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. Please reach out to the Office of Student Financial Aid for more information.
How do I get started using my VA Education Benefits at Appalachian?
The Office of Student Financial Aid administers VA education benefits in coordination with Student Veteran Services. Information and forms are available through our military education benefits page.
Does Appalachian State University offer military-specific advising and orientation?
Yes. The University College Academic Advising Center has a specific liason that provides veterans and other military-affiliated students with targeted orientation and advising. To reach out, email Max Ruble at rublewm@appstate.edu.
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. Please be sure to fill out the class absence notification with the Dean of Students here: Class Absence Notification. For more information, contact Bethany Gonzalez, Associate Director for Military Affliated Services, at graysonbl@appstate.edu. For more general information about withdrawal and course reduction policies, please see Withdrawal Information.
Is there a campus veterans association?
Yes! In fact, in 2017 they earned the award of Student Organization of the Year for all Appalachian State Clubs & Organizations. They have an official meeting once a month and also participate in social events, fundraisers, and community service. Find out more on the 'Get Involved' page or check them out on Facebook or their Instagram, @appstatesva.