The Appalachian has been Appalachian State University’s student-run news organization since 1934. We publish both in print and online, promote our content through social media, and send out a biweekly email newsletter during the academic year.
We are the recipients of more than 54 prestigious state, regional, and national awards during the 2024-25 academic year. Honors include 3rd place for Best Social Media Engagement (CMA Apple Awards 2025), Best Overall Campus Media Engagement (CMA Pinnacle Awards 2024), Best Diversity Initiative (CMA Pinnacle Awards 2024) and Best Crisis Coverage for “Hurricane Helene Coverage” (CMA Apple Awards 2025). Additionally, we were named the winner of Best Affiliated Website and a finalist for Best All-Around Student Newspaper, Large (SPJ ‘24).
We strive to provide fair and accurate news for the campus community; to inform, entertain, and create a forum for ideas; to offer an outlet for readers’ opinions; to advocate for the interests of students, faculty, staff, and the community; and to remain editorially independent while exercising and ensuring First Amendment rights.
The Appalachian is entirely student-managed and student-run, with editors, managers, and staff responsible for all content published.
Appalachian State University’s Economic Impact
million/year In parent/family/ visitor spending
$9.5 million/year 21,000+
The local 5-county region(Watauga, Ashe, Avery, Caldwell, Wilkes) receives $573 million/year
2025-26
Production Calendar
Special Editions
Best of Boone & Summer Orientation Guide
For 10 years, *The Appalachian* has invited readers to crown the best of Boone, from burgers and bands to professors. Students, alumni, faculty, parents, and High Country fans cast their votes in this highly anticipated annual edition, released near the end of the spring semester.
*Best of Boone* is not only a celebration of community favorites but also a prime opportunity to advertise your business to thousands of readers or thank the community if you win a category.
This special edition doubles as our Summer Orientation Guide, with over 3,000 copies distributed to help new App State students and families explore the best of Boone and campus life.
End of Year Edition
The End of Year edition, formerly the Graduation Edition, celebrates App State grads with a look back at their four years, current May stories, and features on graduates. It includes Grad Wishes for personalized shoutouts and a full list of spring and summer graduates.
Available during Commencement Weekend, this keepsake is picked up by thousands of graduates and families. It’s a prime spot to advertise your business, organization, or department—whether congratulating grads or placing a traditional ad, your message will be seen!
Advertisement space in Special Editions fills up quickly, so talk to your ad rep about claiming your spot as early as you can!
Important Dates 2025-26
The Appalachian is printed monthly during the academic year — August, September, October, November, February, March, April and May. All dates are subject to change as necessary. Exact print dates and deadlines will be discussed by your ad rep.
Special Editions: The August edition is a welcome back issue for the start of fall semester. The April edition is our annual Best of Boone readers choice survey and our orientation issue. The May edition is our end of year issue.
Aug. 12-14: App State University Housing Move-In Week
Aug. 17: University Club Expo (student clubs & organizations interest fair)
Aug. 18: First day of Fall Semester Classes
Aug. 23: Annual High Country Beer Fest
Sept. 5-7: App State Family Weekend
Sept. 6: App State Football home game (vs. Lidenwood)
Oct. 4 App State Football home game (vs. Oregon State)
Oct. 13-14: Fall Break
Oct. 18 App State Football home game (vs. Coastal Carolina)
Oct. 19: Valle Country Fair, Valle Crucis
Oct. 18-19: Woolly Worm Festival, Banner Elk
Nov. 6: Homecoming; App State Football home game (vs. Georgia Southern)
Nov. 8: App State Fall Open House
Nov. 22: Heroes Day; App State Football home game (vs. Marshall)
Nov. 26-28: Thanksgiving Break
Nov. 29: Senior Day; App State Football home game (vs. Arkansas State)
Dec. 3: Last day of Fall Semester Classes
Dec. 4: Reading Day
Dec. 5, 8-11: Final Exams
Dec. 12: Fall 2025 Commencement Ceremonies
Dec. 15-Jan. 11: Winter Break
Jan. 12: First day of Spring Semester Classes
