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Colleges › North Carolina › Appalachian State University

Appalachian State University acceptance rate, GPA needed and real cost

Also known as App State

Appalachian State University accepts 90% of applicants. It is a public university in Boone, North Carolina, with about 19,444 undergraduates. The sticker price is $20,627 a year for state residents, but after aid the average family pays $16,082.

90%Acceptance rate
1120–1280Middle 50% SAT
21–27Middle 50% ACT
$16,082Average cost after aid / year
71%Graduation rate
$48,228Typical early-career earnings

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.

What GPA do you need for App State?

Most North Carolina residents with a 2.0 GPA or higher have a better-than-even estimated chance, and from about 3.3 admission is likely.

The U.S. Department of Education does not collect high school GPAs, so Admitly does not publish an "average GPA" figure. Colleges that report one do so in their own Common Data Set.

Chances of getting into Appalachian State University by GPA

Assumes an SAT of 1215, the middle score for admitted students (tests are optional here). A higher or lower score moves these numbers. GPA is unweighted, on a 4.0 scale.

GPANorth Carolina residentOut-of-state
2.560% Target30% Target
2.760% Target30% Target
3.067% Target38% Target
3.384% Likely61% Target
3.591% Likely74% Target
3.795% Likely84% Likely
3.997% Likely91% Likely
4.097% Likely93% Likely

Likely = 80% or higher, Target = 30–80%, Reach = under 30%. Course rigour, class rank, activities and AP scores all change the estimate.

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What families actually pay at Appalachian State University

Yearly cost after need-based grants, by household income. Sticker price is $20,627 a year for state residents including room and board.

Family incomeIn-stateOut-of-state
Under $50k$11,100$26,600
$50k – $100k$13,000$28,500
$100k – $150k$19,400$34,900
$150k – $250k$20,600$38,900
Over $250k$20,600$38,900

Out-of-state figures add most of the tuition difference, since state grants rarely follow students across state lines.

Outcomes

71%Finish their degree
84%Return for second year
$48,228Median earnings, early career

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.

Common questions about Appalachian State University

What is the acceptance rate at Appalachian State University?

Appalachian State University admits 90% of applicants, according to the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.

What GPA do you need to get into Appalachian State University?

Most North Carolina residents with a 2.0 GPA or higher have a better-than-even estimated chance, and from about 3.3 admission is likely. This is an estimate from Admitly's admission model, not an official cutoff: course rigour, test scores, activities and essays all matter.

What SAT or ACT score do you need for Appalachian State University?

The middle 50% of admitted students scored 1120–1280 on the SAT and 21–27 on the ACT. Submitting scores is optional.

How much does Appalachian State University cost after financial aid?

The sticker price is $20,627 a year for state residents including room and board, but the average family pays $16,082 after grants. Families earning under $50k pay about $11,100 in-state.

What is the graduation rate at Appalachian State University?

71% of students finish their degree, and 84% return for a second year.

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