ASU vs. WVU

Comparable Facts

Compare Appalachian State University in Boone, NC with West Virginia University in Morgantown, WV on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

West Virginia University is larger than ASU based on total student enrollment (23,643 students vs. 21,570 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Appalachian State University is located in Boone, NC (Distant Town setting); West Virginia University is in Morgantown, WV (Small City setting).
• Appalachian State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. West Virginia University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Appalachian State University 16:1; West Virginia University 19:1.

ASU vs. WVU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, ASU or WVU? 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 WVU ($14,978 vs. $15,169).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Appalachian State University are 11.8% lower than at West Virginia University ($12,868 vs. $14,582).
• West Virginia University is 33.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than ASU (about $2,525 more per year; $10,104.00 vs. $7,579.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 13.5% higher at WVU than at Appalachian State University (about $3,396 more per year; $28,608.00 vs. $25,212.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at West Virginia University than at Appalachian State University (94% vs. 46%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by West Virginia University students is 54.3% larger than aid received by Appalachian State University students ($12,363 vs. $8,014).

ASU vs. WVU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, ASU or WVU? 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 WVU and ASU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Appalachian State University (1200) is 80 points higher than at WVU (1120).
• Incoming ASU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 23 at WVU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Appalachian State University 1120/1280; West Virginia University 1010/1220.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Appalachian State University 21/27; West Virginia University 20/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: ASU - Test optional; WVU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: ASU Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman ASU students have a 0.51 point higher average high school GPA (3.96) than students at WVU (3.45).
• ASU has a higher acceptance rate (90.1%) than WVU (89%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.2% at ASU vs. 24.8% at WVU.

ASU vs. WVU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for ASU and WVU? 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 West Virginia University's (57%).
• Graduates from West Virginia University earn a median of about $9,000 more per year than ASU graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,600 vs. $41,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Appalachian State University graduates have a $3,501 lower median loan debt than WVU graduates ($20,500 vs. $24,001).
• Among borrowers, ASU graduates have an estimated $37 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WVU graduates ($211 vs. $248).
• More ASU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WVU students, three years after graduation. (74% vs. 59%)

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.