Appalachian State University has been recognized by several national publications for its academic quality, innovation, and value for the 2025–26 academic year. Rankings from U.S. News & World Report, The Princeton Review, Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, Washington Monthly, and Money.com have placed App State among the top higher education institutions in both the Southeast and across the United States.
Chancellor Heather Norris commented on these recognitions: “With some of the highest retention and graduation rates in the nation, graduates with less student debt than most in the nation, and a positive, resident-student return on investment for every one of our undergraduate and graduate academic programs, we are serving our state and nation by preparing knowledgeable, innovative thinkers and problem solvers.” She added: “These honors attest to Appalachian State University’s reputation as a leader in higher education. More than that, they are a testament to the incredible work of our faculty and staff, who dedicate their lives to advancing purposeful research, teaching and service, while also working at every level to ensure a positive, meaningful community in which our students can succeed.”
U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 “Best Colleges” rankings highlighted App State’s strong performance among regional universities in the South. The university was also noted for its affordability and efforts to advance social mobility through enrolling large numbers of Pell Grant recipients. In January 2025, U.S. News recognized several of App State’s online programs as among the best nationally.
The Princeton Review included App State in its unranked list of “The Best 391 Colleges” for 2026 as well as among 109 best schools in the South. Student feedback described App State as affordable with a strong sense of community and supportive faculty. The university’s small class sizes were mentioned as fostering personal learning experiences. Environmental responsibility was another area where App State received recognition; it was named among the top ten schools nationwide on The Princeton Review’s “Green Matters: Everyone Cares About Conservation” list for 2026.
Forbes magazine ranked App State No. 8 among public and private North Carolina schools on its “America’s Top Colleges” list for 2025–26. It was fourth among public institutions statewide and one of only five large North Carolina schools featured. Forbes’ methodology emphasized alumni success across multiple fields along with student loan debt levels.
The Wall Street Journal included App State on its list of “2026 Best Colleges in the U.S.” based on federal data and student survey responses regarding campus experience.
Washington Monthly ranked App State within the top nine percent nationally for delivering value to students and society according to its “Best Colleges for Your Tuition (and Tax) Dollars” list for 2025. It also placed within Washington Monthly’s “25 Best-in-Class Colleges” highlighting contributions to campus culture and economic impact—App State generated an estimated $573 million regionally during fiscal year 2021–22—and secured first place among North Carolina master’s universities.
Money.com listed App State among its “Best Colleges in America” for 2025 by evaluating quality metrics such as graduation rates alongside affordability measures like cost of attendance.
Appalachian State University is part of the University of North Carolina System with more than 21,000 students enrolled across two campuses (Boone and Hickory) as well as online offerings; it maintains a low student-to-faculty ratio while providing over 150 undergraduate majors.
