Boone sits at more than 3,000 feet in North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains, and Appalachian State takes up much of the town. It began in 1899 as a school for training teachers. Now it is a public university in the UNC System with around 20,000 students, known for business, music, education and sustainability. Winters bring snow, and ski slopes are close.
Boone, North Carolina, United States
Official website: appstate.edu
1899
Public university, UNC System
Boone, Blue Ridge Mountains
About 20,000
$24,000 – $28,000
International students, undergraduate, approximate
$12,000 – $15,000
Rent, food and local transport
Approximate figures for 2026-27, please verify. Fees change every year and vary by course, so check the latest amount on appstate.edu before you apply.
BSBA Management
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 79
BS Computer Science
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 79
BS Sustainable Development
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Aug
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 79
MBA
Masters DegreeDuration
12 Months
Intake
Aug
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 79
The Walker College of Business and the Hayes School of Music.
Early work on sustainability, from renewable energy research to a teaching farm.
A mountain campus with hiking and skiing nearby.
Graduates work across North Carolina, many in Charlotte's banking and business sector.
Education graduates fill teaching jobs in schools across the state.
STEM graduates can extend OPT for up to three years.
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
Rolling
Undergrad
Limited programmes
Postgrad
Rolling
King Street, Boone's main road, runs past campus with cafes, outdoor shops and a few music venues. Free AppalCART buses link campus and town.
The Blue Ridge Parkway and Grandfather Mountain are short drives away. Charlotte, with the nearest big airport, is about two and a half hours by car.
Form I-20 issued by Appalachian State University
Proof of funds for one academic year
SEVIS I-901 fee payment receipt
Completed DS-160 online application
US embassy or consulate interview
Passport valid six months beyond stay
App State has an early action deadline in the autumn and a regular deadline in early spring for fall entry. International applicants should apply early to allow for the I-20 and visa. Graduate deadlines vary by programme.
Most students start in August. Spring entry in January is open for some undergraduate and graduate programmes.
You'll need an F-1 visa. Once you accept your offer and send proof of funding, Appalachian State University issues the Form I-20. After that it's the SEVIS fee, the DS-160 form and an interview at a US embassy or consulate.
Business, computer science, music, education and sustainable development are popular. Undergraduates need strong high school grades and IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 79; graduate programmes need a bachelor's degree and similar English scores.
Scholarships for international students are limited. Some departments and the business school offer awards, so ask admissions and your intended department.
