
Greenville, SCprivate nonprofitwww.furman.edu/
Furman University is a selective liberal arts college in Greenville, South Carolina, known for its rigorous academics, intimate class sizes, and picturesque campus. With an 83% four-year graduation rate and strong pre-professional programs, Furman blends traditional liberal arts with career preparation, though its student life culture has been critiqued as overly conventional. The university meets 86% of students' financial need, making its $34,947 average net price more accessible than its sticker cost suggests.
Furman's admissions process is selective, with a 43% Acceptance rateThe share of applicants a college admits in a given year. A 10% acceptance rate means it admits about 1 in 10 applicants. from 10,813 applicants for the Class of 2029. The middle 50% SAT range is 1260-1430 (or 25-31 ACT), with 55% of admitted students applying Test-optionalA policy where you choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores. If you don't, the rest of your application carries more weight.. The average GPA hovers around 3.67, and 10% of the incoming class were valedictorians. Early Action is offered, with a Regular Decision deadline of January 15.
Furman offers over 70 majors and minors, emphasizing undergraduate research (39% participation) and senior capstones (90% completion). Signature features include:
Notably, students can design their own majors, and the university highlights its 1:1 faculty advising.
Campus culture balances tradition with critique:
The honor code requires academic honesty, and the administration maintains strict policy enforcement.
Furman boasts strong graduation rates and early-career earnings:
The university aims to increase its first-year persistence rate to 94% as part of its strategic plan.
While Furman's sticker price is high, financial aid is robust:
The Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. Calculator helps families estimate actual costs.
Furman distinguishes itself through: 1. Undergraduate focus: With no graduate programs, resources concentrate on undergrads—evident in 1:1 faculty mentoring and early research opportunities 2. Location: Greenville provides internship access while maintaining a traditional college-town feel 3. Outcomes: Its 83% four-year graduation rate outperforms many peers 4. Balance: Combines liberal arts rigor (100% writing-intensive curriculum) with pre-professional preparation
The trade-off? Some students find campus culture overly conventional, but for those seeking a structured, high-achieving environment with strong support, Furman delivers.