ASU vs. Roanoke College

Comparable Facts

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

Appalachian State University is larger than Roanoke College based on total student enrollment (21,570 students vs. 1,804 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Appalachian State University is located in Boone, NC (Distant Town setting); Roanoke College is in Salem, VA (Midsize Suburban setting).
• Appalachian State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Roanoke College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Appalachian State University 16:1; Roanoke College 11:1.

ASU vs. Roanoke College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, ASU or Roanoke 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 Roanoke College ($14,978 vs. $26,044).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Appalachian State University are 16.3% lower than at Roanoke College ($12,868 vs. $15,366).
• Roanoke College is 402.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than ASU (about $30,489 more per year; $38,068.00 vs. $7,579.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 51% higher at Roanoke College than at Appalachian State University (about $12,856 more per year; $38,068.00 vs. $25,212.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Roanoke College than at Appalachian State University (100% vs. 46%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Roanoke College students is 251.7% larger than aid received by Appalachian State University students ($28,188 vs. $8,014).

ASU vs. Roanoke College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, ASU or Roanoke 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 Roanoke College and ASU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Appalachian State University (1200) is the same as at Roanoke College (1200).
• Incoming Roanoke College students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 24 at ASU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Appalachian State University 1120/1280; Roanoke College 1090/1300.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Appalachian State University 21/27; Roanoke College 24/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: ASU - Test optional; Roanoke College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: ASU Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman ASU students have a 0.4 point higher average high school GPA (3.96) than students at Roanoke College (3.56).
• ASU has a higher acceptance rate (90.1%) than Roanoke College (83.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.2% at ASU vs. 9.7% at Roanoke College.

ASU vs. Roanoke College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for ASU and Roanoke 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).

• Roanoke College's six-year graduation rate (69%) is higher than Appalachian State University's (65%).
• Graduates from Roanoke College earn a median of about $9,600 more per year than ASU graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,200 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 Roanoke College graduates ($20,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, ASU graduates have an estimated $68 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Roanoke College graduates ($211 vs. $279).
• More Roanoke College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former ASU students, three years after graduation. (75% vs. 74%)

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.