ASU vs. Guilford College

Comparable Facts

Compare Appalachian State University in Boone, NC with Guilford College in Greensboro, NC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Appalachian State University is larger than Guilford College based on total student enrollment (21,570 students vs. 1,180 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Appalachian State University is located in Boone, NC (Distant Town setting); Guilford College is in Greensboro, NC (Large City setting).
• Appalachian State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Guilford College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Appalachian State University 16:1; Guilford College 12:1.

ASU vs. Guilford College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, ASU or Guilford College? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Appalachian State University than Guilford College ($14,978 vs. $22,270).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Appalachian State University are 4% lower than at Guilford College ($12,868 vs. $13,400).
• Guilford College is 445.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than ASU (about $33,783 more per year; $41,362.00 vs. $7,579.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 64.1% higher at Guilford College than at Appalachian State University (about $16,150 more per year; $41,362.00 vs. $25,212.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Guilford College than at Appalachian State University (100% vs. 46%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Guilford College students is 317% larger than aid received by Appalachian State University students ($33,419 vs. $8,014).

ASU vs. Guilford College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, ASU or Guilford College? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Guilford College and ASU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Appalachian State University (1200) is 10 points higher than at Guilford College (1190).
• Incoming ASU students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 21 at Guilford College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Appalachian State University 1120/1280; Guilford College 1120/1260.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Appalachian State University 21/27; Guilford College 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: ASU - Test optional; Guilford College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: ASU Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman ASU students have a 0.82 point higher average high school GPA (3.96) than students at Guilford College (3.14).
• ASU has a higher acceptance rate (90.1%) than Guilford College (80%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.2% at ASU vs. 10.1% at Guilford College.

ASU vs. Guilford College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for ASU and Guilford College? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Appalachian State University's six-year graduation rate (65%) is higher than Guilford College's (60%).
• Graduates from Appalachian State University earn a median of about $1,300 more per year than Guilford College graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,600 vs. $40,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Appalachian State University graduates have a $6,135 lower median loan debt than Guilford College graduates ($20,500 vs. $26,635).
• Among borrowers, ASU graduates have an estimated $64 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Guilford College graduates ($211 vs. $275).
• More ASU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Guilford College students, three years after graduation. (74% vs. 51%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.