ASU vs. Lenoir-Rhyne University

Comparable Facts

Compare Appalachian State University in Boone, NC with Lenoir Rhyne University in Hickory, NC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the tables above.

Appalachian State University is larger than Lenoir-Rhyne University based on total student enrollment (21,570 students vs. 2,256 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Appalachian State University is located in Boone, NC (Distant Town setting); Lenoir Rhyne University is in Hickory, NC (Small City setting).
• Appalachian State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Lenoir Rhyne University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Appalachian State University 16:1; Lenoir Rhyne University 15:1.

Cost details

• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Appalachian State University are 4% lower than at Lenoir Rhyne University ($12,868 vs. $13,400).
• Out-of-state tuition is 26.5% higher at Lenoir-Rhyne University than at Appalachian State University (about $6,688 more per year; $31,900 vs. $25,212).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Lenoir Rhyne University than at Appalachian State University (100% vs. 46%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lenoir Rhyne University students is 192.8% larger than aid received by Appalachian State University students ($23,467 vs. $8,014).

Admissions details

• SAT or ACT scores are test optional at ASU, test-free at Lenoir-Rhyne University.
• Typical fall application deadline: ASU Feb 1, 2027.
• Enrolled first-year students at ASU average a 3.96 high school GPA, 0.55 higher than at Lenoir-Rhyne University (3.41).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.2% at ASU vs. 11% at Lenoir-Rhyne University.

Loans and repayment

• Among federal student loan borrowers, Appalachian State University graduates have a $6,500 lower median loan debt than Lenoir-Rhyne University graduates ($20,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, ASU graduates have an estimated $68 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Lenoir-Rhyne University graduates ($211 vs. $279).
• More ASU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Lenoir-Rhyne University students, three years after graduation (74% vs. 66%).

Sources: U.S. Department of Education, IPEDS and College Scorecard. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.