Appalachian State University Scholarships (2025–2026): Merit Aid, Cost, and Deadlines

Appalachian State University Scholarships (2025–2026)

← Back to the Public University Scholarships hub • See North Carolina state aid

What This Page Covers:
  • Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
  • Automatic merit scholarships and how they’re awarded
  • Competitive and hidden-gem scholarships worth a closer look
  • Honors College perks and smart stacking strategies

📊 Admissions Snapshot

  • Acceptance Rate: Not publicly stated
  • Middle 50% ACT: Not publicly stated
  • Middle 50% SAT: Not publicly stated
  • Average GPA (HS): Not publicly stated

Source: Appalachian State University Common Data Set dashboard. Some metrics are reported in bands or interactive formats rather than a single published range.

Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →

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Appalachian State at a Glance

Average Net Price
$14,712
What families actually paid on average
Automatic Merit
Yes (Appalachian Excellence Scholarship)
Awarded from admission info
Typical Qualifiers
Varies by award
Based on academics & application strength*
Superscore Policy
ACT: Not stated • SAT: Not stated
Test-optional; policy not specified
Key Deadlines
Scholarship priority: late Nov • Admission: Jan 15
Apply earlier for best aid consideration
Honors College
Yes • Competitive • Separate steps
Includes priority courses & scholarships
Full-Tuition / Full-Ride
Automatic: No • Competitive: No
Awards reduce tuition, not full COA
Residency & Waivers
No regional reciprocity
Standard in-state / out-of-state rates
* Scholarship GPA and test-score expectations are approximate and can shift with applicant pool and funding.
Sources:
http://analytics.appstate.edu/dash_cds_all_years
https://irap.appstate.edu/node/1
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/colleges/appalachian-state-university/tuition-and-costs
https://admissions.appstate.edu/apply/first-year-student
https://www.appstate.edu/undergrad-deadlines/

💰 Cost of Attendance at Appalachian State University

Below is a simplified view of Appalachian State University’s published costs for a typical full-time undergraduate student on the Boone campus. We focus on the two biggest costs families actually compare across schools: tuition & mandatory fees and housing & meals.

Category (Annual) In-State Out-of-State
Tuition & Mandatory Fees $8,222 $26,512
Housing & Meals $12,985 $12,985
Total (Tuition + Housing) $21,207 $39,497

We only show tuition and housing here because these are the largest, unavoidable costs families use when comparing colleges side by side. Appalachian State’s full cost of attendance also includes estimates for:

  • Books and course materials
  • Transportation
  • Personal and miscellaneous expenses
  • Federal loan fees (if applicable)
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Average Federal Net Price:
~$14,712 per year
This is the average amount students paid after grants and scholarships (not loans), based on federal College Scorecard data. Your family’s actual cost may be higher or lower depending on income, residency, and merit aid.
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Out-of-state waivers & reciprocity:
Appalachian State University charges distinct in-state and out-of-state tuition rates. Based on official cost and tuition pages, the university does not describe any structured nonresident tuition waivers, WUE, MSEP, or Academic Common Market programs for undergraduate students. Cost reductions for nonresidents typically come from institutional merit scholarships, not automatic tuition matches.

❓ Cost & Aid FAQs for Appalachian State University

Why is App State’s in-state cost relatively low?
As a public university, Appalachian State is subsidized by the state of North Carolina, which significantly lowers tuition and fees for in-state residents.

Do out-of-state students pay much more?
Yes. Nonresidents pay a higher tuition rate, but App State’s out-of-state cost is still often lower than many comparable public universities.

Is housing required?
First-year students are generally expected to live on campus unless they qualify for an approved exemption.

Can scholarships significantly lower the cost?
Yes. Merit scholarships, need-based aid, and departmental awards can substantially reduce out-of-pocket costs — especially for in-state students.

Sources:
https://www.appstate.edu/costs/
https://studentaccounts.appstate.edu/tuition-fees
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/colleges/appalachian-state-university/tuition-and-costs

✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships

Appalachian State University’s primary automatic merit award for incoming students is the Appalachian Excellence Scholarship (AES). This scholarship is admission-based, meaning students are automatically considered using their admission application — no separate scholarship application is required.