Jan. 22-25 : Blowing Rock Winterfest
March 9-13: Spring Break
April 29: Last day of Spring Semester Classes
April 30: Reading Day
May 1, 4-7: Final Exams
May 8-9: Spring 2026 Commencement
Publication Dates
Print Edition Dates
Aug. 13
Sept. 10
Oct. 8
Nov. 12
Feb. 4
March 18
April 1
April 29
Email Newsletter Dates
Aug. 12 & 14
Aug. 19 & 21
Aug. 26 & 28
Sept. 2 & 4
Sept. 9 & 11
Sept. 16 & 18
Sept. 23 & 25
Sept. 30 & Oct. 2
Oct. 7 & 9
Oct. 16
Oct. 21 & 23
Oct. 28 & 30
Nov. 4 & 6
Nov. 11 & 13
Nov. 18 & 20
Nov. 25 & 27
Dec. 2 & 4
Jan. 13 & 15
Jan. 20 & 22
Jan. 27 & 29
Feb. 3 & 5
Feb. 10 & 12
Feb. 17 & 19
Feb. 24 & 26
March 3 & 5
March 17 & 19
March 24 & 26
April 2
April 7 & 9
April 14 & 16
April 21 & 23
April 28 & 30
May 1 & 6
Print Ad Rates
Campus Community Announcement Inserts 1/8 Page Sponsored crossword/sudoku Backpage
Interested in building a package? Print rates can be combined with any other advertising options found in The Appalachian’s media kit. Talk to your ad rep to build a package that best suits your business! (10.25” x 10.5”) (10.25” x 5.25”) maximum size (11.25” x 11.5”) (5.125” x 2.625”) Full-Page 1/2 Page 1/4 Page
No text smaller than 9pt. Use process black (100%K). Send ad files as .pdf or .tiff files. Name files accordingly: BusinessName_IssueDate.pdf. Premium Placement +$50 (10.25” x 10.5”) (5.125” x 5.25”)
Client responsible for shipping pre-printed inserts to Mullen Publications Raster images should be 300 ppi. All ads come standard as full color (use CMYK).
Out-of-Home Newsstand Rates
INDOOR WIRE NEWSRACKS
We have 13 newsstands to choose from 11” tall x 11” wide (square) Must be laminated or on cardstock.
• Anne Belk Hall
• App State Hickory CampusStudent lounge
• Belk Library - Vending area
• Chappell Wilson Hall
• Garwood Hall
• Katherine Harper Hall
• Newland Residence Hall
• Quinn Rec Center
• Rankin Science South
• Raven Rocks Residence Hall
• Roess Dining Hall
• Smith-Wright Hall
• Stadium Team Store
• Turchin Center lecture hall
• Varsity Gym
OUTDOOR NEWSSTAND RATES
$75/month per newsstand + $15/poster printing
11” tall x 17” wide (horizontal)
Must be laminated.
Leave about ¾-inch border around the file to allow for proper display
With 15 newsstands to choose from
• Anne Belk Hall
• B.B. Dougherty
• Campus Store exterior
• Garwood bus stop
• Holmes Convocation Center
• I.G. Greer
• Library Parking Deck
• Living Learning Center
• Mountain Laurel Hall
• Peacock Hall entrance
• Post Office parking lot
• Rivers Street Parking DeckSkywalk
• Sanford Mall
• Schaefer Center
• Student Recreation Center
• Trivette Dining Hall
$175/month per newsstand or $3,800/semester for all outdoor newsstands + $15/ poster printing
2025-26
Out-of-Home Newsstand Rates
Have your business, department or organization seen by students, faculty/staff, commuters and visitors across campus by purchasing poster ads on our newsstands!
INDOOR LARGE NEWSSTANDS
47.750” tall x 23.750” wide (vertical); live area for artwork 45.875” tall x 22.000” wide (vertical) Must be printed on thick, semi-gloss paper
$250/month per newsstand + $65/poster for printing costs
With 20 available newsstands!
• App State Hickory - Student lounge
• Appalachian Hall
• Beans to Brew (Peacock Hall)
• Beasley Media Complex
• Belk Library
• Leon Levine Hall of Health Science
• Mountaineer Residence Hall
• New River Residence Hall
• Plemmons Student Union
• Cascades
• 2nd floor elevators
• Info desk
• Campus Store/Solarium Hallway
• Outside newsroom
• Post office / Miles Annas Student Services Building
• Reich College of Education
• Roess Dining Hall
• Sanford Hall
• Summit Residence Hall
• Thunder Hill Residence Hall
• Walker Hall
On the street
A-FRAME FOLDING SIGNS
Promote your business with The Appalachian! Our A-frame folding signs are strategically placed in premium, high-traffic campus locations, ensuring maximum visibility to students, faculty, and visitors. It’s an effective and eye-catching way to connect with the App State community! Only for on-campus clients, unless otherwise discussed.
$100/month per A-frame OR $280/month for all 5 A-frame +$280 for printing costs (10 posters)
STREET TEAMS
Boost your reach with The Appalachian street teams! Our energetic students station themselves in high-traffic campus areas, distributing flyers and connecting directly with students and the community. It’s a personal and effective way to share your message and make a lasting impression!
