| Course Level: | Bachelor's | |
|---|---|---|
| Course Duration: | 4 Years | |
| Course Language: | English | |
| Required Degree | Class 12th | |
| Course Level: | Bachelor's | |
|---|---|---|
| Course Program: | Art & Humanities | |
| Course Duration: | 4 Years | |
| Course Language: | English | |
| Required Degree | Class 12th | |
Founded: 1826
Type: Private, Liberal Arts
Enrollment: Around 2,500 undergraduate students
Campus Size: 750 acres, known for its beauty (including a lake, rose garden, and the iconic Bell Tower)
Offers more than 60 areas of study including majors, minors, and interdisciplinary programs.
Known for strong programs in Political Science, Business, Health Sciences, Environmental Studies, and Music.
Emphasizes undergraduate research, internships, and study away opportunities.
Uses a unique approach called The Furman Advantage, which blends classroom learning with real-world experiences and mentorship.
This is Furman's signature academic program, focusing on:
Personalized education
Mentored research
Internships & career development
Community-engaged learning
Goal: Prepare students for meaningful careers and lives of purpose
Offers over 50 study away programs in more than 30 countries.
Includes semester-long and short-term travel opportunities.
Active student body with 150+ student organizations
Strong arts scene: renowned music program, theatre productions, and cultural events
NCAA Division I athletics (Southern Conference) – the Furman Paladins
Vibrant Greek life (about 50% of students participate)
Nestled at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains
Just minutes from downtown Greenville, which is known for its arts, food scene, and outdoor activities
Tuition (2024-2025): Around $57,000 per year (before aid)
Offers need-based and merit-based aid, with over 95% of students receiving financial assistance
English
History
Philosophy
Politics and International Affairs
Religion
Sociology
Communication Studies
Languages (Chinese, French, German, Spanish)
Biology
Chemistry
Earth, Environmental, and Sustainability Sciences
Mathematics
Physics
Neuroscience
Accounting
Business Administration
Economics
Health Sciences
Neuroscience
Sustainability Science
Computer Science
Data Analytics
Art (Studio Art, Art History)
Music (includes Performance, Theory, Composition, and Music Education)
Theatre Arts
Educational Studies
(Teacher certification available in cooperation with programs)
Asian Studies
African and African American Studies
Latin American and Latinx Studies
Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
Urban Studies
Public Health
Film Studies
Furman doesn’t offer traditional professional degrees like engineering or nursing, but it offers advising and coursework for students pursuing:
Pre-Med / Pre-Health
Pre-Law
Pre-Engineering (3-2 dual-degree programs with partner institutions)
Pre-Business / MBA Prep
The Furman Advantage (structured pathway that includes experiential learning)
Undergraduate Research Opportunities in every major
Engaged Learning like internships, service learning, and capstone projects
Program Name |
Duration |
Tuition Fees/Year (USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
Accounting |
4 Years |
$57,360 |
|
Art (Studio Art / Art History) |
4 Years |
$57,360 |
|
Asian Studies |
4 Years |
$57,360 |
|
Biology |
4 Years |
$57,360 |
|
Business Administration |
4 Years |
$57,360 |
|
Chemistry |
4 Years |
$57,360 |
|
Communication Studies |
4 Years |
$57,360 |
|
Computer Science |
4 Years |
$57,360 |
|
Data Analytics |
4 Years |
$57,360 |
|
Earth, Environmental & Sustainability |
4 Years |
$57,360 |
|
Economics |
4 Years |
$57,360 |
|
Education Studies |
4 Years |
$57,360 |
|
English |
4 Years |
$57,360 |
|
Film Studies (Interdisciplinary) |
4 Years |
$57,360 |
|
French |
4 Years |
$57,360 |
|
German |
4 Years |
$57,360 |
|
Health Sciences |
4 Years |
$57,360 |
|
History |
4 Years |
$57,360 |
|
Mathematics |
4 Years |
$57,360 |
|
Music (Performance, Composition, etc.) |
4 Years |
$57,360 |
|
Neuroscience |
4 Years |
$57,360 |
|
Philosophy |
4 Years |
$57,360 |
|
Physics |
4 Years |
$57,360 |
|
Politics and International Affairs |
4 Years |
$57,360 |
|
Psychology |
4 Years |
$57,360 |
|
Religion |
4 Years |
$57,360 |
|
Sociology |
4 Years |
$57,360 |
|
Spanish |
4 Years |
$57,360 |
|
Sustainability Science |
4 Years |
$57,360 |
|
Theatre Arts |
4 Years |
$57,360 |
|
Urban Studies (Interdisciplinary) |
