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Furman University campus

Furman University

https://www.furman.edu ↗

Campus Community Meets Mountain Town Academic Excellence

Furman University is an exceptional match for this student profile, scoring 95/100. The university delivers on every major criterion: strong...

95.00
out of 100
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
STRONG FIT

AI Recommendation

Furman University is an exceptional match for this student profile, scoring 95/100. The university delivers on every major criterion: strong programs across all academic interests (business/marketing, psychology, pre-law, pre-PT), outstanding teacher support with 11:1 ratio and 17-student average class size, vibrant residential campus culture with 95% living on campus, strong school spirit through Division I athletics, perfect location balancing beautiful nature-rich campus with access to thriving Greenville downtown, 217 sunny days annually, and dance team walk-on opportunities. The 85% internship rate, 93% post-graduation success rate, and unique May Experience term provide exceptional career preparation. This is not just a good fit - it's a near-ideal match that addresses every stated preference.

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Performance vs. Average College

Academic
39.0 +9.0
Avg: 30.0 98% of max
Culture
27.0 +5.0
Avg: 22.0 90% of max
Environment
20.0 +5.0
Avg: 15.0 100% of max
Special
9.0 +1.0
Avg: 8.0 90% of max
This College
Average

Score Breakdown

Academic Profile
39.0 /40 (98%)
Furman offers strong programs across all of the student's academic interests. Business major with Marketing concentration provides solid foundation with applied learning emphasis. Psychology is one of the most popular majors with research opportunities. Pre-law advising boasts 80%+ law school acceptance rate. Health Sciences major has pre-PT track with early admission partnerships to PT schools. The only minor limitation is that Marketing is a concentration rather than standalone major, but the liberal arts approach provides excellent breadth for the student's diverse interests (business, pre-law, psychology, pre-PT).
Program Strength
9.0 /10
Furman offers strong programs across all of the student's academic interests. Business major with Marketing concentration provides solid foundation with applied learning emphasis. Psychology is one of the most popular majors with research opportunities. Pre-law advising boasts 80%+ law school acceptance rate. Health Sciences major has pre-PT track with early admission partnerships to PT schools. The only minor limitation is that Marketing is a concentration rather than standalone major, but the liberal arts approach provides excellent breadth for the student's diverse interests (business, pre-law, psychology, pre-PT).
Student Faculty
10.0 /10
Exceptional student-faculty interaction with 11:1 ratio and 17-student average class size. 63% of classes have fewer than 20 students and less than 1% have 50+ students. This directly addresses the student's need for teacher support and smaller classes. The emphasis on undergraduate teaching and discussion-based learning ensures direct professor access and personalized attention throughout all four years.
Applied Learning
10.0 /10
Outstanding applied learning opportunities with 85% of students completing at least one internship. The unique May Experience term is dedicated specifically to internships, research, or study away. Strong corporate partnerships in Greenville (BMW, Michelin, GE, Fluor) provide real-world experience. Emphasis on hands-on learning throughout curriculum, research opportunities for undergraduates, and experiential May Term courses including travel options.
Career Prep
10.0 /10
Exceptional career preparation with 93% of graduates employed or in graduate school within 6 months. Career Services is highly rated with individual advising starting freshman year, not just senior year. Strong pre-professional advising for law school and PT programs. Robust alumni network of 22,000+ with active mentorship program. Resume/interview prep, on-campus recruiting, and graduate school advising all available. The 80%+ law school acceptance rate for advised students is particularly impressive.
Campus Culture
27.0 /30 (90%)
Strong school spirit centered around NCAA Division I athletics in the Southern Conference. Football and basketball draw good crowds with evident Paladin pride. Rich traditions include Bell Tower ceremonies, Homecoming, and May Day. The 90% freshman retention rate and 84% graduation rate indicate students are happy and engaged. School spirit is authentic without being overwhelming or football-dominated, which fits well with the student's desire for strong spirit in a balanced environment.
School Spirit
9.0 /10
Strong school spirit centered around NCAA Division I athletics in the Southern Conference. Football and basketball draw good crowds with evident Paladin pride. Rich traditions include Bell Tower ceremonies, Homecoming, and May Day. The 90% freshman retention rate and 84% graduation rate indicate students are happy and engaged. School spirit is authentic without being overwhelming or football-dominated, which fits well with the student's desire for strong spirit in a balanced environment.
Social Scene
10.0 /10
Perfectly addresses the student's need for an active social scene and NOT a commuter school. 95% of students live on campus all four years, creating a vibrant residential community. Active weekend activities include athletics, Greek events, outdoor recreation, and trips to downtown Greenville. Described as friendly, collaborative, and welcoming with a work-hard, play-hard mentality. Mix of on-campus events and downtown access provides variety. Students report engaged campus life regardless of Greek affiliation.
Greek Life
8.0 /10
Greek life presence at 35-40% participation is moderate and balanced - present enough to contribute to social scene but not so dominant that non-Greek students feel excluded. 9 fraternities and 7 sororities provide options. Non-Greek students report active social lives, indicating Greek life enhances rather than dominates campus culture. This strikes a good balance for a student wanting an active social scene without Greek life being the only option.
Location & Environment
20.0 /20 (100%)
Ideal location that perfectly balances the student's preferences. Beautiful 750-acre suburban campus with lake and walking trails provides nature access, while downtown Greenville is only 5 miles away offering urban amenities. Greenville is a thriving mid-size city (500,000 metro) with revitalized downtown, restaurants, shops, performing arts, and Falls Park. Blue Ridge Mountains are 45 minutes away for hiking and waterfalls, Paris Mountain State Park is 15 minutes away. This is truly the 'best of both worlds' - enclosed beautiful campus with easy city access and abundant nature. GSP airport 20 minutes away, Charlotte airport 90 minutes for major hub access.
Location
10.0 /10
Ideal location that perfectly balances the student's preferences. Beautiful 750-acre suburban campus with lake and walking trails provides nature access, while downtown Greenville is only 5 miles away offering urban amenities. Greenville is a thriving mid-size city (500,000 metro) with revitalized downtown, restaurants, shops, performing arts, and Falls Park. Blue Ridge Mountains are 45 minutes away for hiking and waterfalls, Paris Mountain State Park is 15 minutes away. This is truly the 'best of both worlds' - enclosed beautiful campus with easy city access and abundant nature. GSP airport 20 minutes away, Charlotte airport 90 minutes for major hub access.
Climate
10.0 /10
Excellent match for student who 'loves sunshine.' Approximately 217 sunny days per year with mild winters and warm summers. Average annual temperature of 61°F means comfortable year-round outdoor activities. Four distinct but moderate seasons provide variety without harsh extremes. The climate supports the student's interest in nature and outdoor activities, and the sunshine factor is significantly above the national average of 205 sunny days.
Special Requirements
9.0 /10 (90%)
Furman has a Dance Team that performs at basketball games and competes in UDA College Nationals with annual auditions where walk-ons are welcome. Additionally offers competitive Dance Company (student-run, audition-based) and recreational dance classes/clubs, providing multiple levels of involvement. The availability of walk-on opportunities directly meets the student's special interest. Only minor uncertainty is confirming current walk-on policy and time commitment compatibility with rigorous academics, but multiple dance options at different commitment levels provide flexibility.
Dance Team
9.0 /10
Furman has a Dance Team that performs at basketball games and competes in UDA College Nationals with annual auditions where walk-ons are welcome. Additionally offers competitive Dance Company (student-run, audition-based) and recreational dance classes/clubs, providing multiple levels of involvement. The availability of walk-on opportunities directly meets the student's special interest. Only minor uncertainty is confirming current walk-on policy and time commitment compatibility with rigorous academics, but multiple dance options at different commitment levels provide flexibility.