$215 per event - 200 items max + $20 each for additional 50 items ** production costs of distributed items not included
Only for on-campus clients unless otherwise discussed.
2025-26
Social Media
Promoted tweets/posts must begin with #AD: to signify sponsored content. All tweets must be less than 280 characters. All Facebook posts must be less than 75 words. Images optional, but should be at least 72 dpi RGB. Links may be included. Ad places and content must be reserved and submitted no later than 5 p.m. the Friday before the run week.
X/Twitter: 1600 x 900 px, max of 280 characters
Facebook: 1920 x 1080 px (or can reuse image from Twitter or Instagram), max of 75 words
Instagram: 1080 x 1080 px, max of 75 words, plus hashtags if desired
Need a custom ad? Let us design it for just $125!
X/TWITTER
10,100 + followers
FACEBOOK
8,100 + likes & followers
INSTAGRAM
11,700 + followers
Sponsored Social Media Posts
Premium Package: $130 Up to $10 in savings!
Includes 1 post on Instagram, Facebook, and X/Twitter + 1 enhancement
Base post: $45
Enhancements (in addition to the post):
GIF: +$5
Carousel: +$5
Video: +$10
Story: +$10/day
Giveaway: +$10 up to 5 days after the initial post
LEADERBOARD
MIDDLE BANNER
SIDE BAR
FOOTER
2025-26
Sponsorships and Announcements
These ad spots are reserved for helped wanted job ads, events and other announcements, roommate and housing rental ads, items for sale, shout-outs, legal notices, missing and found items, etc.
Preconditions
Ads will be about business card size (roughly 3.5” x 2”) and the orientation of the ad (horizontal or vertical) will be determined by our page designer. Ads will be text-only, but can also include a business logo in full color. The maximum word count for ads is 50 words.
(actual size)
Entertainment Sponsorship
Sponsor the crossword or Sudoku puzzles in print. This is a great way to get your business, department or organization’s name in front of readers in our popular puzzles section. (Sudoku/crossword)
Print: $60/month
Design Services
Don’t settle for ordinary when you can have extraordinary! Contact us today to discuss your next newspaper advertising campaign and let's make your brand the talk of the town.
Bring your brand to life with captivating newspaper (print & online) advertisements designed by our expert team. We specialize in creating eyecatching layouts, compelling visuals, and persuasive copy that resonate with your audience. Whether you’re promoting a special event, launching a new product or boosting brand awareness, we have the creativity and expertise to make your message stand out in every edition. All rights reserved.
Restrictions apply. Additional fees may be charged depending on the level of involvement.
Need a custom ad? Let us design it for just $125!
SUMMER YOUR WAVE
2025-26
Do you want to show your support for The Appalachian and our student journalists, but you don’t necessarily need traditional advertising? We can work with you on that!
Your support helps drive our mission to serve our fellow students, faculty, staff, alumni and parents, as well as serving the citizens of Boone and the greater High Country area.
We also serve regional residents and tourists across four North Carolina and Tennessee counties who rely on us for news, entertainment and commentary. The Appalachian is entirely student run and has been serving the campus and community since 1934.
We have a variety of options available to oncampus departments and individuals, as well as local businesses and organizations.
For as low as $25 per month, you can champion the mission of The Appalachian and the work of our students, and have your name or department name included in our list of supporters (to appear on our website). You can opt to pay monthly, semesterly or annually, and we accept a variety of payment methods. We’re always open to discuss other ideas you might have for ways you can help celebrate The Appalachian during the academic year!
Please donate here:
Terms & Conditions
The Appalachian will not accept ads that are libelous; promote academic dishonesty; violate federal, state or local laws; or encourage discrimination against any individual or group on the basis of race, sex, sexual orientation, age, color, creed, religion, national origin or disability. We reserve the right to edit or reject any ad copy, photos, graphics or entire ads. Clients wishing to promote age-restricted business must follow guidelines set by federal and state laws. Refer to your service agreement for other terms and conditions not listed here.
This document is intended for use during the 2025-2026 academic and fiscal year. Rates and availability are subject to change.
Special Offers
We love to work with our variety of local, regional, and national clients! If you are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit or campus department/organization, we offer special discounts just for you. Even if you are not a nonprofit or campus department/ organization, you can still save on your advertising package. Talk to your sales representative to see how much you can save today! Individuals or firms who have joined the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce within the last 60 days have a special offer. See your new member packet for more information.
