High Country Times

Appalachian State University has achieved notable recognition in the U.S. News & World Report's 2025 "Best Online Programs" rankings, released on January 21. The university ranks within the top 16% of U.S. colleges and universities for online bachelor's programs, improving by 24 positions from its previous ranking.

The national publication also highlighted App State’s Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA), Master of Business Administration (MBA), and Master of Science in nursing programs, along with its online master's programs in education.

U.S. News assessed 1,790 online bachelor’s and master’s degree programs for the 2025 rankings based on criteria such as student engagement, available services and technologies, faculty credentials, training, peer reputation, and student excellence for schools offering online master's degree programs.

As part of its "Best Online Bachelor's Programs" list, U.S. News recognized App State among the leading institutions for online bachelor's business programs—an accolade held by the university for five consecutive years. App State is positioned within the top 25% of schools named to this list.

App State Online offers BSBA degree programs in management, supply chain management, and accounting with flexible scheduling options. These programs are also available in person at Boone and Hickory campuses.

The university is placed within the top 34% of schools listed in U.S. News’ “2025 Best Online Bachelor's Programs for Veterans.” These rankings highlight accessible and reputable online bachelor's programs nationwide that cater to veterans.

For 15 consecutive years, App State has been designated a Military Friendly School by VIQTORY, placing it among the top institutions embracing military students and dedicating resources to their success. Additionally, it has appeared on Military Times’ “Best for Vets: Colleges” list for seven consecutive years.

The internationally recognized online MBA program at App State ranks within the top 20% of schools featured in U.S. News' 2025 “Best Online MBA Programs.” The program provides a high-quality curriculum similar to its on-campus counterpart with opportunities for close faculty interaction.

App State was one of 211 schools named to U.S. News’ 2025 “Best Online Master’s in Nursing Programs,” earning accolades for its online master’s degree in nursing focused on educational creativity, nursing practice, leadership, and research.

In the academic year 2024–25, App State expanded its offerings through a partnership with Project Kitty Hawk (PKH), launching five new Flight Path programs aimed at enhancing career readiness for adult learners in North Carolina. New undergraduate programs were introduced in health care management and supply chain management last fall; additional degrees came online this spring in accounting, criminal justice, and organizational leadership and learning.

Online enrollment at App State has grown steadily over five years with a significant increase of 23.5% from fall 2023 to fall 2024; currently representing about 11.7% of total enrollment at the university.

All App State’s online undergraduate and graduate offerings are flexible, regionally accredited, and taught by campus faculty members.

Appalachian State University continues to be recognized as a premier public institution offering quality education across various fields through both traditional campuses and its robust online platform.