ASU vs. Lenoir-Rhyne University

Comparable Facts

Compare Appalachian State University in Boone, NC with Lenoir Rhyne University in Hickory, NC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Appalachian State University is larger than Lenoir-Rhyne University based on total student enrollment (21,570 students vs. 2,256 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Appalachian State University is located in Boone, NC (Distant Town setting); Lenoir Rhyne University is in Hickory, NC (Small City setting).
• Appalachian State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Lenoir Rhyne University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Appalachian State University 16:1; Lenoir Rhyne University 15:1.

ASU vs. Lenoir-Rhyne University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, ASU or Lenoir-Rhyne University? 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 Lenoir-Rhyne University ($14,978 vs. $21,546).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Appalachian State University are 4% lower than at Lenoir Rhyne University ($12,868 vs. $13,400).
• Lenoir Rhyne University is 320.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than ASU (about $24,321 more per year; $31,900.00 vs. $7,579.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 26.5% higher at Lenoir-Rhyne University than at Appalachian State University (about $6,688 more per year; $31,900.00 vs. $25,212.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Lenoir Rhyne University than at Appalachian State University (100% vs. 46%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lenoir Rhyne University students is 192.8% larger than aid received by Appalachian State University students ($23,467 vs. $8,014).

ASU vs. Lenoir-Rhyne University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, ASU or Lenoir-Rhyne University? 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 Lenoir-Rhyne University and ASU.

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Appalachian State University 1120/1280.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Appalachian State University 21/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: ASU - Test optional; Lenoir-Rhyne University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: ASU Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman ASU students have a 0.55 point higher average high school GPA (3.96) than students at Lenoir-Rhyne University (3.41).
• ASU has a higher acceptance rate (90.1%) than Lenoir-Rhyne University (84.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.2% at ASU vs. 11% at Lenoir-Rhyne University.

ASU vs. Lenoir-Rhyne University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for ASU and Lenoir-Rhyne University? 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 Lenoir Rhyne University's (47%).
• Graduates from Lenoir Rhyne University earn a median of about $400 more per year than ASU graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,000 vs. $41,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Appalachian State University graduates have a $6,500 lower median loan debt than Lenoir-Rhyne University graduates ($20,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, ASU graduates have an estimated $68 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Lenoir-Rhyne University graduates ($211 vs. $279).
• More ASU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Lenoir-Rhyne University students, three years after graduation. (74% vs. 66%)

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.