Appalachian State University vs Queens University of Charlotte: which has better ROI?
Queens University of Charlotte has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $123,428 in 13.3 years versus 19.4 years at Appalachian State University, on median earnings of $57,673 vs $51,836 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Appalachian State University | Queens University of Charlotte |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $16,836 | $30,857 |
| Total net cost | $67,344 | $123,428 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $51,836 | $57,673 |
| Median debt | $20,231 | $25,000 |
| Payback | 19.4 yrs | 13.3 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $2,176 | $62,832 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Appalachian State University or Queens University of Charlotte?
Appalachian State University, at $16,836 a year after aid versus $30,857 — a gap of $14,021 a year, or $56,084 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Appalachian State University or Queens University of Charlotte graduates earn more?
Queens University of Charlotte graduates report a median $57,673 ten years after entry, $5,837 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.
Which leaves students with less debt, Appalachian State University or Queens University of Charlotte?
Appalachian State University: its completers carry a median $20,231 in federal loans versus $25,000 at Queens University of Charlotte, a difference of $4,769. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
75% of students finish at Appalachian State University, against 61% at Queens University of Charlotte. 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.