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College of Charleston vs Furman University

College of Charleston is a public college in Charleston, SC. Furman University is a private university in Greenville, SC. Furman University admits about 43% of applicants and College of Charleston about 60%, making Furman University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $18,960 a year at College of Charleston after aid, and about $30,308 at Furman University. About 80% of students graduate at Furman University, compared with 65% at College of Charleston. Ten years after enrolling, Furman University alumni earn a median of about $68,635, against $56,416 for College of Charleston.

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College of Charleston

Charleston, SC · Public

Furman University

Greenville, SC · Private
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Charleston, SC
Greenville, SC
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
10,558
2,379
Acceptance rate
60%
43%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.51–4
3.45–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1140–1310
1260–1430
ACT (middle 50%)
25–30
28–32
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$18,960
$30,308
Full cost / yr
$32,362
$76,798
In-state tuition
$12,978
$59,770
Out-of-state tuition
$38,296
$59,770
Application fee
$60
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$12,133
$16,401
$30k - $48k
$13,406
$17,290
$48k - $75k
$16,797
$21,041
$75k - $110k
$20,089
$27,736
Over $110k
$24,996
$39,310
Outcomes
Graduation rate
65%
80%
Freshman retention
82%
91%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$43,821
$50,796
Median earnings (10 yr)
$56,416
$68,635
Median debt at graduation
$23,250
$23,250
Student body
Pell grant recipients
19%
13%
First-generation students
20%
12%
International students
1%
6%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 2
Nov 1
Early action
Nov 2
Nov 1
Regular decision
Feb 15
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 College of Charleston or Furman University harder to get into?
Furman University is harder to get into. It admits about 43% of applicants, compared with 60% at College of Charleston. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, College of Charleston or Furman University?
College of Charleston is cheaper on average. Students pay about $18,960 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 College of Charleston and Furman University?
Before aid, College of Charleston costs about $32,362 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, College of Charleston or Furman University?
College of Charleston. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $12,133 there, against about $16,401 at Furman University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, College of Charleston or Furman University?
College of Charleston is the larger of the two, with about 10,558 undergraduates against 2,379 at Furman University.
Does College of Charleston or Furman University have a better graduation rate?
Furman University has the higher graduation rate, at about 80% against 65% at College of Charleston.
Do graduates of College of Charleston or Furman University earn more?
Furman University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $68,635 ten years after enrolling, against about $56,416 for College of Charleston. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do College of Charleston and Furman University require SAT or ACT scores?
College of Charleston is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Furman University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do College of Charleston and Furman University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1140–1310 at College of Charleston and 1260–1430 at Furman University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school