The College Access Partnerships at Appalachian State University support area students, teachers, and school districts in promoting access to higher education. Learn more about College Access Partnerships and check out our newsletters and events.
Upward Bound
Upward Bound provides academic support to high school students so they may complete high school, enroll in college, and successfully obtain a college degree.
GEAR UP
GEAR UP is a federally funded college access program designed to increase the number of students who are prepared to enter and succeed in postsecondary education immediately after high school.
Group Visits to Campus
For Teachers and Counselors: Would you like to bring a group of students to visit campus? Click here to learn more!
Questions About College
Wow! That's a big question with lots of answers. For some, getting a college education is about making a lot more money—about a million dollars more over the average career. But there is more to a college education than just money. It’s also about having a challenging and stimulating career. It’s about expanding horizons and exposing yourself to new experiences. And it’s about making the most of the opportunities you have. The bottom line—a college education allows you to explore all the choices waiting for you!
It’s natural to look at the price tag—about $12,000 a year at a public college and $20-30,000 a year at private schools—and think you can’t afford college. Don't get discouraged, because there’s lots of help from North Carolina and the federal government for all students, and those with the highest need get the most help. Every college that uses federal funds (and that’s almost every college you might apply to) must provide you a financial aid package to cover your unmet need. Some of that money may be a gift, and you’ll likely have to take out some loans, but you can bet that it will be worth it in the long run!
There are a lot of resources to help you get ready for college. The first is your high school counselor. Build a great relationship with him or her so you get good advice about how to get ready for college. There may be programs at your school like Upward Bound, Educational Talent Search, AVID, or GEAR UP to help you get ready, too. Colleges also do a lot to help students get ready for enrollment. Check out your favorite colleges' websites and talk with their admissions officers for more ideas.
Take a look at what you can be doing now—in middle and high school. Make sure that you are ready for the opportunities that are available to you through a college education.