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Head-to-head comparison

Appalachian State University vs Campbell University: which has better ROI?

Public, Boone NC · vs · Private nonprofit, Buies Creek NC

By the Degree Dividend editorial data teamEvery figure verified against its federal source — methodologyData updated June 2026

Option A Boone, NC

Appalachian State University

Net price / year
$16,836
Earnings, 10 years
$51,836
Payback
19.4 yrs

Option B Buies Creek, NC

Campbell University

Net price / year
$24,516
Earnings, 10 years
$54,886
Payback
15 yrs
The verdict

Campbell University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $98,064 in 15 years versus 19.4 years at Appalachian State University, on median earnings of $54,886 vs $51,836 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureAppalachian State UniversityCampbell University
Net price / yr$16,836$24,516
Total net cost$67,344$98,064
Median earnings, 10 yrs$51,836$54,886
Median debt$20,231$22,500
Payback19.4 yrs15 yrs
20-year net return$2,176$32,456

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

The short answer

Which is cheaper, Appalachian State University or Campbell University?

Appalachian State University, at $16,836 a year after aid versus $24,516 — a gap of $7,680 a year, or $30,720 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

The short answer

Do Appalachian State University or Campbell University graduates earn more?

Campbell University graduates report a median $54,886 ten years after entry, $3,050 more than the $51,836 at Appalachian State University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

The short answer

Which leaves students with less debt, Appalachian State University or Campbell University?

Appalachian State University: its completers carry a median $20,231 in federal loans versus $22,500 at Campbell University, a difference of $2,269. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

The short answer

Which graduates more of its students?

75% of students finish at Appalachian State University, against 61% at Campbell University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

Appalachian State University vs Campbell University: frequently asked questions

Is Appalachian State University or Campbell University a better value?
Campbell University. It clears its $98,064 net cost in about 15 years versus 19.4 years at Appalachian State University, on median earnings of $54,886 vs $51,836 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Appalachian State University or Campbell University?
Appalachian State University: $16,836/yr net price after aid versus $24,516/yr at Campbell University — a difference of $7,680 a year, or about $30,720 over four years.
Do Appalachian State University or Campbell University graduates earn more?
Campbell University graduates earn a median $54,886 ten years after entry, versus $51,836 at Appalachian State University — a $3,050 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.