Appalachian State University has received recognition from several major publications for its business education programs for the 2025–26 academic year. The university’s Walker College of Business offers bachelor’s and master’s programs that have been highlighted for their quality and return on investment.
U.S. News & World Report ranked Appalachian State among the top institutions for online bachelor’s programs, placing App State Online within the top 16% of U.S. colleges and universities in this category, an improvement of 24 positions compared to the previous year. Factors considered included student engagement, available services and technologies, faculty credentials, training, peer reputation, and student excellence in online master’s degree offerings.
The Princeton Review included the Walker College of Business in its “Best Business Schools for 2025” list, which recognizes on-campus MBA degree programs across 213 national colleges and universities. The college was also named among the best in the Southeast. Rob Franek, editor-in-chief of The Princeton Review, stated: “excellent academics, robust experiential learning components, outstanding career services and positive feedback about them from enrolled students we surveyed.”
CEO Magazine designated Appalachian State as a leader in graduate business education by listing its on-campus MBA program as a Tier Two program in its “2025 Global MBA Rankings.” This marks the thirteenth consecutive year that Appalachian State has appeared in these rankings. CEO Magazine also included App State’s online MBA program among 100 internationally recognized programs worldwide. The magazine said its rankings identify schools that combine high quality with strong return on investment.
Fortune Education ranked Appalachian State seventh nationally for its Master of Science in applied data analytics program—an increase of four spots over last year—in its “Best Master’s in Data Science Programs” list. Fortune evaluated universities based on eight criteria to select the top 35 data science master’s programs nationwide. Additionally, Fortune placed App State at No. 13 nationally for affordability among master’s programs in data science based solely on estimated total costs for out-of-state residents during the 2024–25 school year.
Walker College Dean Sandra Vannoy commented: “These accolades underscore the exceptional quality of education students receive in App State’s Walker College of Business, as well as the innovative teaching of our faculty and the above-and-beyond support provided daily by our staff,” adding that graduates are prepared to lead effectively.
The university recently introduced artificial intelligence concentrations within both its MBA and applied data analytics programs to help students gain skills relevant to AI-driven decision-making and strategy.
Appalachian State University is part of the University of North Carolina System with more than 21,000 students enrolled across two campuses and online platforms (https://www.appstate.edu). The Walker College is accredited by AACSB International (https://business.appstate.edu), enrolls over 4,000 undergraduates—the highest number among full-time undergraduate business students within UNC—and more than 250 graduate students across three master’s tracks.
