Furman University vs University of South Carolina-Columbia
Furman University is a private university in Greenville, SC. University of South Carolina-Columbia is a public university in Columbia, SC. Furman University admits about 43% of applicants and University of South Carolina-Columbia about 60%, making Furman University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $22,811 a year at University of South Carolina-Columbia after aid, and about $30,308 at Furman University. About 80% of students graduate at Furman University, compared with 78% at University of South Carolina-Columbia. Ten years after enrolling, Furman University alumni earn a median of about $68,635, against $62,177 for University of South Carolina-Columbia.
See which of these two fits you, and what each would actually cost you.
Start the free quiz
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.
- Is Furman University or University of South Carolina-Columbia harder to get into?
- Furman University is harder to get into. It admits about 43% of applicants, compared with 60% at University of South Carolina-Columbia. 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 University of South Carolina-Columbia?
- University of South Carolina-Columbia is cheaper on average. Students pay about $22,811 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 University of South Carolina-Columbia?
- Before aid, University of South Carolina-Columbia costs about $31,638 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 University of South Carolina-Columbia?
- University of South Carolina-Columbia. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $12,634 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, Furman University or University of South Carolina-Columbia?
- University of South Carolina-Columbia is the larger of the two, with about 29,820 undergraduates against 2,379 at Furman University.
- Does Furman University or University of South Carolina-Columbia have a better graduation rate?
- Furman University has the higher graduation rate, at about 80% against 78% at University of South Carolina-Columbia.
- Do graduates of Furman University or University of South Carolina-Columbia earn more?
- Furman University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $68,635 ten years after enrolling, against about $62,177 for University of South Carolina-Columbia. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Furman University and University of South Carolina-Columbia require SAT or ACT scores?
- Furman University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. University of South Carolina-Columbia is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do Furman University and University of South Carolina-Columbia look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1260–1430 at Furman University and 1180–1360 at University of South Carolina-Columbia. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
Which of these is the better fit for you?
These lists are a great start, but the one list that actually matters is yours. Blueprint builds it in two free steps.