I've been looking into schools in North Carolina and came across some options in Boone. Could someone provide some details about these colleges/universities? Overall quality, academics, social life, etc. would be super helpful. Thank you!
It seems like you're interested in the Appalachian State University, as it's the main university located in Boone, North Carolina. Applachian State is a public university and member of the University of North Carolina system. It's well-regarded for its commitment to sustainability, with a reputation for offering programs that incorporate environmental stewardship.
In terms of its academics, Appalachian State offers more than 150 bachelor's degrees. Their top majors include: Business, Management, Marketing, Education, Social Sciences, and Visual and Performing Arts. The faculty-student ratio is about 16:1 which indicates smaller class sizes and easier access to professors.
For social life, Boone and Appalachian State are known for their sense of community and active outdoors culture. The town of Boone itself is somewhat small but vibrant. It lies within the Blue Ridge Mountains, so there are numerous opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking, mountain biking, and rafting nearby.
Appalachian State also hosts over 400 clubs and organizations, so there's plenty to do on campus as well. There's Greek life, service organizations, artistic groups, and professional societies, just to name a few, so students tend to be quite active.
In terms of quality, Appalachian State is ranked #6 in Regional Universities South and #2 in Top Public Schools in the same region by U.S. News & World Report for 2025. Furthermore, it boasts a solid alumni network, which can be of great benefit for job placements and career mentorship down the line.
Please keep in mind that going on a campus visit (virtual or in person), talking to current students/alumni, or talking to an admissions officer can provide valuable insight beyond just the facts and figures. Make sure to consider those steps as well in your college research journey.
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.