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Columbia College vs Furman University

Columbia College is a private college in Columbia, 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 94% at Columbia College. Columbia College is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $18,408 a year against $30,308 at Furman University. About 80% of students graduate at Furman University, compared with 45% at Columbia College. Ten years after enrolling, Furman University alumni earn a median of about $68,635, against $41,338 for Columbia College.

Columbia College

Columbia, SC · Private

Furman University

Greenville, SC · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Columbia, SC
Greenville, SC
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
1,343
2,379
Acceptance rate
94%
43%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.09–3.59
3.45–4
SAT (middle 50%)
850–1140
1260–1430
ACT (middle 50%)
14–18
28–32
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$18,408
$30,308
Full cost / yr
$35,258
$76,798
In-state tuition
$22,214
$59,770
Out-of-state tuition
$22,214
$59,770
Application fee
$0
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$17,541
$16,401
$30k - $48k
$17,017
$17,290
$48k - $75k
$16,816
$21,041
$75k - $110k
$22,928
$27,736
Over $110k
$20,399
$39,310
Outcomes
Graduation rate
45%
80%
Freshman retention
60%
91%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$45,863
$50,796
Median earnings (10 yr)
$41,338
$68,635
Median debt at graduation
$22,750
$23,250
Student body
Pell grant recipients
54%
13%
First-generation students
41%
12%
International students
1%
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 Columbia College or Furman University harder to get into?
Furman University is harder to get into. It admits about 43% of applicants, compared with 94% at Columbia College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Columbia College or Furman University?
Columbia College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $18,408 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 Columbia College and Furman University?
Before aid, Columbia College costs about $35,258 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, Columbia College or Furman University?
Furman University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $16,401 there, against about $17,541 at Columbia College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Columbia College or Furman University?
Furman University is the larger of the two, with about 2,379 undergraduates against 1,343 at Columbia College.
Does Columbia College or Furman University have a better graduation rate?
Furman University has the higher graduation rate, at about 80% against 45% at Columbia College.
Do graduates of Columbia College or Furman University earn more?
Furman University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $68,635 ten years after enrolling, against about $41,338 for Columbia College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Columbia College and Furman University require SAT or ACT scores?
Columbia College 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 Columbia College and Furman University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 850–1140 at Columbia College and 1260–1430 at Furman University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

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