Furman University

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63.3
College Consensus
AVERAGE: 69
47.6
Publisher Consensus
AVERAGE: 58.7
78.9
Student Consensus
AVERAGE: 76.9
Publisher Ratings
82.4
U.S. News - National Liberal Arts Colleges
66.4
Washington Monthly Liberal Arts
42.2
Wallethub
37.9
Forbes
9.4
Wall Street Journal
Student Reviews
85.4
U.S. News - Reviews
80.2
Grad Reports
79
Unigo
77.5
My Plan
72.5
Niche
Scores last updated on January 6, 2024
67%
Percent Admitted
73%
4-year Graduation Rate
2,443
Enrollment
9.0:1
Student-to-Faculty Ratio
$35,600
Average Undergraduate Students Aid
$55,772
In-State Tuition and Fees
$55,772
Out-of-State Tuition and Fees
= Average
Sector
Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
Carnegie Classification
Baccalaureate Colleges: Arts & Sciences Focus
Religious Affiliation
Not applicable

Furman University is located in Greenville, SC at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Established in 1826 by the South Carolina Baptist Convention, the school was named for Baptist Minister Richard Furman. It is the oldest college in South Carolina. Furman left the Baptist Convention in 1992, but has kept the Judeo-Christian ethics associated with the church. Set on 750 acres, the campus is notable for its Bell Tower and the 40-acre Swan Lake. Additionally, the campus features an Asian Garden, which includes the Place of Peace, a Buddhist temple moved to the site from Japan and reconstructed and a replica of Henry David Thoreau’s cabin from On Walden Pond, located on the west side of the lake. Alumni include Lay snack foods founder Herman Lay and singer/songwriter Amy Grant.

Academic Programs

Furman University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges and offers Bachelor’s Degrees and Master’s Degrees in 42 majors. Presently, there are no online degree programs, but over 2/3 of the student body completes an Internship during their academic career. Furman is noted for Music and Teacher Education programs, although the largest programs on campus are in Social Sciences and Business fields. In the fall of 2016, the university unveiled The Furman Advantage, a strategic vision that combines learning with immersive experiences outside the classroom, creating a personalized pathway that prepares students for lives of purpose, successful careers and community benefit.

According to Furman University’s Mission Statement, the school’s “primary mission… is to provide a distinctive undergraduate education encompassing humanities, fine arts, social sciences, mathematics and the natural sciences, and selected professional disciplines. At the heart of the undergraduate program are the general education requirements. The requirements ensure that all undergraduates will be introduced to the major methods of inquiry that characterize liberal study. In accordance with the traditional assumptions of liberal education, both out-of-class and in-class experiences are designed to develop the whole person — intellectually, physically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually. Furman seeks highly motivated students with inquisitive minds, varied perspectives, a sense of personal integrity and moral responsibility with the potential to be leaders and to make future contributions to society.”

Student Life

Over 2800 students are enrolled at Furman University; all full-time students are required to live on campus (except commuting students) for their entire time in school. The campus offers 12 dormitories in 2 locations. There are many clubs available for student involvement, ranging from various interests to club and intramural sports. For the varsity athlete, the purple & white Paladins field teams in 20 sports and participate in NCAA Division I competition. Furman University never strays far from its roots; the school’s Value Statement reads: “Founded by Baptists and grounded in Judeo-Christian values, Furman challenges students, faculty, and staff to grow both in knowledge and in faith… Furman aspires to be a diverse community of women and men of different races, religions, geographic origins, socioeconomic backgrounds, personal characteristics, and interests. This diversity reflects values the university hopes to embody: openness, honesty, tolerance and mutual respect, civic responsibility, global awareness, and bold intellectual inquiry. These values foster a critical examination of inherited assumptions, even as they protect freedom of expression and the open exchange of ideas. In sum, Furman University aspires to be a diverse community of learning, harmonious in its differences, just and compassionate in its transactions, and steadfast in its commitment to an educational program of the highest quality.”

Ready to start your journey?

Get a personalized list of degree programs that fit your needs.

Ready to start your journey?

Get a personalized list of degree programs that fit your needs.