Furman University logo

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

Furman: A historic liberal arts university committed to learning and evolving.

Furman University, established in 1826, stands as a distinguished private liberal arts institution with a rich history and a forward-looking approach to education. Guided by its motto, "Christo et Doctrinae" (For Christ and Learning), Furman offers a comprehensive academic experience designed to cultivate well-rounded individuals. Its commitment to intellectual rigor and personal growth is evident in its enduring legacy and continuous adaptation.

The university's journey began as the Furman Academy and Theological Institution, experiencing several relocations and even closures during significant historical periods like the Civil War. In a powerful demonstration of its commitment to truth and reconciliation, Furman recently established a Task Force on Slavery and Justice. This initiative led to meaningful actions, including the renaming of Furman Hall and the erection of a statue honoring Joseph Vaughn, the university's first Black student, acknowledging and addressing its complex past.

For prospective students, Furman offers a vibrant campus life complemented by state-of-the-art facilities. The expanded Trone Student Center serves as a hub for student activities, fostering a strong sense of community. With a substantial endowment of $0.9 billion, Furman provides resources that support a high-quality educational environment and a rich array of opportunities for learning and discovery.

Key Highlights

  • ✦Established in 1826, it is a venerable private liberal arts university in South Carolina.
  • ✦Boasts an impressive $0.9 billion endowment, supporting extensive university resources and programs.
  • ✦Guided by its motto, "Christo et Doctrinae" (For Christ and Learning), emphasizing its foundational values.
  • ✦Features the modern Trone Student Center, significantly expanded and renovated in 2012 to enhance student life.
  • ✦Recently took significant steps to acknowledge its history, including renaming Furman Hall and dedicating a statue to Joseph Vaughn, the university's first Black student.

Timeline

1825
Furman Academy and Theological Institution incorporated by the South Carolina Baptist Convention.
1828
Held its first classes with 10 students.
1850
State legislature chartered the institution as Furman University.
1851
University successfully moved to Greenville, South Carolina.
1861
University closed until 1866, with many students and faculty enlisting in Confederate forces.
2012
New facility for continuing education (Herring Center) was built; Trone Student Center expanded and renovated.
2018
Task Force on Slavery and Justice issued "Seeking Abraham" report with recommendations.
2018
James C. Furman Hall renamed Furman Hall, and a statue honoring Joseph Vaughn erected.
🏛️
200 Years
of Excellence

Leadership

Elizabeth Davis
President

Data from Wikipedia – CC BY-SA 4.0

Find Scholarships at Furman University

Sign up free to discover grants and scholarships you qualify for at this school and thousands more.

Start Your Free Search