Furman University
Furman University is a private nonprofit university in Greenville, SC ranked #284 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of B+, enrolling about 2,322 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 52.6%. Students most often pursue Biology and Business Administration, Management and Operations.
Inside the classroom, students benefit from a 9:1 student-faculty ratio, 90.6% first-year retention, and 81.5% six-year graduation. Faculty pair challenging syllabi with intentional mentoring so learners keep momentum even as expectations rise.
Families typically invest $29,997, about $12,999 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -5766.6%, roughly 5851.9 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $50,796. That's about $7,108 higher than national results. Expect the strongest outcomes for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore and students looking for meaningful faculty access.
Who is Furman University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Furman University graduates 81.5% of students within six years and keeps 90.6% of first-year students. Affordability earns an F compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Furman University's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $58,312 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,000 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $15,868 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $2,000 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $73,760 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 11.2% of Furman University students receive Pell Grants — below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $16,190 to $37,271 depending on family income. Use Furman University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $29,927/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $37,271/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $50,796
- 10-Year Median Earnings $50,796
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $19,500
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 82.6%
- Employment Rate 88.2%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Furman University graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Furman University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Furman University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Furman University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Furman University graduates earn $50,796 median, the -57.7% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 650-720
- SAT Math 610-705
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 28-32
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 2,322
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 90.6%
- Graduation Rate 81.5%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 9:1
How to Get Into Furman University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Furman University requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 52.6%, Furman University is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 52.6% acceptance rate, Furman University is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1260 and 1425 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Furman University undergraduates. Communication and Media Studies, Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences,, and Political Science and Government draw the most students.
- Communication and Media Studies 11.7%
- Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, 8.3%
- Political Science and Government 8.0%
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 6.7%
- Psychology, General 5.7%
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics 5.1%
See more majors
- Biology, General 5.0%
- Music 4.1%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Biology, General $80,090
- 2. Business Administration, Management and Operations $76,391
- 3. Accounting and Related Services $70,115
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Political Science and Government $69,977
- 5. Communication and Media Studies $64,162
- 6. Economics $55,615
- 7. Religion/Religious Studies $46,350
- 8. Psychology, General $29,395
- 9. English Language and Literature, General $16,583
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Biology, General grads earn $80,090—383% more than English Language and Literature, General ($16,583). Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Furman University. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Communication and Media Studies (Bachelor's Degree, 98 graduates)
- Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other (Bachelor's Degree, 69 graduates)
- Political Science and Government (Bachelor's Degree, 67 graduates)
- Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degree, 56 graduates)
- Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 48 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (39 programs)▼
- Communication and Media Studies
- Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other
- Political Science and Government
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Psychology, General
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Biology, General
- Music
- Economics
- English Language and Literature, General
- Religion/Religious Studies
- History
- Sociology
- Accounting and Related Services
- Public Health
- Area Studies
- Sustainability Studies
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Philosophy
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Computer Science
- Information Science/Studies
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Education, General
- Anthropology
- Physics
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Urban Studies/Affairs
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Engineering, Other
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Mathematics and Computer Science
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
Online Master's Degrees (9 programs)▼
- Health/Medical Preparatory Programs
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Special Education and Teaching
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Chemistry
- Education, General
- Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language
- Design and Applied Arts
- Curriculum and Instruction
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (4 programs)▼
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Accounting and Related Services
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 2,322
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 42.6%
- Female Students 57.4%
- Caucasian 73.2%
- Asian 3.4%
- Hispanic 7.1%
- Black 6.8%
- Pell Grant Recipients 11.2%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Furman University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Furman University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Furman University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a similar rate as higher-income students, indicating adequate institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Furman University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: The student body is 73.2% White, reflecting less racial diversity than the national average. About 11.2% receive Pell Grants, below the national average of 38%, suggesting a wealthier student body or generous institutional aid.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Furman University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a similar rate as higher-income students, indicating adequate institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Furman University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Furman University offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with -57.7% ROI. Ranked #284 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $29,997 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $50,796 median earnings. With 81.5% graduating within six years and 90.6% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Furman University's Positioning
With a B+ grade and #284 ranking, Furman University competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $29,997 annually, Furman University charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 90.6% retention rate suggests students value this environment.
Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $20,998 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The -57.7% ROI and $50,796 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $19,997+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Furman University ranks #284 of 1927 institutions, with 1367 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.
Key Takeaways
- 81.5% six-year graduation rate sits 19.0 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 90.6% first-year retention is 13.8 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- -57.7% return on investment is 143.0 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $50,796 run about 16% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $29,997 is roughly $10,123 higher than the national median of $19,874.
Helpfulness for Students
- 9:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 90.6% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 88.2% employment rate within three years sits 20.0 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $29,997 is about $10,123 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 11.2% trails the national share by 22.1 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Furman University, a private nonprofit university in Greenville, SC, secures a B+ grade in our latest review. It stands at #284 among 1927 schools Completion earns A-, Support A, Career Outcomes B, and Affordability F.
Student momentum is strong: 90.6% retention and 81.5% six-year graduation. EDsmart calculates the ROI at -57.7%, offering a quick value checkpoint.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $29,997 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $73,760.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $43,763 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $19,500 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 11.2% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Graduates report median earnings of about $50,796 six years after entry. Compared with the national median, that's 16% higher.
Roughly 88.2% of graduates are employed three years out.
The ROI comes in near -57.7%, which you can cross-check against your financial plan.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
52.6% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Furman University admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
Similar Schools
Institutions with similar academic profiles, selectivity, and outcomes
Nearby Schools
Other campuses you might consider
Other South Carolina campuses you might consider
Contact Information
- Address Greenville, SC 29613-6162
- Website www.furman.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
- Endowment$812.3M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate15.6%