4 Years |
$57,360 |
|
Women’s, Gender & Sexuality Studies |
4 Years |
$57,360 |
Program Name |
Duration |
Tuition Fees/Year (USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
Master of Arts in Education (M.A.Ed.) |
1–2 Years |
$12,600–$17,000 |
|
Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) |
1–2 Years |
$17,000 |
|
Master of Science in Community Engaged Medicine (M.S.) |
1 Year |
$30,000 |
|
Master of Arts in Strategic Design |
1 Year |
~$17,000 |
Category |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Location |
Greenville, South Carolina, USA |
|
Type |
Private Liberal Arts University |
|
Total Enrollment |
~2,500 undergraduates |
|
International Students |
Around 4–5% of student population (from 30+ countries) |
|
Academic Programs |
60+ majors, minors & interdisciplinary programs (All undergraduate-focused) |
|
Degrees Offered |
Mainly Bachelor’s + limited Master’s (no PhD/Doctorate) |
Application Platforms: Common App or Furman Application
Required Documents:
Official secondary school transcripts (translated to English)
English language proficiency test (TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo)
SAT or ACT (optional for most programs)
Letters of recommendation
Personal statement/essay
Application Deadlines:
Early Decision I: November 1
Early Decision II / Regular Decision: January 15
Merit-based scholarships available (automatically considered with application)
Some need-based aid offered to international students (must submit CSS Profile)
Scholarships range from $10,000 to full tuition
Guaranteed on-campus housing
International Student Association & cultural events
Orientation programs specifically for international students
One-on-one academic advising and career coaching
On-campus work opportunities available (up to 20 hrs/week during school)
International Admissions Office
Office of Study Away and International Education
Visa and immigration advising (F-1 student visa support)
Counseling and health services
Career and internship guidance
Small class sizes (11:1 student-to-faculty ratio)
Strong undergraduate research opportunities
Beautiful, safe campus
Close-knit community with personalized attention
Access to internships and study abroad
Step |
What to Do |
Details |
|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Choose Application Platform |
Use either the Common Application or Furman’s own online application |
|
2 |
Select Admission Plan |
- Early Decision I (Binding) – Nov 1 |
|
3 |
Submit Required Documents |
See below for document checklist |
|
4 |
Optional Interview |
Can request an interview (virtual or in-person) to enhance application |
|
5 |
Track Application Status |
Through the applicant portal after submission |
|
6 |
Receive Admission Decision |
Rolling admissions after deadlines (typically by March for Regular Decision) |
|
7 |
Accept Offer & Apply for Visa (For international) |
Submit deposit and begin F-1 visa process |
Completed application (via Common App or Furman App)
Official high school transcripts
Counselor recommendation
1–2 teacher recommendations
Personal essay (Common App prompts accepted)
Extracurricular list or resume (optional)
English proficiency test (TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo)
SAT or ACT (optional but recommended for scholarship consideration)
Financial certification or bank statement (for I-20 form)
Passport copy
CSS Profile (if applying for need-based aid)
Test Type |
Requirement |
|---|---|
|
SAT/ACT |
Test-optional (can be submitted for scholarships or STEM programs) |
|
TOEFL (iBT) |
Minimum 85+ (for international students) |
|
IELTS |
Minimum 6.5+ |
|
Duolingo English Test |
Minimum 115+ |
$50 USD (Fee waivers available upon request)
Automatic consideration for merit-based scholarships when you apply
Need-based aid requires submission of the CSS Profile (especially for international students)
Some scholarships are competitive and may require additional essays or interviews
Admission Plan |
Application Deadline |
Decision Notification |
Binding? |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Early Decision I |
November 1 |
Mid-December |
Yes |
|
Early Action |
December 1 |
Late January |
No |
|
Early Decision II |
January 15 |
Early February |
Yes |
|
Regular Decision |
January 15 |
Early March |
No |
Fall Semester (August start) is the main intake.
Furman does not typically offer Spring or Summer intakes for new international undergraduates.
