Organizer Information
Appalachian State University (App State) is a public university in Boone, North Carolina, United States, and part of the University of North Carolina System. The university offers undergraduate and graduate study across arts and sciences, visual and performing arts, design-related disciplines, media, education, business, and other fields. Its Cratis D. Williams School of Graduate Studies administers graduate admissions, while undergraduate applications are handled through the Office of Admissions.
Key Information
- Official Institution Name: Appalachian State University
- Opportunity Type: University Programs & Admissions
- Study Levels: Undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral, and graduate certificate
- Degrees Offered: Bachelor's, master's, specialist, and doctoral degrees; exact credentials depend on the program.
- Academic Fields: Fine arts, visual arts, art education, music, theatre, communication, media, design-related disciplines, and other academic fields.
- Language of Instruction: English
- International Applicants: Yes.
- Application Period: Undergraduate admissions operate on a rolling basis; graduate application periods depend on the program and entry term.
- Application Deadline: 15 November 2026 for first-year applicants seeking priority consideration for university scholarships; graduate deadlines vary by program.
- Start of Studies: Fall and spring terms; additional entry terms are available for certain graduate programs.
- Application Fee: Undergraduate: $65; graduate: free during 19–25 October 2026, subject to the university's published promotion.
- Tuition: Undergraduate, Boone/Hickory campuses, full-time: $4,199.50 per semester for North Carolina residents and $13,629.50 for non-residents, including listed fees, for fall 2026 and spring 2027.
- Funding: Institutional scholarships, need-based assistance, and graduate assistantships are available under applicable eligibility conditions.
Field of Study & Eligible Disciplines
App State offers study across the arts, humanities, communication, and related disciplines. Applicants interested in creative practice should consult the official program directory to identify the degree and campus that match their goals.
Relevant areas to explore include:
- Visual and studio arts: art and related visual-art disciplines.
- Performing arts: music and theatre.
- Media and communication: communication-related academic programs.
- Design-related study: programs and concentrations listed in the official academic catalog.
General Eligibility
App State accepts domestic and international applicants. Eligibility depends on the level of study, applicant category, and selected program.
- Undergraduate applicants: First-year applicants generally apply after secondary school. Applicants who have completed postsecondary coursework may need to apply as transfer students.
- International undergraduate applicants: Applicants must provide official academic records and meet applicable English-language proficiency requirements unless an accepted exemption applies.
- Graduate applicants: Applicants must meet the Graduate School's requirements and any additional requirements established by the intended program.
- International documentation: Academic records in languages other than English generally require official English translations. International transfer applicants may need a course-by-course credential evaluation.
- Immigration documentation: Applicants requiring an F-1 student visa must provide the required passport and financial documentation for issuance of the relevant immigration documents.
Educational Background
- Undergraduate applicants must document their secondary education. Transfer applicants must provide records of relevant postsecondary study.
- Graduate degree applicants must provide transcripts documenting bachelor's-level or higher study, as applicable to their application. The required prior degree, accepted academic background, and any prerequisite coursework depend on the graduate program. Applicants should consult the individual program's admission requirements before applying.
Language Requirements
- International undergraduate applicants from countries where English is not the official language must submit evidence of English proficiency if they have not completed at least one academic year in which English was the language of instruction, subject to the university's stated exemptions.
- The university publishes the following undergraduate English-proficiency minimums:
| Accepted test | Minimum score |
|---|---|
| TOEFL iBT | 78, with at least 16 in each section |
| IELTS Academic | 6.0 |
| Duolingo English Test | 100 |
The university states that a TOEFL iBT score of 85 or higher is preferred. It also recognizes certain educational backgrounds as alternatives to test scores under its published rules. Graduate applicants should verify the applicable language requirements for their particular program.
Application Fee
| Applicant category | Application fee | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | $65 | Non-refundable; approved fee waivers may apply |
| Graduate | $65 | Standard published fee; the university advertises a free application period from 19–25 October 2026 |
The graduate application promotion is time-limited. Applicants should confirm its applicability to their intended program and application term before submitting.
