Appalachian State University, located in Boone, NC, is part of the University of North Carolina system. I cringed (as I imagine other North Carolinians did) when I read that that's where Miss Teen SC is going.
I remember some not-particularly-bright people from my high school who couldn't get into UNC-Chapel Hill going to Appalachian State. However, in ASU's defense, I think it was also supposed to have a smaller student population, more friendly atmosphere, etc.
So... hardly a top-tier school, but it imagine it has its merits. I'm not sure where it stands in prestige rankings vs. other non-flagship UNC-system schools. (UNC-Chapel Hill is the flagship and N.C. State would be second, but I'm not sure how ASU rates against UNC-Asheville, UNC-Charlotte, UNC-Wilmington, UNC-Greensboro, etc.)