Furman University logo

Furman University

Greenville, SC Private ยท Suburban Est. 1826 www.furman.edu
Accept Rate
52.57%
Grad Rate
83.5%
Enrollment
2,322
Avg SAT
1364
Tuition
$58,312
Median Salary
$68,635
Overall Grade
C
A-
Academics
C
Value
C
Admissions
C
Diversity
C+
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

Furman feels like a classic liberal arts college with a quintessential Southern charm, centered around its iconic bell tower and beautiful lake. It's a close-knit community where students are genuinely collaborative and passionate about getting involved. The campus environment strikes a balance between high-achieving academics and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

52.57%
Moderately Selective

SAT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 136475th Pctl
12601425
40080012001600

ACT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 3175th Pctl
2832
1122436

Admissions Tips

Highlight your intellectual curiosity and passion for interdisciplinary learning in your application, as Furman values students who make connections across subjects. Since Furman is test-optional, focus on showcasing your strengths through a compelling personal essay and strong letters of recommendation. Demonstrate genuine interest by engaging with admissions counselors, visiting campus, and explaining why Furman's specific community and programs are the right fit for you.

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
1364
40080012001600
School range: 1260โ€“1425

โš ๏ธ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.

Academics & Majors

Furman is renowned for its high-quality undergraduate teaching and strong programs in Social Sciences, Business, and Environmental Studies. The university emphasizes hands-on learning through extensive research opportunities and its signature study away program, which over 80% of students participate in. Small class sizes foster close relationships with professors who are dedicated mentors.

Popular Majors

Social Sciences
13.7%
Parks, Recreation & Fitness
10.6%
Business & Marketing
9%
Biology & Biomedical
8.6%
Psychology
7.1%
Education
7.1%
Communications
6.5%
Visual & Performing Arts
6.3%
Physical Sciences
6.2%
Multidisciplinary Studies
4%
History
3.3%
Foreign Languages
3.3%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

83.5%
Graduation Rate
90.6%
Retention Rate
2,322
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$58,312
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$29,997
After financial aid
Total Cost
$73,760
Cost of attendance/year
11.2%
Receive Pell Grants
27.8%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Greenville

Greenville offers a vibrant yet manageable city experience for students, with a bustling downtown featuring trendy restaurants, breweries, and the scenic Falls Park on the Reedy. Students enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and biking on the Swamp Rabbit Trail, attending minor league baseball games, and exploring the city's growing arts and music scene. The campus is just a short drive or bike ride from all the action, providing easy access to urban amenities.

Local Rent Check

$1,074 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Greenville
Explore Greenville

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$233,248
$0Est. 4 Years: $233,248

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($68,635):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

Furman University has a dedicated campus police force and maintains a generally safe, well-lit suburban campus. The city of Greenville is considered one of the safest in South Carolina, though standard campus safety precautions are always recommended.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Prestigious undergraduate teaching and strong faculty mentorship.
  • โœ“ Beautiful, cohesive campus with a classic college feel.
  • โœ“ High graduation and retention rates indicate strong student satisfaction and support.
  • โœ“ Excellent study away program and strong emphasis on experiential learning.

Cons

  • โœ— High sticker price and overall cost of attendance.
  • โœ— Campus is in a suburban setting, requiring a car to fully access Greenville's downtown.
  • โœ— Enrollment is relatively small, offering fewer large-scale university options.

Notable Alumni

Richard Riley
Former U.S. Secretary of Education under President Bill Clinton and Governor of South Carolina.
Joe Wilson
U.S. Representative for South Carolina's 2nd congressional district since 2001.
Bradley Byrne
Former U.S. Representative for Alabama's 1st congressional district.

Frequently Asked Questions

Furman University is known for its excellent undergraduate teaching, strong liberal arts curriculum, and beautiful campus featuring the iconic Bell Tower and lake. It has particularly strong programs in Environmental Studies, Business, and the Social Sciences, and is celebrated for its signature study away program in which a majority of students participate.

Furman has a moderately selective admissions process with an acceptance rate of 52.57%. The middle 50% of admitted students typically have an SAT score between 1250-1400. While the school is test-optional, strong academic performance in high school and a compelling personal application are key to admission.

Campus life at Furman is described as a close-knit, collaborative community with a strong sense of school spirit. Students are highly involved in over 200 student organizations, including a prominent Greek life system. The beautiful campus setting encourages outdoor activities, while the proximity to Greenville provides ample off-campus entertainment options.

For many students, Furman represents a strong financial investment with a solid return. The average net price is significantly lower than the sticker price, and the university's high graduation rate and strong 10-year median earnings of $68,635 suggest that graduates are well-positioned for career success. The value is further enhanced by extensive alumni networks and career development resources that help students secure good jobs post-graduation.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

Michelin North America BMW Manufacturing Prisma Health TD Industries Greenville Health System
Smart Start Score
77

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded 1826
  • Type Private
  • Setting Suburban
  • Undergrad 2,296
  • In-State Tuition $58,312
  • Zip Code 29613

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 42.6% โ™€ 57.4%

The Money Talk

With a sticker price over $58,000, Furman is a significant investment, but the net price of around $30,000 for the average student is more manageable. The university's high graduation rate and strong 10-year median earnings of $68,635 suggest a solid return on investment for graduates who leverage the strong alumni network and career services. The value is enhanced by Furman's commitment to providing real-world experiences like internships and study abroad, which boost career readiness.

*Based on Dept of Education data

โš–๏ธ Compare Schools

See how this school stacks up

Compare with Clark University

๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $58,312
Housing (12 mo) $12,888
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $78,400
With avg financial aid:
$29,997/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.