Tuition
| Study level | Residency classification | Tuition per semester | Mandatory fees per semester | Total per semester |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate (12 credits) | North Carolina resident | $2,174.00 | $2,025.50 | $4,199.50 |
| Undergraduate (12 credits) | Non-North Carolina resident | $11,604.00 | $2,025.50 | $13,629.50 |
| Graduate (9 credits) | North Carolina resident | $2,762.50 | $1,855.50 | $4,618.00 |
| Graduate (9 credits) | Non-North Carolina resident | $11,619.00 | $1,855.50 | $13,474.50 |
- These figures exclude housing, dining, medical insurance, and parking permits. Certain graduate programs charge additional tuition differentials. Students enrolled in main-campus programs are subject to the relevant campus fee schedule, including when some classes are delivered online. International students should also check whether health insurance and immigration-related expenses apply to their circumstances.
Funding & Financial Support
App State offers institutional scholarships and financial assistance, with eligibility depending on the award and applicant category.
- Undergraduate scholarships: First-year applicants who complete their applications by the published priority deadline receive consideration for eligible university scholarships. Some awards require additional application materials.
- Need-based assistance: The university offers financial aid subject to the relevant eligibility rules.
- Graduate assistantships: Graduate students can explore assistantship opportunities through the School of Graduate Studies. Availability, compensation, and eligibility depend on the appointment and program.
- International applicants: Scholarship eligibility and restrictions must be checked for each award. The existence of institutional funding does not guarantee that an international applicant will qualify.
University Services & Academic Support
Relevant services and academic opportunities include:
- International student support: International Student and Scholar Services and Outreach assists international students with immigration-related information and support.
- Graduate academic resources: The School of Graduate Studies provides program information, application guidance, graduate forms, and access to information about assistantships.
- Art facilities and studio learning: The Department of Art offers studio-based instruction in areas including sculpture, ceramics, painting and drawing, printmaking, photography, and graphic design. Specific facilities and course access depend on the program and enrollment.
- Creative and media participation: AppTV provides opportunities for students to participate in original programming and media production through student media. Participation conditions apply.
Application Requirements
Undergraduate applicants
The university's general first-year application requires:
- Completed application through the Common Application.
- Official high school or secondary-school transcripts.
- Payment of the $65 application fee or an approved fee waiver.
- Official transcripts for completed college coursework, where applicable.
International applicants must also submit applicable English-proficiency scores and official academic records with required English translations. Additional standardized test scores may be required under the university's stated conditions. A CV and personal statement are recommended, but are not generally mandatory under the published international undergraduate requirements.
Graduate applicants
The general graduate application requires:
- Completed graduate application.
- Application fee, unless an applicable waiver or promotion applies.
- Three references.
- Current CV or résumé.
- Unofficial transcripts from institutions where the applicant earned a degree or is completing a degree.
Individual graduate programs may require additional materials, including recommendation letters, personal statements, or other program-specific documents. Applicants must consult their intended program's requirements.
Art and design program requirements
The following undergraduate programs require a portfolio review before students can progress into specified intermediate or upper-level coursework:
- BFA in Art Education.
- BFA in Graphic Design.
- BFA in Studio Art.
The university states that this review is not required to apply for general university admission. The BA in Art & Visual Culture with a Studio Art concentration does not require the BFA candidacy portfolio review.
Other portfolio, audition, interview, or creative-sample requirements should be confirmed on the relevant program page rather than assumed.
How to Apply?
- Undergraduate Application Portal
- International Undergraduate Admissions Portal
- Graduate Application Portal
Deadline & Timeline
- Graduate Free Application Week: 19–25 October 2026.
- First-year scholarship priority deadline: 15 November 2026.
- First-year application materials deadline: 15 November 2026 for scholarship consideration under the published first-year admissions guidance.
- Fall semester: August
- Spring semester: January
- Graduate application deadlines: Vary by program and entry term; consult the official program-specific admissions information.
Location
Appalachian State University — Boone, North Carolina, United States
Additional Details
- Program choice matters: The Department of Art offers several distinct undergraduate degrees, including the BFA in Photography, BFA in Graphic Design, BFA in Art Education, BFA in Studio Art, BA in Art & Visual Culture, and BS in Graphic Communications Management.
- Portfolio timing: For the specified BFA programs, the portfolio review is a progression requirement rather than a general university application requirement. Applicants should review the individual department's rules.
- International transfer credit: Applicants seeking transfer credit for foreign university coursework may need a course-by-course evaluation from a NACES member agency.
- Graduate requirements: Graduate admission requirements and deadlines are determined jointly by the Graduate School and the relevant academic program. General Graduate School requirements do not replace additional program-specific requirements.
- Costs: Published tuition totals exclude certain living and personal expenses. Additional program-specific charges, insurance, and other fees may affect the final cost of attendance.