Appalachian State University – Aspire Appalachian
ASPIRE APPALACHIAN
A little about Appalachian State University: Appalachian State University (ASU) has its main campus located in Boone, North Carolina, and a branch campus located in Hickory, North Carolina. From the Gaston College Dallas Campus, ASU’s main campus in Boone is about an hour and a half drive (77 miles), and the Hickory Campus is about a forty-minute drive (35 miles), both on Highway 321 North. ASU offers over 150 program majors, 400+ clubs, 150+ community-focused groups, and, according to their website, is one of the top four lowest average student debt among the NC four-year institutions.
Aspire Appalachian is a co-admission pathway program between Appalachian and Gaston College intended for successful students who plan to transfer to Appalachian after completing their Gaston College Associate Degree. Unfortunately, at this time, current dual-enrolled high school students are not eligible to participate in the Aspire Appalachian program. However, Gaston Early College High School and Gaston Early College of Medical Sciences students are eligible to participate in the Aspire Appalachian program.
The program creates seamless pathways from Gaston College to Appalachian and is designed to provide North Carolinians with affordable access to higher education. Aspire Appalachian also provides advising support for students during their education at Gaston College and prepares them for a successful transition to Appalachian.
NOTE: While any associate degree is accepted for the Aspire Appalachian program, students who complete only an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) program will be responsible for completing the general education course requirements at Appalachian. This means there may be additional coursework needed to be completed at Appalachian in addition to the bachelor’s degree program. Your App State Transfer Admissions Counselor will help you understand the general education course requirements.
BENEFITS
In addition to the student services you receive at Gaston College, Aspire Appalachian students receive these benefits:
- guaranteed admission to Appalachian
- on-site admissions and academic advising
- coordinated financial aid programs
- invitation to special webinars, events, and newsletters designed to help you successfully transfer to and succeed at Appalachian
ELIGIBILITY
- have at least two semesters (24 credit hours) remaining at Gaston College to complete your associate degree
- current dual-enrolled (College Now) high school students are not eligible
- at least a cumulative 2.25 GPA or higher GPA at time of application
- be on track toward completion of your associate degree
- graduate from Gaston College with a 2.25 GPA or higher
HOW DO I APPLY?
- Complete the Aspire Appalachian Intent Form
- Once accepted, students will be contacted by their college’s Appalachian Transfer Admissions contact
When in Aspire Appalachian and Before Transferring to ASU
- One semester before the last semester at Gaston College, apply to Appalachian
- This means if you are graduating in Spring, you will need to apply to ASU in the previous Fall term