Appalachian State University

What are the graduation rates for students at Appalachian State University?

Appalachian State University demonstrates strong graduation rates, with 73% of students completing their programs, placing the institution in the top 20% nationally. Male students graduate at a rate of 72%, also ranking in the top 20%, while female students graduate slightly higher at 74%, situated within the top 25% benchmark.

The university's four-year graduation rate stands at 58%, which is considered high and ranks in the top 25% compared to peer institutions. More notably, the six-year graduation rate reaches 73%, matching the overall graduation percentage and reflecting the university's effectiveness in supporting students through to degree completion over an extended period.

Retention rates are another positive indicator, with 85% of first-year students returning for a second year, keeping Appalachian State University within the top 25% nationwide. These metrics highlight the university's ability to maintain student engagement and progression through the crucial early stages of undergraduate education.

What is the earning potential for graduates at Appalachian State University?

Graduates of Appalachian State University see a broad range of earning potentials depending on their chosen field of study. Among the highest earners are those with degrees in Computer Science, reporting average earnings of $60,824, and Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research, and Clinical Nursing, with $59,623. Degrees related to quantitative and technical fields also show robust pay, such as Construction Management at $56,322 and Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods at $53,034. Management Information Systems and Services also stands out with an average of $51,462.

Business-related disciplines tend to offer solid earning prospects as well, with Finance and Financial Management Services graduates earning around $44,199, followed closely by Accounting and Related Services at $40,088 and Economics at $40,724. Other business degrees such as International Business and Business Administration, Management, and Operations offer moderate returns, roughly in the $38,000 range.

In the sciences, Mathematics graduates earn about $38,051, while Biology majors make around $27,318. Chemistry and Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences graduates see earnings approximately in the lower $30,000s. Physics graduates report income near $32,537, reflecting steady compensation within the physical sciences.

Communication and media fields demonstrate varied earning outcomes. For example, graduates in Communication and Media Studies earn approximately $36,293, while Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication specialists average $32,168. Radio, Television, and Digital Communication holders earn around $28,326, and Journalism graduates report about $25,416, illustrating a range within related disciplines.

Education-related degrees provide moderate incomes, with Teacher Education and Professional Development in various specializations yielding salaries between $35,700 and $37,100. Special Education and Teaching graduates average $37,105. Meanwhile, fields related to health and human services show diverse earnings: Health and Medical Administrative Services graduates earn about $34,283, Social Work around $30,268, and Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services close to $29,824.

Lower earning averages are observed in fields such as English Language and Literature ($21,250), Anthropology ($19,651), Linguistic Studies ($17,245), and Philosophy ($15,111). Arts degrees like Fine and Studio Arts report earnings near $15,835, and Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management at $16,665, indicating notably less lucrative outcomes compared to STEM and business fields.

Overall, students aiming for higher post-graduate earnings at Appalachian State University might consider degrees in computer science, nursing, management, finance, or construction management, while those interested in the humanities or arts should be aware of the more moderate financial returns associated with their fields.