Is Appalachian State University a Military Friendly University?
A Military-Friendly University since 2010, Appalachian offers two VA Education Benefits specialists, a program director of student veteran services, the Major General Edward M. Reeder, Jr. Student Veteran Resource Center on campus, and transfer credit for military education and experience. The Office of Student Veteran Services also provides programming to students, faculty, and staff to ensure we are in line with the nation’s best practices for serving our military-affiliated students. Some of these best practices include specialized advising and orientation for military-affiliated and veteran students, honor cords for graduating veterans and service members, and a number of specialized resources across campus for our student veterans.
Will I receive credit for military experience and coursework?
Yes! Veterans and service members can receive transfer credit for Health and Physical Education plus up to 8 hours of Military Science credit. Additional transfer credit for SMART transcripts and post-secondary education may be available. For more information please see The Office of Transfer Services. To avoid paying any possible tuition surcharge, please discuss your intentions with military academic advisor, Bob Gibbard (gibbardro@appstate.edu).
How affordable is Appalachian State University?
Kiplinger's Magazine, Forbes Magazine, and U.S. News and World Report have all endorsed Appalachian State University as a "best buy." In addition, qualified non-resident members of the U.S. armed forces and their qualified dependents may be eligible for a military tuition rate less than the non-resident rate charged to out-of-state students. To access filing deadline information and military tuition application forms, please access "Determining Residency for the Purposes of Tuition" and "Application for the Benefit of a Reduced Tuition Rate as a Member of the Armed Services or Dependent Relative Thereof" [pdf 48k], which describes the eligibility criteria.
How do I get started using my VA Education Benefits at Appalachian?
Specialists in the Office of Student Financial Aid administer VA education benefits. Information and forms are available through our military education benefits page. Or contact us by phone at (828) 262-2190 or send an email financialaid@appstate.edu.
Does Appalachian State University offer military-specific advising and orientation?
Yes. General Education Advisor, Bob Gibbard, provides veterans and other military-affiliated students with targeted orientation and advising. You may phone him at (828) 262-3039 or email him at contact him at gibbardro@appstate.edu.
What degrees does Appalachian State University offer for veterans and service-members?
Often, veterans wishing to build upon military training and interests choose a major in nursing, health sciences, psychology, computer science, or communications. In all, Appalachian State University offers degrees in more than 150 programs to help you meet your goals. Click here to view our undergraduate programs.
What is the deployment policy at Appalachian State?
Students who are deployed during the school year will be offered a military drop without academic or financial penalty for coursework that cannot be completed. For Guard and Reserve students called to a National Emergency, there is a policy in place for the campus to work with those service members while away, to stay enrolled and keep up on their work. For more information contact Judy Haas, Associate Dean of Students at haasjm@appstate.edu. For more general information about withdrawal and course reduction policies, please see Withdrawal Information.
Is there a campus veterans association?
Absolutely! In fact, in 2017 they earned the award of Student Organization of the Year for all Appalachian State Clubs & Orgs. They have an official meeting once a month and also participate in social events, fundraisers, and community service. Find out more on their website or check them out on Facebook.
What community veterans groups are nearby?
Many veterans organizations have local chapters, including:
- Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7031, located at 144 VFW Drive in Boone
- American Legion Post 130, located at 135 Bear Trail Lane, Boone
- Watauga County Disabled American Veterans
- Marine Corps League, Mountaineer Detachment. More information may be found on their Facebook page.
- Military Officers Association of America, High Country Chapter