About Converse University
Converse University builds on its heritage as a women's college founded in 1889 while serving 845 students in small-city Spartanburg. The school gained national recognition for its music conservatory and remains strong in education programs. With a 12:1 student-faculty ratio, professors know students by name rather than ID number. The 55.57% acceptance rate suggests selective but accessible admissions for students with an average 1128 SAT score.
The financial picture reveals both promise and concern. Students typically pay $19,712 after aid, less than the $37,870 sticker price. However, graduates earn a median $40,867 ten years out, creating a challenging debt-to-income ratio with $27,000 in typical borrowing. Monthly loan payments average $286, which represents a substantial portion of early-career earnings. Only 59.29% of borrowers successfully repay their loans on schedule.
The student body reflects modern demographics with 73.25% women, honoring the school's historical roots while welcoming men since going coed. Nearly three-quarters of students come from South Carolina, creating a close-knit regional community. The 47.10% six-year graduation rate suggests students face real challenges completing their degrees, though the 68.44% retention rate shows most return for sophomore year.
The financial picture reveals both promise and concern. Students typically pay $19,712 after aid, less than the $37,870 sticker price. However, graduates earn a median $40,867 ten years out, creating a challenging debt-to-income ratio with $27,000 in typical borrowing. Monthly loan payments average $286, which represents a substantial portion of early-career earnings. Only 59.29% of borrowers successfully repay their loans on schedule.
The student body reflects modern demographics with 73.25% women, honoring the school's historical roots while welcoming men since going coed. Nearly three-quarters of students come from South Carolina, creating a close-knit regional community. The 47.10% six-year graduation rate suggests students face real challenges completing their degrees, though the 68.44% retention rate shows most return for sophomore year.
Academics & Faculty
Converse operates as a liberal arts college where students explore broad academic foundations before specializing in their chosen fields. The school built its reputation on strong music and education programs that attract students from across the Southeast. With a 12:1 student-faculty ratio, professors know students personally and provide individualized attention throughout their academic journey. The music conservatory offers rigorous classical training alongside contemporary programs. Education majors benefit from extensive field experience in local schools. However, the 47% six-year graduation rate suggests students face significant challenges completing their degrees. Many students transfer or take breaks, though those who persist often find strong mentorship and close relationships with faculty members.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 12:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 97.6%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 51.8%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 47.1%
- Retention Rate
- 68.4%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $40,867
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Small)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $55,151 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $39,009 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $37,568 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $33,993 |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. | Master | $30,988 |
| Design and Applied Arts. | Bachelor | $30,409 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $25,194 |
Campus Life
Converse's 73% female student body creates a close-knit campus where students know each other by name. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio means professors recognize you in the dining hall and remember your research interests. With only 500 beds for 845 students, about 60% live on campus in small residence halls that feel more like houses than dorms.
Spartanburg sits an hour from Charlotte and two hours from Atlanta, giving students access to internships and concerts without the big city price tag. You'll need both a winter coat and plenty of sunscreen, South Carolina summers hit the 90s while January temperatures can dip into the 30s. The Four-One-Four calendar includes a January term where students pursue intensive projects or travel abroad.
Weekends revolve around the strong music program performances and NCAA Division II athletic events. The 370 student-athletes across 21 sports create a spirited atmosphere despite the small size. Students often drive to nearby Cowpens National Battlefield for hiking or head to Charlotte for shopping and restaurants when campus life feels too quiet.
Spartanburg sits an hour from Charlotte and two hours from Atlanta, giving students access to internships and concerts without the big city price tag. You'll need both a winter coat and plenty of sunscreen, South Carolina summers hit the 90s while January temperatures can dip into the 30s. The Four-One-Four calendar includes a January term where students pursue intensive projects or travel abroad.
Weekends revolve around the strong music program performances and NCAA Division II athletic events. The 370 student-athletes across 21 sports create a spirited atmosphere despite the small size. Students often drive to nearby Cowpens National Battlefield for hiking or head to Charlotte for shopping and restaurants when campus life feels too quiet.
- Setting
- City-Small
- Housing Capacity
- 500 beds
- Calendar System
- Four-One-Four
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1889
Campus Safety (2023)
25 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | 5 | 4 | 1 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 0 | 0 | 6 | 4 |
| Stalking | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Fondling | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Rape | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 31°–54°F
- July Avg
- 68°–90°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 50.2"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.8"
Student Demographics
Converse draws students who value personal attention, with 73% coming from South Carolina and recognizing the college's strong local reputation for music and education. The student body remains predominantly female at 73%, reflecting the school's history as a women's college and continued strength in traditionally female-dominated fields like education. With 41% receiving Pell Grants, Converse serves many first-generation college students seeking affordable liberal arts education. The diverse mix includes 49% white students alongside significant Black and Hispanic populations, creating a community where students from different backgrounds pursue creative and service-oriented careers.
- Men
- 26.8%
- Women
- 73.3%
- White
- 49.0%
- Black
- 11.8%
- Hispanic
- 13.0%
- Asian
- 2.8%
- In-State Students
- 73.9%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 40.7%
Location
Spartanburg sits in the South Carolina Upstate, about 80 miles southwest of Charlotte and 70 miles northeast of Greenville. The city of 38,000 people anchors a metro area of nearly 350,000 residents. Converse's 70-acre campus sits in this small city environment, where students can walk to downtown restaurants and shops. The region offers access to both the Blue Ridge Mountains to the north and Columbia's state capital amenities two hours southeast. Spartanburg has embraced its "center City" nickname as a regional center for manufacturing and logistics. The area blends Southern charm with growing economic opportunities in automotive and aerospace industries. Students considering colleges in South Carolina may also compare Converse University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Spartanburg, South Carolina 29302-0006
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $40,867
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $41,482
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $26,900
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 59.3%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $286/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $27,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Converse University?
Converse University admits 55.57% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1128. The historically women's college in Spartanburg has become more accessible since going co-ed, though women still make up 73.25% of the student body.
How much does Converse University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $19,712 annually at Converse University, down from the total cost of $37,870. About 40.66% of students receive Pell Grants, making this private liberal arts college more affordable for middle-income families.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Converse University?
Converse University maintains a 12:1 student-faculty ratio with just 845 total students. The small size allows for personalized attention in programs like music and education, which the college is particularly known for.
What do Converse University graduates earn after college?
Converse University graduates earn a median salary of $40,867 ten years after graduation. However, the four-year graduation rate is only 51.84%, suggesting some students take longer to complete their liberal arts degrees.
Where do students live at Converse University?
Converse University houses 500 students on its small city campus in Spartanburg, South Carolina. With 73.89% of students coming from in-state, the campus maintains a close-knit Southern community feel.
How strong are athletics at Converse University?
Converse University fields 21 varsity sports teams competing as the Valkyries in NCAA Division II. The school awards $2,869,528 in athletic scholarships to 370 student-athletes, making sports a significant part of campus life despite the small enrollment.