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Important timing note: To be guaranteed consideration for most university scholarships, including AES, first-year students should complete their admission application by November 30.
Scholarship Award Amount Eligibility Separate App? Renewable? Who Actually Wins? Deadline
Appalachian Excellence Scholarship (AES) Up to $3,000/year (in-state) or $4,000/year (out-of-state) Top first-year students admitted to Appalachian State who complete their application by Nov 30; separate AES programs exist for transfer students No Typically applies to the first year; renewability depends on current scholarship terms High-achieving first-year students with strong academic records within the admitted pool Guaranteed consideration: Apply by Nov 30

Important: Appalachian State does not publish fixed GPA or test-score cutoffs for AES. Descriptions above are based on official scholarship language and institutional guidance. Award amounts, eligibility details, and renewal terms may change from year to year.

❓ Automatic Merit FAQs for Appalachian State University

Do students need to submit a separate scholarship application?
No. The Appalachian Excellence Scholarship is awarded automatically using the admission application.

Is AES available to transfer students?
Yes, but through a separate AES program for transfers. Transfer AES awards have their own structure and eligibility rules and are not the same as the first-year AES.

Are test scores required for AES consideration?
No. Appalachian State is test-optional, and test scores are not required for admission or for AES consideration.

What’s the most important deadline to remember?
Completing the admission application by November 30 ensures guaranteed consideration for most university scholarships, including AES.

Sources:
https://financialaid.appstate.edu/types-aid/scholarships
https://admissions.appstate.edu/apply/first-year-student

🏆 Competitive Scholarships at Appalachian State University

These are Appalachian State’s most selective, limited-slot scholarships. Being a strong applicant helps, but these awards are not automatic and often involve honors participation, leadership review, or internal selection.

Scholarship Award Amount Eligibility Separate App? Deadline Renewable? Who Actually Wins?
Chancellor’s Scholarship Covers full institutional costs (tuition, fees, room & board, and book rental) for four years First-year students accepted into the Honors College; additional portal steps required Yes (Honors + portal steps) Apply to App State by Nov 30 Yes (4 years, Honors standing required) About 10–11 students per year from the very top of the Honors applicant pool, typically with near-perfect academics, rigorous coursework, and sustained leadership with clear outcomes
Impact Scholarship Varies Academically competitive first-year students May require additional review Apply by Nov 30 Varies High-achieving students who pair strong academics with evidence of initiative or community impact, not just grades alone
Heltzer Scholarship Varies Academically competitive first-year students May require additional review Apply by Nov 30 Varies Students near the top of the admitted academic pool with consistently strong performance across a rigorous course load
Bill & Hughlene Frank Scholarship Varies Academically competitive first-year students May require additional review Apply by Nov 30 Varies Strong students who stand out institutionally based on overall academic strength rather than a single metric
Plemmons Leadership Scholarship Varies First-year students with leadership experience Yes (leadership review) Apply by Nov 30 Varies Students who have led teams, organizations, or initiatives with real responsibility and measurable results — not just holding a title
Murray Family ACCESS Scholarship Covers institutional costs (tuition, fees, room, board, and health insurance) after grants First-time, full-time NC residents with very low income (EFC 0) No (automatic if eligible) Apply by Nov 30 + FAFSA Yes (4 years if eligible) Low-income North Carolina students who meet strict financial thresholds; selection is driven primarily by financial eligibility, not GPA competition

❓ Competitive Scholarship FAQs

Are these scholarships automatic?
No. These are App State’s most competitive institutional scholarships and are awarded to a limited number of students.

Why does Nov 30 matter so much?
App State states that completing the admission application by Nov 30 guarantees consideration for most university scholarships.

Is the Chancellor’s Scholarship really full-ride?
Yes. It covers full institutional costs for a small group of Honors College students over four years.

Is ACCESS the same as merit aid?
No. ACCESS is a need-based promise program for low-income NC residents designed to eliminate institutional costs.

Sources:
https://financialaid.appstate.edu/types-aid/scholarships
https://honors.appstate.edu/apply/first-year-students/chancellors-scholarship/application-selection
https://admissions.appstate.edu/apply/first-year-student

💎 Hidden Gem Scholarships

These scholarships are the “quiet money” at Appalachian State — awards that are often tied to transfer status, a specific major, or an internal department process. Many families miss them because they aren’t part of the automatic merit conversation.

