Furman University, established in 1826 in Greenville, South Carolina, is a prestigious private liberal arts college ranked #46 in National Liberal Arts Colleges by U.S. News. Known for its science, music, and political science programs, Furman's 750-acre campus features an Asian garden, a lake, and the Shi Center for Sustainability. The university emphasizes undergraduate research, with 70% of students participating in faculty-led projects.
Furman's ??he Furman Advantage' guarantees every student engaged learning experiences like internships, study abroad, and research. Its location near the Blue Ridge Mountains and downtown Greenville offers cultural and outdoor opportunities. The university also boasts NCAA Division I athletics and a 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio, ensuring personalized education.
Furman University Acceptance Rate
Furman University is somewhat selective. With an acceptance rate of 52.57%, the school is accessible to students who demonstrate foundational academic competency and a readiness for college-level work.
Admissions Guidelines
- Broad Evaluation: Personal growth and vocational goals are considered alongside grades.
- Flexible Standards: Strengths in extracurriculars can often balance an average GPA.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem .
Furman University Admission Requirements
Furman University GPA Requirement
The average GPA of the admitted students at Furman University is 3.61. Furman University is highly selective.
Mostly A’s with a few B’s will keep you competitive. Taking AP/IB courses related to your field will improve your chances.
If your GPA is between 3.31 and 3.61, a strong SAT or ACT score is recommended.
Furman University GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Selective; solid academic performance is expected.
Recommended Strategy: Focus on a Strong 'Spike' in extracurriculars or research.
Admissions at Furman University utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.61, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
| Candidate GPA Range | Admission Category | Strategic Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| 3.61 – 4.00 | Target/Match | Maintain Rigor & High Testing |
| 3.41 – 3.60 | Competitive Match | Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation |
| 3.21 – 3.40 | Secondary Reach | Personal Statement & Impact |
| Below 3.20 | Institutional Reach | Requires Significant Contextual Factors |
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- The Rigor Metric: At Furman University, a slightly lower GPA (e.g., 3.8) in a transcript featuring multiple AP or IB courses is often prioritized over a 4.0 in a standard curriculum.
- The Upward Trend: If your early high school grades were lower, an upward trajectory in 11th and 12th grade demonstrates Academic Resilience.
Data Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Calculated via College Portal’s Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards.
Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Furman University SAT Requirements
Each school has different requirements for SAT and ACT testing. For the 2026 academic cycle, the landscape of standardized testing has shifted back toward Test-Required policies at the majority of highly selective and Ivy+ institutions. Following a multi-year "Test-Optional" pilot, data-driven results have led universities like Harvard, Yale, Brown, and the University of Texas at Austin to reinstate the SAT and ACT as mandatory components of the application.
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2025 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
Furman University Average SAT Score: 1364
The average SAT score of the admitted students at Furman University is 1364 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
This score makes it Competitive for SAT scores. You need to do well to score 1364 on the SAT.
Key Insight:Aim for the 75th percentile (1425 SAT or 32 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. Furman University allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 1260, you must retake the SAT to improve your chances of admission to Furman University. It is not strange to appear multiple times for the SAT to improve scores. Colleges don’t mind if you have appeared multiple times, but not more than 5 times.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 658 | 610 | 705 |
| SAT Reading | 685 | 650 | 720 |
| SAT Composite | 1364 | 1260 | 1425 |
It means that if you have scored less than 1260 then you are below most of the admitted students at Furman University and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1425 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students. View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1350
Can I get into Furman University with a 1450 SAT?
With a 1450 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Furman University are good but the admission staff at Furman University tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
Furman University ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at Furman University is 30.
ACT Competitiveness
This score makes Furman University very Competitive for ACT scores. You need to do very well to score 30 on the ACT.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 28 | 26 | 30 |
| ACT English | 32 | 28 | 35 |
| ACT Composite | 30 | 28 | 32 |
Can I get into Furman University with a 32 ACT?
