more about App State’s 2024 “Best Online Programs” rankings from U.S. News.

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A ‘Best’ in the U.S., Southeast for 2025 — The Princeton Review

App State has been recognized as one of “The Best 390 Colleges” in the U.S. by The Princeton Review for 2025. Additionally, the publication named the university among 109 best schools in the South for 2025 — part of its “Best Colleges: Region by Region” website feature. The institutions included in both lists, released Aug. 27, were unranked.

In its online profile of App State, The Princeton Review wrote that Mountaineer students described App State as an “exceedingly affordable” school with “a strong sense of community” and faculty who are “all highly educated experts in their respective fields.”

The profile also highlighted App State’s class sizes, which “allow a more personal learning experience” according to the students surveyed, as well as the university’s Honors College, textbook rental program — which saved students more than $5 million in 2022–23, numerous clubs and organizations, students’ passion for sustainability and wide variety of Outdoor Programs. The university’s student-to-faculty ratio for fall 2024 is 16:1.

The “The Best 390 Colleges” list is generated based on the student experience at each of the recognized institutions — as reported by students in The Princeton Review’s survey for the project. Responses were collected from 168,000 students, who were asked to answer questions on the topics of Academics and Administration, Quality of Life, Politics, Campus Life, Town Life, Extracurriculars and Social Scene.

App State was also featured in The Princeton Review’s 2025 “Guide to Green Colleges,” released Oct. 15. National and international colleges and universities included in the guide were recognized for “exceptional programs, policies, and practices related to sustainability and the environment,” according to the publication. The schools were unranked.

For this year’s “Guide to Green Colleges,” the publication surveyed administrators at nearly 600 schools in 2023–24 concerning their institutions’ sustainability-related policies, practices and programs. Students attending the schools were also surveyed about their “green” campus experience. More than 25 survey data points were analyzed by The Princeton Review editors to tally Green Rating scores for the schools on a scale of 60 to 99, with schools earning a Green Rating of 80 or higher named to the guide. App State received a Green Rating of 90.

Access The Princeton Review’s “The Best 390 Colleges” list.

Access The Princeton Review’s “Best Colleges: Region by Region” feature.

Access The Princeton Review’s 2025 “Guide to Green Colleges” list.

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Among ‘America’s Top Colleges’ for 2024–25 — Forbes magazine

App State ranks among the top public and private schools in the nation according to Forbes magazine, which recognized the university in its 2024–25 “America’s Top Colleges” rankings list, released Aug. 27. The university is the eighth highest among public and private North Carolina schools on the list and fourth among public schools in the state. The university was the only rural North Carolina institution recognized on Forbes’ list and was ranked among the top 39% of nationwide schools named in the list’s rural category.

According to Forbes, its annual college rankings spotlight schools “offer the best educational, financial, and career outcomes for all students.”

Forbes used 14 metrics, in the following categories, to determine its rankings: alumni salaries; student loan debt; return on investment; graduation rates; retention rates; academic success; and the number of graduates produced by the schools who are named to designated lists of successful leaders in public service, business, the arts and athletics.

Access the complete Forbes list of “America’s Top Colleges” for 2024–25.

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A ‘Best College’ for value in 2024 — Money.com

App State has been named in Money.com’s “Best Colleges in America” list for 2024, released in June. The list recognizes four-year public and private colleges and universities across the country “where students are more likely to graduate with manageable debt and land good-paying jobs,” the magazine wrote.

Money’s analysis of the “Best Colleges” considered 25 data points grouped into three categories — quality, affordability and student outcomes. Among the data points were graduation rates, cost of attendance, financial aid and alumni salaries.

Access Money.com’s 2024 “Best Colleges in America” list.

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A ‘Best Bang for the Buck’ and No. 1 Master’s University in NC — Washington Monthly

Washington Monthly has ranked App State within the top 11% of public and private colleges and universities in the Southeast, naming the university in its 2024 “Best Bang for the Buck Colleges” rankings list. The list, published Aug. 25, recognizes schools that help students “earn reasonably priced degrees that help them get economically ahead in life,” the magazine wrote. Among the list’s public higher education institutions, App State earned the No. 14 spot out of 98 public schools named to the list.

