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Furman University vs University of South Carolina-Upstate

Furman University is a private university in Greenville, SC, and University of South Carolina-Upstate is a public university in Spartanburg, SC. Furman University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 43% of applicants against 67% at University of South Carolina-Upstate. University of South Carolina-Upstate is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $13,557 a year against $30,308 at Furman University. About 80% of students graduate at Furman University, compared with 43% at University of South Carolina-Upstate. Ten years after enrolling, Furman University alumni earn a median of about $68,635, against $48,587 for University of South Carolina-Upstate.

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Furman University

Greenville, SC · Private

University of South Carolina-Upstate

Spartanburg, SC · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Greenville, SC
Spartanburg, SC
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
2,379
4,038
Acceptance rate
43%
67%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.45–4
3.38–3.88
SAT (middle 50%)
1260–1430
1005–1175
ACT (middle 50%)
28–32
21–26
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$30,308
$13,557
Full cost / yr
$76,798
$25,124
In-state tuition
$59,770
$11,588
Out-of-state tuition
$59,770
$23,090
Application fee
$0
$45
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$16,401
$11,618
$30k - $48k
$17,290
$11,537
$48k - $75k
$21,041
$13,394
$75k - $110k
$27,736
$17,356
Over $110k
$39,310
$19,325
Outcomes
Graduation rate
80%
43%
Freshman retention
91%
70%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$50,796
$43,339
Median earnings (10 yr)
$68,635
$48,587
Median debt at graduation
$23,250
$22,310
Student body
Pell grant recipients
13%
46%
First-generation students
12%
35%
International students
6%
1%
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 University of South Carolina-Upstate harder to get into?
Furman University is harder to get into. It admits about 43% of applicants, compared with 67% at University of South Carolina-Upstate. 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-Upstate?
University of South Carolina-Upstate is cheaper on average. Students pay about $13,557 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-Upstate?
Before aid, University of South Carolina-Upstate costs about $25,124 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-Upstate?
University of South Carolina-Upstate. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $11,618 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-Upstate?
University of South Carolina-Upstate is the larger of the two, with about 4,038 undergraduates against 2,379 at Furman University.
Does Furman University or University of South Carolina-Upstate have a better graduation rate?
Furman University has the higher graduation rate, at about 80% against 43% at University of South Carolina-Upstate.
Do graduates of Furman University or University of South Carolina-Upstate earn more?
Furman University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $68,635 ten years after enrolling, against about $48,587 for University of South Carolina-Upstate. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Furman University and University of South Carolina-Upstate 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-Upstate 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-Upstate look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1260–1430 at Furman University and 1005–1175 at University of South Carolina-Upstate. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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