Academic Comparison between Catawba and Appalachian State

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

  • Catawba is a private (not-for-profit) and Appalachian State is a public 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 (1,110) than Catawba (1,110).
  • Appalachian State has higher submitted ACT score (21) 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

Catawba Collegevs.Appalachian State University
Salisbury, North CarolinaLocationBoone, North Carolina
Four-year, Private (not-for-profit)School Typefour-year, Public
Master's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Baccalaureate College - Diverse FieldsCarnegie ClassificationMaster's College and University (larger programs)
$34,3002025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$7,579
Out-Of-State$25,212
96%% Receiving Financial Aid44%
$29,231Average Amount of Financial Aid$8,899
75.21 %Acceptance Rates90.14 %
12.50 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)18.20 %
1,110SAT Score1,200
21ACT Score25
47 %Graduation Rate75 %
-Transfer-out Rate18 %
77 %Retention Rate84 %
1,376Student Population21,570
78Number of Faculties1,092
13 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio16 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), Study Abroad, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment servicesOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycare