Academic Comparison between Appalachian State and Catawba

Appalachian State University and Catawba College are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Appalachian State is a four-year, public school located in Boone, NC and Catawba is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Salisbury, NC.

Comparison at a Glance

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

  • Appalachian State is a public and Catawba is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • Catawba has more expensive tuition & fees ($34,300) than Appalachian State ($25,212).
  • It is harder to admit to Catawba than Appalachian State.
  • Appalachian State has a higher submitted SAT score (1,200) than Catawba (1,110).
  • Appalachian State has higher submitted ACT score (25) than Catawba (21).
  • Appalachian State has more students with 21,570 students while Catawba has 1,376 students.
  • Catawba has a lower number of students per faculty with 13 to 1 while Appalachian State's ratio is 16 to 1.
  • Appalachian State has more full-time faculties with 1,092 faculties while Catawba has 78 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Appalachian State Universityvs.Catawba College
Boone, North CarolinaLocationSalisbury, North Carolina
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedMaster's degree
Master's College and University (larger programs)Carnegie ClassificationBaccalaureate College - Diverse Fields
In-State$7,579
Out-Of-State$25,212
2025 Tuition & Fees$34,300
44%% Receiving Financial Aid96%
$8,899Average Amount of Financial Aid$29,231
90.14 %Acceptance Rates75.21 %
18.20 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)12.50 %
1,200SAT Score1,110
25ACT Score21
75 %Graduation Rate47 %
18 %Transfer-out Rate-
84 %Retention Rate77 %
21,570Student Population1,376
1,092Number of Faculties78
16 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio13 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), Study Abroad, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services