Admissions Applications & Requirements
Our admissions process requires two applications - one for the academic program and one for graduate assistantships.
The academic application is through the Cratis D. Williams School of Graduate Studies, which uses an online system, and requires the following:
- all academic transcripts, including one which shows conferment of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university;
- a 3.0 GPA overall or in the last 60 hours of undergraduate coursework;
- a resume showing one or more years of student employment, engagement, and/or involvement;
- Two recommendation letters.
The priority deadline for academic applications is January 15, though applications are accepted through the spring semester. Please note that the Student Affairs Administration program is committed to a holistic admissions process. Thus, the GRE is no longer a program requirement.
The graduate assistantship application is through the Division of Student Affairs and the Graduate Assistant Preview Program (called GAPP) and includes:
- a survey indicating interest in anticipated open positions for the upcoming academic year;
- a resume showing employment, engagement, and/or involvement;
- a list of at least three professional references.
The priority deadline for graduate assistantship applications is January 15.
Applicants will be notified in early February if they are invited to campus for the GAPP event in mid-February to interview with faculty and graduate assistantship employers. Applicants who have fully completed BOTH applications by the deadline will be given preference, and applicants must secure a graduate assistantship in order to be admitted to the SAA program.
Scholarships & Financial Aid
To defray costs, the SAA program requires students to hold graduate assistantships. Graduate assistantship financial packages vary; all positions include a stipend (e.g., payment for hours worked), many include tuition assistance, and a few include housing and parking. Students can also apply for fellowships, financial aid, scholarships, and professional development/travel funding. Some notes:
- Institutional scholarships are available in two categories: University Graduate Student Scholarships and Fellowships and Departmental Scholarships. The specific scholarships available during a given academic year are dependent on funding.
- Study Abroad scholarships are available through the Office of International Education and Development.
- Outside scholarships are often available to students who are members or alumni of fraternities and sororities, honor societies, or similar organizations and through community-based organizations and businesses (so check out options in your local community!).
- Information on other forms of financial aid (e.g., loans) can be obtained through App State's Office of Student Financial Aid.
Residency for Tuition Purposes
The University of North Carolina system requires students to request a residency classification from the centralized Residency Determination Service (RDS). RDS is the entity responsible for all new classifications of residency in North Carolina. Learn about the requirements for North Carolina residency for tuition purposes, which decides whether a student qualifies for in-state or out-of-state tuition.
Equal Opportunity
Appalachian State University is committed to providing equal opportunity in education and employment to all applicants, students, and employees. The university does not discriminate in access to its educational programs and activities, or with respect to hiring or the terms and conditions of employment, on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity and expression, political affiliation, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information or sexual orientation. The university actively promotes diversity among students and employees. The university is committed to its affirmative action plans and seeks to deepen its applicant pools by attracting interest from a diverse group of qualified individuals.