With a 32 ACT Score, your chances of admission at Furman University are good but the admission staff does not check your ACT Score only. The College Admission process tests your all-around personality and academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission.
View a list of all colleges with an average ACT score of 30.Furman University Profile
Name: Furman University (Furman University)
City: Greenville
URL: www.furman.edu/
State: South Carolina
Type: Non-Profit Private
Zip: 29613-6162
Campus: Main
Accredited by: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
How much does a degree from Furman University Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Furman University is USD: 73760. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Furman University is much less than this.
How can I get a scholarship?
11.21% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 27.81 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to Furman University and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Furman University, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist Furman University as your choice in the form.
How much a Furman University Graduate make?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is USD 68635. An average Furman University graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4-6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is USD: 40595
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Furman University. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Alabama in Huntsville | University of Alabama in Huntsville, AL | 1321 | 28 |
| Auburn University | Auburn University, AL | 1318 | 28 |
| Hendrix College | Hendrix College, AR | 1336 | 29 |
| Chapman University | Chapman University, CA | 1353 | 30 |
| University of Colorado Boulder | University of Colorado Boulder, CO | 1353 | 31 |
| University of Denver | University of Denver, CO | 1344 | 31 |
| University of Connecticut | University of Connecticut, CT | 1338 | 31 |
| Fairfield University | Fairfield University, CT | 1323 | 31 |
| Florida State University | Florida State University, FL | 1323 | 29 |
| Centre College | Centre College, KY | 1345 | 29 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Furman University. If your SAT or ACT score are competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pepperdine University | Pepperdine University, CA | 1367 | 29 |
| Westmont College | Westmont College, CA | 1367 | 32 |
| United States Air Force Academy | United States Air Force Academy, CO | 1362 | 30 |
| Wheaton College | Wheaton College, IL | 1363 | 30 |
| Emerson College | Emerson College, MA | 1359 | 32 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Furman University. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Clara University | Santa Clara University, CA | 1417 | 32 |
| Colorado School of Mines | Colorado School of Mines, CO | 1403 | 31 |
| Connecticut College | Connecticut College, CT | 1412 | 32 |
| Trinity College | Trinity College, CT | 1396 | 32 |
| George Washington University | George Washington University, DC | 1433 | 33 |
Degree Programs
Bachelor Degree Programs
- Accounting and Related Services
- Anthropology
- Applied Mathematics
- Area Studies
- Biology, General
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Chemistry
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Communication and Media Studies
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
Frequently Asked Questions About Furman University Admissions
Answer: Graduates of this university typically earn a moderate salary, $68635 annually, with some fluctuation based on the field.
Question: What is the tuition fee?
Answer: The tuition fee at this university is quite high, approximately $73760 or more per year for out-of-state students, so it is important to consider additional funding options.
Question: What are my chances of getting a scholarship ?
Answer: Your chances of getting a scholarship are lower, 50% or less. It's important to apply early and showcase a strong academic profile.
Question: What is the acceptance rate?
Answer: The acceptance rate of Furman University is 52.57 which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
Question: What is the average GPA of admitted students?
Answer: The average GPA of admitted students is 3.61. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
Question: What is the minimum GPA required for admission?
Answer: While there is no single 'cutoff' that guarantees a rejection, admission staff uses your GPA to determine if you are a best fit. If you have at least a 3.31, you're in the standard pool. If you are below a 3.31, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
Question: What are my chances with a 3.31 GPA?
Answer: If your GPA is 3.21 or less, it may makes admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays. But this does not mean that you must not apply, or you do not have any chances. With additional AP courses, you can increase your chances even with this GPA.
Question: Can I apply to Furman University if my GPA is below 3.21
Answer: While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.61, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Question: How competitive is the SAT score requirement
Answer: Admission to Furman University is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1364 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1260-1425
Question: Is it possible to transfer from another university?
Answer: Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
Question: How can I improve my chances of getting Admissions?
Answer: To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.
Full list of All degree programs offered by Furman University.
Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard's latest data as provided in 2025, US Department of Education's latest 2025 statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.