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Charleston Southern University vs Furman University

Charleston Southern University is a private university in Charleston, SC, and Furman University is a private university in Greenville, SC. Furman University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 43% of applicants against 96% at Charleston Southern University. Charleston Southern University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $21,666 a year against $30,308 at Furman University. About 80% of students graduate at Furman University, compared with 48% at Charleston Southern University. Ten years after enrolling, Furman University alumni earn a median of about $68,635, against $45,898 for Charleston Southern University.

Charleston Southern University

Charleston, SC · Private

Furman University

Greenville, SC · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Charleston, SC
Greenville, SC
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
2,893
2,379
Acceptance rate
96%
43%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.13–3.63
3.45–4
SAT (middle 50%)
930–1160
1260–1430
ACT (middle 50%)
18–24
28–32
Test policy
Considered
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$21,666
$30,308
Full cost / yr
$44,558
$76,798
In-state tuition
$32,520
$59,770
Out-of-state tuition
$32,520
$59,770
Application fee
$25
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$20,145
$16,401
$30k - $48k
$23,024
$17,290
$48k - $75k
$20,697
$21,041
$75k - $110k
$21,648
$27,736
Over $110k
$23,226
$39,310
Outcomes
Graduation rate
48%
80%
Freshman retention
63%
91%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$40,606
$50,796
Median earnings (10 yr)
$45,898
$68,635
Median debt at graduation
$26,471
$23,250
Student body
Pell grant recipients
34%
13%
First-generation students
31%
12%
International students
3%
6%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Nov 1
Early action
Not reported
Nov 1
Regular decision
Rolling
Jan 15

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Charleston Southern University or Furman University harder to get into?
Furman University is harder to get into. It admits about 43% of applicants, compared with 96% at Charleston Southern University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Charleston Southern University or Furman University?
Charleston Southern University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $21,666 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $30,308 at Furman University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Charleston Southern University and Furman University?
Before aid, Charleston Southern University costs about $44,558 a year and Furman University about $76,798. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Charleston Southern University or Furman University?
Furman University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $16,401 there, against about $20,145 at Charleston Southern University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Charleston Southern University or Furman University?
Charleston Southern University is the larger of the two, with about 2,893 undergraduates against 2,379 at Furman University.
Does Charleston Southern University or Furman University have a better graduation rate?
Furman University has the higher graduation rate, at about 80% against 48% at Charleston Southern University.
Do graduates of Charleston Southern University or Furman University earn more?
Furman University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $68,635 ten years after enrolling, against about $45,898 for Charleston Southern University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Charleston Southern University and Furman University require SAT or ACT scores?
Charleston Southern University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them. Furman University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Charleston Southern University and Furman University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 930–1160 at Charleston Southern University and 1260–1430 at Furman University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

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