About Furman University
The sticker price hits $75,180 annually, but most families pay far less after financial aid kicks in. The average net price drops to $29,997, making this private education surprisingly accessible. Graduates earn a median of $68,635 ten years out, while carrying manageable debt loads of $23,250. That earning potential makes the investment worthwhile for most students, with an 82.6% loan repayment rate showing graduates can handle their obligations.
Furman competes in Division I athletics as the Paladins, fielding teams in 14 sports within the Southern Conference. The student body skews 57% female and draws heavily from out-of-state, with only 29% of students coming from South Carolina. The 84% four-year graduation rate reflects the school's strong academic support system.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 9:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 83.3%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 83.5%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 81.5%
- Retention Rate
- 90.6%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $68,635
- Carnegie Classification
- Liberal Arts College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Economics. | Bachelor | $57,318 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $47,260 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $42,682 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $40,140 |
| Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics. | Bachelor | $37,568 |
| Political Science and Government. | Bachelor | $36,668 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Bachelor | $35,060 |
| Religion/Religious Studies. | Bachelor | $33,993 |
| Sociology. | Bachelor | $29,685 |
| Music. | Bachelor | $20,824 |
Campus Life
The 9:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate academic environment where professors know your name. Students gather around the iconic bell tower and mirror lake, centerpieces of what many consider one of America's most beautiful campuses. Weekend activities revolve around Paladin athletics, with 381 student-athletes competing across 14 Division I sports. The Southern Conference rivalry with Wofford brings serious energy to campus. Greek life provides social structure for many students. Greenville's growing food scene and outdoor recreation opportunities in the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains give students plenty of off-campus options. The 90.57% retention rate reflects how students embrace this blend of academic rigor and Southern hospitality.
- Setting
- Suburb-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 2,398 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1826
Campus Safety (2023)
40 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 16 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 8 | 8 | 0 | 0 |
| Arson | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Burglary | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 34°–53°F
- July Avg
- 71°–90°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 47.0"
- Annual Snowfall
- 1.9"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 42.6%
- Women
- 57.4%
- White
- 73.2%
- Black
- 6.8%
- Hispanic
- 7.1%
- Asian
- 3.4%
- In-State Students
- 28.6%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 11.2%
Location
- Address
- Greenville, South Carolina 29613-6162
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $68,635
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $62,799
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $41,400
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 82.6%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $246/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $23,250
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Furman University?
Furman University admits 67% of applicants, making it moderately selective for a strong liberal arts college. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1260 and 1455 on the SAT, reflecting the university's commitment to academic excellence while remaining accessible to strong students.
How much does Furman University cost after financial aid?
The average net price at Furman University is $29,997, lower than the full sticker price of $75,180. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay an average of just $16,190, while the university provides institutional grants averaging $36,384 to help make this Southern liberal arts education affordable.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Furman University?
Furman University maintains a 9:1 student-faculty ratio, ensuring intimate classroom discussions and personalized attention. With only 2,322 students total, this small liberal arts environment fosters the close mentoring relationships that have defined Furman since 1826.
What do Furman University graduates earn after college?
Furman University graduates earn a median salary of $68,635 ten years after graduation, with an impressive 93.6% employment rate. The university's strong alumni network and liberal arts foundation prepare students for diverse careers, from Nobel laureate Charles Townes to bestselling author Pat Conroy.
Where is Furman University located?
Furman University sits in Greenville, South Carolina, well-known for having one of the most beautiful college campuses in America. The 750-acre campus features a stunning bell tower, swan lake, and manicured gardens that create an inspiring environment for the 2,398 students who live on campus.
Does Furman University compete in Division I athletics?
Furman University competes in NCAA Division I as part of the Southern Conference, fielding 14 varsity sports teams known as the Paladins. With 381 total athletes receiving $13.2 million in athletic scholarships, the university balances competitive athletics with its academic mission in true liberal arts tradition.