Requirement |
Details |
|---|---|
|
High School Completion |
Must have completed secondary/high school education or equivalent |
|
GPA |
Recommended minimum GPA: 3.0+ (on 4.0 scale) |
|
Academic Rigor |
Strong college-prep curriculum (English, math, science, social studies, foreign language) |
|
Standardized Tests |
Test-optional, but SAT/ACT can support application and aid eligibility |
Requirement |
Details |
|---|---|
|
English Proficiency Test |
TOEFL iBT (min 85), IELTS (min 6.5), or Duolingo (min 115) |
|
High School Transcripts |
Must be officially translated into English if applicable |
|
Financial Documentation |
Must show ability to cover tuition/living costs (for visa) |
|
Passport Copy |
Required for I-20 (F-1 visa document) |
|
Optional: SAT/ACT Scores |
Recommended for merit scholarships, STEM programs |
Personal essay
Letters of recommendation
Extracurricular involvement
Leadership & community service
Interviews (optional but recommended for international applicants)
Ranking Organization |
Category |
Furman University Ranking |
|---|---|---|
|
QS World University Rankings |
Global Universities |
Not Ranked Globally (Primarily undergraduate liberal arts colleges in the U.S. are rarely ranked in QS) |
|
U.S. News & World Report |
National Liberal Arts Colleges (USA) |
Top 50 |
|
U.S. News |
Best Undergraduate Teaching |
Top 25 |
|
U.S. News |
Best Value Schools (Liberal Arts Colleges) |
Top 30 |
|
U.S. News |
Most Innovative Schools (Liberal Arts) |
Top 25 |
|
Niche.com |
Best Colleges in South Carolina |
#1 or #2 |
|
Forbes |
Top Colleges in the South |
Top Tier |
|
The Princeton Review |
Green Colleges (Sustainability Focus) |
Listed as a Green College |
Scholarship Name |
Eligibility |
Award Amount (USD) |
Renewable |
Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
James B. Duke Scholarship |
Top academic achievers with leadership |
Full Tuition + Stipend |
Yes (4 years) |
Furman's most prestigious merit award; highly competitive |
|
Bell Tower Scholarship |
Strong academic profile; holistic application |
$10,000 – $35,000/year |
Yes |
Most common merit scholarship; awarded automatically based on application |
|
Hollingsworth Scholarship |
Academics + community service focus |
(up to Full Tuition) |
Yes |
Competitive and requires interview or additional application |
|
Charles H. Townes Scholarship |
Academically gifted students in STEM |
$35,000 – Full Tuition |
Yes |
Named after Nobel laureate Charles Townes |
|
Riley Institute Diversity Leaders Scholarship |
Students promoting diversity & inclusion |
Up to Full Tuition |
Yes |
Focus on leadership and community engagement |
|
Music Scholarships |
Music talent (any major, not just music) |
$1,000 – $20,000/year |
Yes |
Requires audition |
|
Art, Theatre, and Other Talent Scholarships |
Creative/artistic students |
N/A |
Yes |
Requires portfolio or audition |
|
Need-Based Financial Aid |
Based on family financial situation (CSS Profile) |
(up to full need met) |
Reviewed yearly |
International students can also apply for need-based aid |
Category |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Campus Size |
750 acres |
|
Campus Highlights |
On-campus lake, Bell Tower, hiking trails, golf course, rose garden, green spaces |
|
Location |
Greenville, South Carolina – vibrant downtown, close to Blue Ridge Mountains |
|
Residential Requirement |
On-campus housing is required for all students for the first three years |
|
Housing Capacity |
100% of first-year students and ~95% of all undergraduates live on campus |
Housing Type |
Description |
Cost per Year (USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
Traditional Residence Halls |
Shared double rooms, common bathrooms, community spaces |
~$8,000 – $9,000 |
|
Suite-Style Housing |
2-4 students sharing rooms + semi-private bathroom |
~$9,500 – $10,500 |
|
Apartment-Style (Upperclassmen) |
Private or shared bedrooms, kitchenettes, living area |
~$10,500 – $12,000 |
|
Theme Housing / Living-Learning Communities |
Themed housing options tied to academics or interests (e.g. sustainability, wellness) |
~$9,000 – $11,000 |
|
Fraternity/Sorority Housing |
Available for Greek life members (limited availability) |
~$9,000 – $10,000 |
Student life at Furman University is vibrant, community-driven, and packed with opportunities for personal growth, leadership, and fun. With a beautiful campus and a tight-knit student body of about 2,500 undergraduates, Furman offers the kind of close community that makes students feel supported while still having plenty to explore.
