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Furman University

Greenville, SC

private nonprofitgraduate

Quick Facts

Christo et Doctrinae(For Christ and Learning)

1826
Founded
Private liberal arts university
Type
2,322
Total Students
2,283
Undergrad
160
Graduate
$886M
Endowment
(2025)
$58K
Tuition (In-State)
$58K
Tuition (Out-State)
$30K
Avg Net Price
53%
Acceptance Rate
81%
Graduation Rate
6-year
91%
Retention Rate
Baccalaureate Colleges
Classification
President: Elizabeth Davis

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Furman University

Experience a rigorous liberal arts education in a stunning South Carolina setting.

Furman University, established in 1826, stands as a premier private liberal arts institution, renowned for providing a rigorous and transformative educational experience. With its inspiring motto, "Christo et Doctrinae" (For Christ and Learning), Furman fosters intellectual curiosity and personal growth within a vibrant academic community. Students thrive in an environment that blends traditional academic excellence with opportunities for hands-on learning and community engagement, all set against a backdrop of natural beauty in Greenville, South Carolina.

The university's rich history began as the Furman Academy and Theological Institution, enduring several early moves and closures before being chartered as Furman University in 1850 and finding its permanent home in Greenville in 1851. It navigated challenging periods, including a closure during the Civil War, consistently adapting and evolving to meet the needs of its students and society. This resilience underscores a deep commitment to its foundational principles while continuously striving for progress.

In the 21st century, Furman continues to build on its legacy while actively addressing its historical context. The university publicly confronted its past ties to slavery and racism, leading to the "Seeking Abraham" report in 2018 and subsequent actions like renaming Furman Hall and commissioning a statue to honor Joseph Vaughn, the university's first Black student. This commitment to truth and reconciliation, combined with modern facilities like the recently expanded Trone Student Center, ensures a supportive and forward-looking environment for all students.

Key Highlights

  • A distinguished private liberal arts university founded in 1826.
  • Boasts a substantial $0.9 billion endowment, supporting its mission and resources.
  • Features state-of-the-art student facilities, including the Trone Student Center, significantly renovated in 2012 with a $3.5 million gift.
  • Pioneered a critical self-assessment with the 2018 "Seeking Abraham" report, leading to institutional reforms acknowledging its historical ties to slavery.
  • Dedicated to honoring its full history, including erecting a statue for Joseph Vaughn, Furman's first Black student.
  • Operates under the inspiring motto, "Christo et Doctrinae" (For Christ and Learning), guiding its educational philosophy.

Timeline

1825
Incorporated as Furman Academy and Theological Institution.
1828
Held its inaugural classes.
1850
Chartered as Furman University by the state legislature.
1851
Relocated permanently to Greenville, South Carolina.
1861
University closed during the Civil War (until 1866).
2012
The Trone Student Center underwent a significant expansion and renovation.
2018
Issued the "Seeking Abraham" report, leading to crucial reconciliation efforts regarding its historical ties to slavery.
🏛️
200 Years
of Excellence

Leadership

Elizabeth Davis
President

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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