High Country Times

Appalachian State University has been recognized among the top schools in the nation and the Southeast for the 2024–25 academic year by six national publications, including U.S. News & World Report, The Princeton Review, and Forbes magazine. These accolades highlight the university's commitment to academics, innovation, value, and support for student veterans.

Interim Chancellor Heather Norris expressed pride in these achievements: “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.” She emphasized App State's long-standing reputation for educational excellence as a testament to its transformative power.

U.S. News & World Report ranked App State highly among regional universities in the South for its 2025 "Best Colleges" list. The university was noted for Best Value and Top Performers on Social Mobility due to its successful graduation rates of Pell Grant recipients. Additionally, App State was featured in categories such as First-Year Experiences and various online programs.

The Princeton Review included App State among "The Best 390 Colleges" in the U.S., praising it as an “exceedingly affordable” school with a strong sense of community. The publication also highlighted small class sizes that facilitate personal learning experiences and noted sustainability efforts by featuring App State in its "Guide to Green Colleges."

Forbes magazine listed Appalachian State University in its "America’s Top Colleges" rankings for 2024–25. It was notably ranked eighth among public and private North Carolina schools. According to Forbes, their rankings focus on institutions that offer excellent educational, financial, and career outcomes.

Money.com recognized App State in its "Best Colleges in America" list for 2024 based on factors like quality education at an affordable cost leading to positive student outcomes post-graduation.

Washington Monthly placed Appalachian within the top public institutions providing good value degrees with economic benefits post-graduation under their "Best Bang for the Buck Colleges." Furthermore, it topped North Carolina schools within their "Master’s University Rankings."

Lastly, The Wall Street Journal named App State among North Carolina's top ten institutions under its “2025 Best Colleges” list using federal data along with student survey responses as criteria.

Appalachian State continues being acknowledged nationally across multiple dimensions from affordability through academic excellence while preparing students comprehensively towards impactful careers ahead.