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Furman University vs South Carolina State University

Furman University is a private university in Greenville, SC. South Carolina State University is a public university in Orangeburg, SC. Furman University admits about 43% of applicants and South Carolina State University about 83%, making Furman University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $18,097 a year at South Carolina State University after aid, and about $30,308 at Furman University. About 80% of students graduate at Furman University, compared with 33% at South Carolina State University. Ten years after enrolling, Furman University alumni earn a median of about $68,635, against $38,262 for South Carolina State University.

Furman University

Greenville, SC · Private

South Carolina State University

Orangeburg, SC · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Greenville, SC
Orangeburg, SC
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
2,379
2,934
Acceptance rate
43%
83%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.45–4
3.26–3.76
SAT (middle 50%)
1260–1430
800–1050
ACT (middle 50%)
28–32
15–19
Test policy
Test optional
Test blind
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$30,308
$18,097
Full cost / yr
$76,798
$30,015
In-state tuition
$59,770
$11,060
Out-of-state tuition
$59,770
$21,750
Application fee
$0
$25
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$16,401
$16,846
$30k - $48k
$17,290
$16,968
$48k - $75k
$21,041
$20,449
$75k - $110k
$27,736
$22,587
Over $110k
$39,310
$24,523
Outcomes
Graduation rate
80%
33%
Freshman retention
91%
56%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$50,796
$30,064
Median earnings (10 yr)
$68,635
$38,262
Median debt at graduation
$23,250
$31,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
13%
70%
First-generation students
12%
36%
International students
6%
0%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Not reported
Early action
Nov 1
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 15
Rolling

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 Furman University or South Carolina State University harder to get into?
Furman University is harder to get into. It admits about 43% of applicants, compared with 83% at South Carolina State 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, Furman University or South Carolina State University?
South Carolina State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $18,097 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 Furman University and South Carolina State University?
Before aid, South Carolina State University costs about $30,015 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, Furman University or South Carolina State University?
Furman University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $16,401 there, against about $16,846 at South Carolina State University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Furman University or South Carolina State University?
South Carolina State University is the larger of the two, with about 2,934 undergraduates against 2,379 at Furman University.
Does Furman University or South Carolina State University have a better graduation rate?
Furman University has the higher graduation rate, at about 80% against 33% at South Carolina State University.
Do graduates of Furman University or South Carolina State University earn more?
Furman University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $68,635 ten years after enrolling, against about $38,262 for South Carolina State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Furman University and South Carolina State University require SAT or ACT scores?
Furman University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. South Carolina State University is test blind and does not consider SAT or ACT scores at all.
What SAT scores do Furman University and South Carolina State University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1260–1430 at Furman University and 800–1050 at South Carolina State University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

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