At $29,997/yr net price, Furman University graduates earn $68,635/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $34,635/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $29,997 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $119,988 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $68,635/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$34,635/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 81.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $23,250 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $16,190/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $16,294/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $24,978/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $29,927/yr |
| $110,001+ | $37,271/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economics. | Bachelor | $57,318 | $24,125 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $47,260 | $19,500 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $42,682 | |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $40,140 | $22,631 |
| Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics. | Bachelor | $37,568 | $26,955 |
| Political Science and Government. | Bachelor | $36,668 | $27,000 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Bachelor | $35,060 | |
| Religion/Religious Studies. | Bachelor | $33,993 | |
| Sociology. | Bachelor | $29,685 | |
| Music. | Bachelor | $20,824 | $20,500 |
The Risk Factor
81.5% of students at Furman University graduate within 6 years. Most students who start here finish their degree.
Analysis
Furman University delivers solid returns despite its high sticker price, with graduates earning a median $68,635 ten years out. Your net cost of roughly $30,000 annually puts total four-year expenses around $120,000, creating a reasonable payback timeline for most majors.
Economics majors see the strongest financial outcomes at $57,318 annually, though even this top-earning program carries typical debt loads around $24,125. Business and accounting graduates land in the mid-40s for earnings, which works given the relatively modest debt burdens. Communication majors face a tougher equation with $40,140 earnings against similar debt levels, while romance language graduates encounter the steepest financial challenge with below-average pay and the highest debt at nearly $27,000.
Furman's location in Greenville provides access to growing sectors like manufacturing, healthcare, and financial services, but the regional job market limits salary potential compared to major metropolitan areas. The 81.5% graduation rate means most students complete their degrees, reducing the risk of debt without credentials.
You should consider Furman if your family can handle the net price without excessive borrowing and you plan to study economics or business. The school works best for students targeting regional employment or graduate school preparation. Skip Furman if you need significant financial aid beyond the limited 11.2% of students who receive it, or if you plan to study lower-earning majors while taking on substantial debt. The merit aid environment appears limited, making this primarily a full-pay option for middle and upper-income families.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Furman University worth the cost compared to other schools?
Furman's $30,000 annual net price produces graduates earning $68,635 after 10 years, which is solid but not exceptional for a private liberal arts college. The 81% graduation rate is strong, though the moderate debt load of $23,250 means most students can manage payments.
What majors at Furman University have the best ROI?
Economics graduates earn the most at $57,318 annually, while business majors make $47,260. Liberal arts fields like communications ($40,140) and foreign languages ($37,568) show weaker earning potential relative to the school's cost.
How much debt do Furman University graduates typically have?
The median debt at Furman is $23,250, which is manageable given average graduate earnings of $68,635. Most graduates should be able to handle monthly payments without major financial strain.
Does Furman University provide good financial aid to make it affordable?
Furman's net price of $30,000 represents significant financial aid from the sticker price, but it's still expensive for middle-class families. The school's 67% acceptance rate suggests aid may be competitive rather than guaranteed.