First off, living on campus is a big part of the experience. Students are required to live on campus for the first three years, which helps foster strong friendships and a strong sense of community. The residence halls are comfortable, social, and close to all academic buildings and dining options.
Furman has over 150 student organizations, ranging from academic clubs and honor societies to cultural groups, service organizations, and performance groups. Whether you're interested in debate, environmental sustainability, improv comedy, or entrepreneurship, there's something for everyone. If not, students can even start their own club with ease.
Greek life is active, with about 50% of students participating in fraternities or sororities. However, it’s not the only way to get involved—many students are deeply involved in student government, service-learning programs, and leadership roles across campus.
Furman also has a strong focus on arts and music. Students can participate in theatre productions, choir, jazz bands, and more—regardless of their major. The university has a conservatory-quality music program, and concerts and performances are regular events on campus.
Athletics play a key role in student life as well. Furman competes in NCAA Division I (Southern Conference) as the "Paladins." Students enjoy cheering on their teams in sports like football, basketball, soccer, and cross country. There are also lots of club and intramural sports for students who want to stay active without going varsity.
When it comes to wellness, Furman supports students with mental health counseling, fitness programs, and a health center on campus. The university is also big on outdoor life—the campus has walking and biking trails, and the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains are perfect for weekend hikes.
And let’s not forget Furman’s proximity to Greenville, South Carolina—a lively and artsy town just a few miles from campus. Students often head downtown for food, festivals, concerts, shopping, and internships. It adds an urban dimension to an otherwise peaceful campus setting.
In short, student life at Furman is about connection, opportunity, and finding your niche. Whether you're into academics, activism, athletics, or the arts, you'll find your community here.
Furman’s Center for Career and Professional Development (CCPD) provides comprehensive support, including:
Career counseling and coaching
Resume and cover letter help
Mock interviews
Graduate school preparation
Internship placement assistance
Networking events and career fairs
Each student is assigned a career coach to guide them throughout their four years.
96% of graduates are employed, in graduate school, or in full-time service (like Teach for America or Peace Corps) within 6 months of graduation.
Students complete at least one high-impact experience (e.g., research, internship, or study abroad) before graduating.
Strong alumni network and employer partnerships help students land jobs and internships.
Deloitte
Bank of America
Ernst & Young (EY)
BMW North America
Prisma Health
Teach For America
U.S. Government (FBI, State Department)
Multiple nonprofit and environmental organizations
Many Furman grads pursue advanced degrees at top institutions, including:
Duke University
Harvard University
Emory University
Vanderbilt University
University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill
Georgetown University
Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC)
Business & Consulting
Health Sciences & Medicine
Public Policy & Government
Environmental Science & Sustainability
Law
Education
Arts, Media & Communication
Technology & Data Analytics
The Furman Advantage ensures every student has at least one mentored professional experience.
Strong support for students applying to medical, law, and graduate schools.
Personalized mentorship from faculty and staff.
The acceptance rate at Furman University (USA) is approximately 67%.
Acceptance Rate: ~67%
Admission Type: Selective, but not highly competitive
Average GPA of Admitted Students: 3.6 – 4.0 (unweighted, on a 4.0 scale)
Test-Optional Policy: Yes (SAT/ACT optional, though can enhance application/scholarship chances)
Holistic Review: Yes – Furman considers academics, extracurriculars, essays, recommendations, and character
Strong academic record (especially in college-prep courses)
Leadership roles or community involvement
A compelling personal essay
Demonstrated interest (campus visit, interview, or contact with admissions)
Applying Early Decision or Early Action
Address:
3300 Poinsett Highway
Greenville, SC 29613
United States
Region: Southeastern United States
Setting: Suburban, with a scenic 750-acre campus featuring lakes, trails, gardens, and the iconic Bell Tower
Distance from Downtown Greenville:
About 5 miles (8 km) – easily accessible for dining, shopping, internships, and entertainment
Nearby Attractions:
Blue Ridge Mountains (perfect for hiking and outdoor activities)
Falls Park on the Reedy
Swamp Rabbit Trail (connects the campus to downtown by bike or on foot)
Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (about 25 minutes away)