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Reality check: Most “hidden gem” scholarships are not awarded the day your student is admitted. They’re often tied to transfer pathways, departmental review, or upperclassman eligibility after a student has a track record on campus.
Scholarship Award Amount Eligibility Separate App? Renewable? Who Actually Wins? Deadline
Appalachian Excellence Scholarship (AES) for Transfer Students One-time $1,000 (typically $500/semester for up to 2 consecutive semesters) New transfer students (separate from first-year AES) No (awarded from admission application info) No (one-time) Transfers with strong academic records who apply early and meet transfer AES criteria With transfer admission review
Appalachian Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Scholarship Varies PTK members transferring from North Carolina community colleges Yes (PTK verification / process varies) Varies PTK transfers who follow the required verification steps and meet selection criteria Varies (check scholarship posting/portal)
Herbert W. Wey Scholarship for Phi Theta Kappans Varies PTK members transferring to App State for fall semester beginning junior year Yes Varies High-achieving PTK transfers who meet timing requirements (junior-year entry) and submit materials Varies
Elizabeth Paul Phillips Scholarship Varies Transfer students from regional community colleges residing in Mitchell, Avery, or Yancey County Yes Varies Eligible county-based transfers who meet residency + community college pathway requirements Varies
Josephus Daniels Scholarship Varies Academically motivated transfer students from regional community colleges with financial need Yes Varies Transfers with strong grades who also show clear financial need (FAFSA matters here) Varies
Margaret I. McIntyre Endowed Scholarship Varies Sophomores and/or transfer students demonstrating financial need Yes (or department/aid office review) Varies Students who are already on campus and show both academic follow-through and need Varies
W. Frances Emory Community College Transfer Scholarships Varies Transfer students from a North Carolina community college Yes (process varies) Varies Strong CC transfers who complete the required scholarship process and meet donor criteria Varies
Ed and Lois Reich Scholarship Varies Incoming North Carolina transfer students majoring in the Reich College of Education Yes Varies Education transfers who meet major + residency rules and show strong academic momentum Varies
Palmer Math Transfer Scholarship Varies Incoming North Carolina transfer students majoring in Mathematical Sciences Yes Varies Math transfers who meet major rules and show strong performance in college-level math Varies
Staff Senate Scholarship & Annual Staff Endowed Scholarship Varies Permanent staff members and their dependents accepted to an institution of higher education Yes Varies Staff families who apply on time and meet the Staff Senate criteria Varies
Advisory Board Scholarship for Excellence in Computer Science Varies Sophomores, juniors, or seniors majoring in Computer Science Yes Varies CS majors with strong grades who are visible to faculty (projects, involvement, initiative) Varies (department cycle)
Camelot Scholarship for Computer Science Varies Students pursuing a Computer Science major Yes (department process) Varies Students who pair CS academics with steady engagement (coursework + departmental presence) Varies
ECRS Computer Science Innovation and Entrepreneurship Scholarship Varies Incoming first-year students in Computer Science Yes (if required by department) Varies First-years who show real CS interest (projects, coursework, competitions, entrepreneurship) Varies
Mark Harris Endowed Scholarship for Computer Science Varies Computer Science majors at junior level or higher Yes Varies Upperclass CS students with sustained academic performance and department involvement Varies

❓ Hidden Gem Scholarship FAQs for Appalachian State

Are these scholarships available to incoming freshmen?
A few are, but many hidden-gem awards kick in after a student is on campus (especially departmental scholarships) or apply specifically to transfer students.

How do students actually win these?
The biggest difference is visibility. Students who meet with advisors, get to know faculty, and pay attention to departmental scholarship cycles are the ones who tend to get selected.

Should families treat these as “guaranteed money”?
No. These are often competitive and funding changes year to year — but they’re still worth pursuing because they can stack on top of other aid and reduce remaining gaps.

Where do students find the most accurate scholarship info once enrolled?
Department pages and internal portals are usually the most reliable sources. If your student has a major (like Computer Science or Education), start with that department’s scholarship page.

Sources:
https://financialaid.appstate.edu/types-aid/scholarships
https://compsci.appstate.edu/scholarships
https://cas.appstate.edu/students/scholarships/departmental-scholarships

🎖 Honors College

Appalachian State has a formal Honors College (not just an honors label). For high-achieving students, it offers a structured multi-year curriculum, smaller seminar-style classes, close faculty interaction, and access to selective opportunities — but it also requires additional coursework and commitment.

