Founded in 1899, Appalachian State University is a public, comprehensive university located in Boone, North Carolina, in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The university is one of sixteen campuses of the University of North Carolina. Appalachian State University offers a special environment for learning and scholarship for students, faculty, staff, and others across the region and the nation. Student learning is valued as central to every program and activity. With students as the primary focus, the university has evolved as a model learning community.

Appalachian offers approximately 95 undergraduate majors, 81 graduate majors, and a doctorate in educational leadership. University programs such as Freshman Seminar have received national recognition. Innovative partnerships with public schools, community colleges, business and industry, and a variety of professional organizations provide opportunities for students to transform classroom learning into real-world experience. Off-campus facilities in Washington, D.C. and New York City enable students and faculty to extend their scholarly work into vibrant urban centers. Appalachian is committed to information technology as an invaluable tool in teaching, learning, and research.

The university has consistently ranked among the top 15 comprehensive regional universities in the South since U.S. News and World Report began ranking colleges and universities in 1986. Appalachian faculty maintain active scholarly agendas and many are recognized leaders in their fields. At the same time, Appalachian faculty are ranked at the top of the UNC system for their accessibility to students.

Appalachian's total enrollment is 14,200 students, including off-campus programs.