Apayao State College traces its roots back to 1967 when it was established as Conner Vocational High School (CVHS) through Republic Act No. 4928.
The institution began with humble beginnings on July 1, 1971, with only 5 faculty members, 4 staff, and 24 male students. Initially housed in a temporary facility at the defunct Municipal Building in Brgy. Ripang, Conner, the school's first building was inaugurated in 1975 on a 4.8-hectare donated land in Brgy. Malama.
Through the years, the institution underwent several transformations in response to the changing educational landscape and the growing needs of the province. In 1978, it was renamed to Kalinga-Apayao School of Arts and Trade (KASAT), reflecting its expanded mandate in technical education.
A significant milestone came on December 24, 1994, when Republic Act 7853 converted the institution into the Apayao Institute of Science and Technology (AIST), through the concerted efforts of Congressman Elias K. Bulut, Sr. and Senator Leticia Ramos-Shahani.
The dream of having a state college in the province was realized on February 26, 1998, when Republic Act 8563 officially established the Apayao State College (ASC). Dr. Lorenzo J. Tadios became the first College President, leading the institution from 1999 to 2003.
Today, under the leadership of its fifth President, Dr. John N. Cabansag (installed June 23, 2022), ASC continues to fulfill its mandate of providing quality higher education in the province of Apayao, with campuses in Luna and Conner serving thousands of students.