The publication also recognized App State in its “2024 Master’s University Rankings” list, with App State placing within the top 8% of nationwide public and private institutions named to the list. Among North Carolina schools recognized, App State secured the No. 1 spot.

Schools named to the “Master’s University Rankings” list, which recognizes institutions that award a significant number of master’s degrees but few or no doctoral degrees, were ranked based on their contribution to the public good in three broad categories: social mobility, research and promoting public service. The social mobility score was used to determine the publication’s “Best Bang for the Buck” rankings. Both lists were published Aug. 25.

Access Washington Monthly’s 2024 “Best Bang for the Buck” and “Master’s University” rankings.

Return to top

Among nation’s ‘Best Colleges’ for 2025 — The Wall Street Journal

App State is one of the best colleges and universities in the nation for 2025, according to The Wall Street Journal, which recognized the university in its “2025 Best Colleges in the U.S.” rankings list, released Sept. 4. The university was among the top 10 North Carolina schools named to the list.

Developed and executed in collaboration with WSJ research partners College Pulse and Statista, the list was determined using federal data and students’ survey responses related to the following:

  • Student outcomes, including graduation rates and graduate salaries.
  • The schools’ learning environments, including the quality and frequency of both learning and career preparation opportunities and students’ satisfaction with the school’s learning facilities.
  • The diversity of the schools’ student body and faculty.

Additionally, WSJ recognized App State among 2025’s best colleges for providing:

  • a great student experience;
  • the best educational value;
  • the best graduate salaries; and
  • opportunities for students to enhance their social mobility.

Access The Wall Street Journal’s college rankings for 2025.

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Why choose App State?
Why choose App State?

Through its nationally recognized undergraduate, graduate and online programs, App State prepares students to become globally minded, responsible members of society who engage with and actively contribute to their communities. Strengthen your academic focus, discover your passions and take the next step in your life’s journey.

Learn more
App State marks its 125th year with strong enrollment
App State marks its 125th year with strong enrollment

Boone campus population held steady for 5th consecutive year as Hickory campus and online enrollment continue growth

Sep. 6, 2024

App State marks its 125th year by enrolling 21,570 students in fall 2024, a 1.5% increase over last fall. The steady growth is supported by intentionally managed enrollment at the Boone campus and significant growth in both the Hickory campus and online student populations.

Read the story
App State’s student solar vehicle team races to podium finish in cross-country challenge
App State’s student solar vehicle team races to podium finish in cross-country challenge

Team Sunergy also earned the Spirit of the Event Award

Aug. 6, 2024

App State’s solar vehicle team, Team Sunergy, secured second place in its class in the 2024 Electrek American Solar Challenge and also took home the Spirit of the Event Award. The team’s car, ROSE, completed 1,562 miles over the eight-day, cross-country road race.

Read the story
App State recognized nationally for support of transfer students
App State recognized nationally for support of transfer students

The university is one of 228 U.S. higher education institutions named to 2024 Phi Theta Kappa Transfer Honor Roll

July 7, 2023

For the eighth consecutive year, App State has been named to Phi Theta Kappa’s Transfer Honor Roll — a list recognizing four-year colleges and universities nationwide for developing dynamic and innovative pathways to support community college transfer students.

Read the story
App State earns 15th consecutive Military Friendly School designation, ranked a top 10 school for 2024–25
App State earns 15th consecutive Military Friendly School designation, ranked a top 10 school for 2024–25

The university also received a top 10 Military Spouse Friendly School designation

March 27, 2024

Appalachian State University has been designated a 2024–25 Military Friendly® School by VIQTORY, marking the 15th consecutive year the university has received the honor. App State once again received a top 10 ranking from the organization.

Read the story
App State Online bachelor’s, master’s programs named among nation's ‘best’ for 2024 by U.S. News & World Report
App State Online bachelor’s, master’s programs named among nation's ‘best’ for 2024 by U.S. News & World Report

The annual U.S. News rankings recognized App State business, education and nursing programs

Feb. 8, 2024

App State’s online bachelor’s and master’s degree programs — including the BSBA in management, MBA and Master of Science in Nursing — have been ranked among the nation’s best for 2024, according to U.S. News & World Report, which recognized App State in its “2024 Best Online Programs” rankings.

