Appalachian State University (App State)

It's easy for Appalachian State University to attract undergraduates. Not only is the school "exceedingly affordable," but it offers "gorgeous scenery" and "a strong sense of community that makes all its students feel like they have found their place." Undergrads also appreciate the resources provided to facilitate everyone's experience, such as the school's textbook rental program, which "saves most students hundreds of dollars per semester" and tries to ensure that students "do not have to stress about purchasing too many books." Additionally, App State provides "great continuing education scholarships."

The university touts a "terrific Honors College" as well as "a wide range of majors." Plus, all undergrads here benefit from "class sizes [that] are small enough to allow a more personal learning experience while remaining large enough to allow all students to get the classes they need." Many applaud the fact that their professors are "all highly educated experts in their respective fields and do not rely on TAs to teach their courses." And speaking of the faculty, students find that most of them "genuinely seem to love teaching." They are also "exceedingly knowledgeable" and provide students with "great resources that really help [them] to understand and apply material." All in all, "App [has] the greatest professional staff that I have ever encountered. From advisors, professors, or even the people working in the kitchen, everyone legitimately wants to see you succeed."

App State seems to attract "laid-back and casual" individuals who typically give off a "relaxed, accepting vibe" peppered with a "tinge...[of] hippie." A large percentage of students "are extremely passionate about sustainability...and their impact on the environment" as well. Moreover, undergrads see their peers as "open-minded" people who "are very accepting of ideas and identities that do not fit the status quo," though some students do report their peers to lean "more on the liberal side" of the political spectrum. Perhaps more critically, students underscore the fact that their classmates are "kind and genuine." Indeed, "if you need help, almost anyone you find walking down the hallway would go out of their way to lend a helping hand." While some say it can feel like "most of the students are white" and a "vast majority of people...com[e] from North Carolina and other southern states," others counter that you can still meet "students from all around the country and world." Overall, "App State truly has such a welcoming and accepting student body that it would be hard to come across someone that you absolutely just didn't like or didn't enjoy talking to."

Simply put, you'd have to work really hard to be bored at App State. For starters, "attending football games and tailgating" is always a big draw. "There are [also] many, many clubs you can join and participate in" like the App State Running club, the Finance Student Association, and theater and music group. Students also note that both "Greek life and religious life [are] common, but not overbearing."

App State also has a fair number of students who gravitate toward the outdoors. In the warmer months, you'll find undergrads "lounging in hammocks or playing [various] outdoor sports." Of course, "once the snow falls, kids have snowball fights, or sled down the hills, taking advantage of the winter fun." And for the adventurous type, you can certainly find plenty here. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the university offers robust Outdoor Programs, organizing exciting trips such as "canoeing [and] stand-up paddle boarding" and "skiing and snowboarding in the winter." There are also "many hiking trails a short drive from campus." Given the school's proximity to the Blue Ridge Parkway, it makes sense that "rock climbing is very popular here and you can often hear rock climbers hooting and hollering as you hike a trail."