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Important for scholarship families: Appalachian State’s Chancellor’s Scholarship is tied to the Honors College. Students must be accepted into Honors and complete additional steps in the MyMountaineer Portal to be considered.
Program / Scholarship Award Amount Eligibility Separate App? Renewable? Who Actually Wins? Deadline
Appalachian State Honors College Not a scholarship by itself (academic program) High-achieving students seeking an interdisciplinary honors curriculum and close faculty engagement Yes Yes (must remain in good standing) Students with strong academics who also demonstrate curiosity, writing ability, and follow-through on essays and activities Apply/claim admission by Nov 15 and submit Honors College essay and required forms by Nov 30 (dates may shift slightly by cycle)
Chancellor’s Scholarship (Honors College) Covers full institutional costs (tuition, fees, room & board, and book rental) for 4 years First-year students accepted into the Honors College; extremely small cohort selected annually Yes (Honors application + additional scholarship steps in MyMountaineer) Yes (4 years, contingent on maintaining Honors standing and scholarship conditions) A tiny group of top applicants who pair strong academics with clear leadership, initiative, and careful completion of all portal requirements Apply/claim admission by mid-Nov (typically Nov 15) and submit Honors + scholarship materials by Nov 30

❓ Honors FAQs for Appalachian State

Is the Honors College worth it?
It can be — especially for students who want smaller discussion-based classes, structured honors coursework, and closer faculty mentorship. Students who prefer maximum flexibility may find the added requirements less appealing.

Does being in Honors automatically mean more scholarship money?
No. Honors is primarily an academic experience. The major exception is the Chancellor’s Scholarship, which is tied to Honors and requires additional steps.

How selective is the Chancellor’s Scholarship?
Extremely selective. Only a very small cohort is chosen each year through a holistic review of academics, leadership, essays, and engagement.

What deadline matters most for scholarships overall?
Appalachian State advises first-year students to complete their admission application by Nov 30 to guarantee consideration for most university scholarships. Special programs like Honors can have earlier or extra steps.

Sources:
https://honors.appstate.edu/
https://honors.appstate.edu/apply/first-year-students/chancellors-scholarship/application-selection
https://financialaid.appstate.edu/types-aid/scholarships

🌟 What Appalachian State University Is Known For

Appalachian State is known for doing something a lot of colleges *say* they do — connecting academics to the real world. In Boone (right in the Blue Ridge Mountains), App State blends a classic college-town experience with standout programs in teacher preparation, business, sustainability, and environmental science. For students who want hands-on learning, outdoor access, and career-ready majors (without a private-school price tag), App State is a serious value.

Program to Watch:
App State’s Reich College of Education is one of the school’s biggest calling cards. If your student is considering teaching, counseling, educational leadership, or related fields, App State is known for strong preparation and deep connections to schools across North Carolina.
  • Education & Teacher Preparation – A major strength at App State, anchored by the Reich College of Education, with strong field-based training and career pipelines across the state.
  • Business – The Walker College of Business is a popular draw for students who want practical business pathways (especially for careers tied to regional growth, entrepreneurship, and applied experience).
  • Sustainability Focus – App State has a well-known sustainability culture: students interested in climate, energy, and community impact tend to find lots of opportunities to get involved.
  • Environmental Science & the Outdoors – Location matters here. For students drawn to environmental science, conservation, and hands-on field learning, Boone provides a built-in “lab” right outside campus.
  • College-Town Experience – Boone delivers the classic campus vibe: walkable community, strong school spirit, and the kind of environment where students can plug in fast.
  • Value for North Carolina Families – With a relatively affordable in-state sticker price and a low average net price, App State often ends up as a strong ROI choice — especially when merit and departmental scholarships stack.

✨ Wrapping It Up

Appalachian State University delivers something many families are looking for but don’t always expect to find: a strong public university with a relatively low net price, solid academics, and meaningful merit opportunities for students who apply on time.

Automatic scholarships like the Appalachian Excellence Scholarship reward strong first-year applicants, while competitive programs such as the Chancellor’s Scholarship and ACCESS can dramatically change the cost picture for a small group of students. Layer in Honors, leadership-focused awards, and a deep bench of departmental “hidden gems,” and App State becomes especially attractive for families who plan ahead.

The biggest takeaway? Timing matters. Completing the admission application by Nov 30 keeps students in the running for most scholarships — and knowing how to compare App State against other public options helps families decide whether it’s the right financial fit.

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Last updated: December 2025

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