Read the story
For the 9th straight year, App State alumni lead the nation in earning top teaching credential
For the 9th straight year, App State alumni lead the nation in earning top teaching credential

University provides professional development support for regional teachers

Jan. 22, 2024

For the ninth consecutive year, App State leads the nation for its number of alumni who are National Board Certified Teachers, with 2,215 alumni having earned the national credential to date.

Read the story

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, 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.

Apply

Apply

Visit

Visit

Info

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Degrees

Degrees

“Our reputation for educational excellence, which has endured for 125 years, is a testament to the transformative power of an App State education — to improve the lives and communities of our state, nation, and world.”

App State Interim Chancellor Heather Norris

Why choose App State?
Why choose App State?

Through its nationally recognized undergraduate, graduate and online programs, App State prepares students to become globally minded, responsible members of society who engage with and actively contribute to their communities. Strengthen your academic focus, discover your passions and take the next step in your life’s journey.

Learn more
App State marks its 125th year with strong enrollment
App State marks its 125th year with strong enrollment

Boone campus population held steady for 5th consecutive year as Hickory campus and online enrollment continue growth

Sep. 6, 2024

App State marks its 125th year by enrolling 21,570 students in fall 2024, a 1.5% increase over last fall. The steady growth is supported by intentionally managed enrollment at the Boone campus and significant growth in both the Hickory campus and online student populations.

Read the story
App State’s student solar vehicle team races to podium finish in cross-country challenge
App State’s student solar vehicle team races to podium finish in cross-country challenge

Team Sunergy also earned the Spirit of the Event Award

Aug. 6, 2024

App State’s solar vehicle team, Team Sunergy, secured second place in its class in the 2024 Electrek American Solar Challenge and also took home the Spirit of the Event Award. The team’s car, ROSE, completed 1,562 miles over the eight-day, cross-country road race.

Read the story
App State recognized nationally for support of transfer students
App State recognized nationally for support of transfer students

The university is one of 228 U.S. higher education institutions named to 2024 Phi Theta Kappa Transfer Honor Roll

July 7, 2023

For the eighth consecutive year, App State has been named to Phi Theta Kappa’s Transfer Honor Roll — a list recognizing four-year colleges and universities nationwide for developing dynamic and innovative pathways to support community college transfer students.

Read the story
App State earns 15th consecutive Military Friendly School designation, ranked a top 10 school for 2024–25
App State earns 15th consecutive Military Friendly School designation, ranked a top 10 school for 2024–25

The university also received a top 10 Military Spouse Friendly School designation

March 27, 2024

Appalachian State University has been designated a 2024–25 Military Friendly® School by VIQTORY, marking the 15th consecutive year the university has received the honor. App State once again received a top 10 ranking from the organization.

Read the story
App State Online bachelor’s, master’s programs named among nation's ‘best’ for 2024 by U.S. News & World Report
App State Online bachelor’s, master’s programs named among nation's ‘best’ for 2024 by U.S. News & World Report

The annual U.S. News rankings recognized App State business, education and nursing programs

Feb. 8, 2024

App State’s online bachelor’s and master’s degree programs — including the BSBA in management, MBA and Master of Science in Nursing — have been ranked among the nation’s best for 2024, according to U.S. News & World Report, which recognized App State in its “2024 Best Online Programs” rankings.

Read the story
For the 9th straight year, App State alumni lead the nation in earning top teaching credential
For the 9th straight year, App State alumni lead the nation in earning top teaching credential

University provides professional development support for regional teachers

Jan. 22, 2024

For the ninth consecutive year, App State leads the nation for its number of alumni who are National Board Certified Teachers, with 2,215 alumni having earned the national credential to date.

Read the 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.
  • A university-wide Google Calendar may be found at Events at Appalachian

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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.
  • A university-wide Google Calendar may be found at Events at Appalachian
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