Top Strengths 7

  • 1 Perfect residential campus culture (95% on-campus) with strong school spirit - directly addresses desire for NOT a commuter school
  • 2 Exceptional academic support with 11:1 ratio, 17-student classes, and discussion-based teaching - meets need for teacher support and smaller classes
  • 3 Ideal location combining 750-acre nature-rich campus, proximity to Greenville downtown, and Blue Ridge Mountains access - balances urban and nature preferences
  • 4 Outstanding climate with 217 sunny days and mild temperatures - perfect for student who loves sunshine and outdoor activities
  • 5 Dance team with walk-on opportunities plus multiple dance involvement levels
  • 6 Strong programs across ALL academic interests with 80%+ law school acceptance and PT school partnerships
  • 7 85% internship participation and 93% career placement rates demonstrate exceptional applied learning and outcomes

Things to Consider 6

  • 1 High cost of attendance ($72,000 total annually) - run net price calculator immediately to determine actual cost with merit/need-based aid
  • 2 Limited economic diversity (15% Pell Grant recipients) means predominantly affluent student body - consider cultural fit
  • 3 Marketing is concentration within Business major rather than standalone major - verify this provides sufficient specialization depth
  • 4 Moderate-conservative campus lean in conservative South Carolina - assess political/cultural comfort level
  • 5 60/40 female/male gender ratio creates imbalance
  • 6 Greek life at 35-40% has moderate social influence - while not overwhelming, it's a factor in social scene

Detailed Research

Internships

Very strong - 85% of students complete at least one internship. Robust connections in Greenville and beyond. May Experience term dedicated to internships, research, or study away. Strong corporate partnerships

Avg Class Size

17 students average. 63% of classes have fewer than 20 students. Less than 1% have 50+ students

Teaching Style

Highly interactive and discussion-based. Emphasis on undergraduate teaching, research opportunities, and hands-on learning. May Term offers intensive experiential courses including travel and internships

Academic Support

Excellent - Writing and Media Lab, peer tutoring, Academic Assistance program, disability services, academic advising. Small classes ensure direct professor access

Career Placement

93% of graduates employed or in graduate school within 6 months. Career Services highly rated with individual advising starting freshman year

Program Rankings

  • No specific major but offers Politics & International Affairs major with pre-law advising. 80%+ law school acceptance rate for advised students
  • Strong program - offers BA in Business & Accounting with concentrations in Marketing, Management, and Finance. Not ranked separately by major publications but part of well-regarded liberal arts curriculum
  • Available as concentration within Business major. Emphasis on applied learning and internships
  • One of most popular majors. Strong department with research opportunities and graduate school preparation
  • Health Sciences major with pre-PT track. Strong science foundation. Partners with several PT schools for early admission programs

Student Faculty Ratio

11:1

Greek Life

Moderate presence - approximately 35-40% of students join fraternities/sororities. Social influence is present but not overwhelming. Non-Greek students report active social lives. 9 fraternities and 7 sororities

Social Scene

Active and engaged. Mix of Greek parties, campus events, outdoor activities, and downtown Greenville scene. Described as friendly, collaborative, and welcoming. Work-hard, play-hard mentality

School Spirit

Strong school spirit centered around NCAA Division I athletics (Southern Conference). Football and basketball draw good crowds. Paladin pride evident. Strong traditions include Bell Tower ceremonies, Homecoming, and May Day

Retention Rate

90% freshman retention rate

Graduation Rate

84% six-year graduation rate

Weekend Activity

Active residential campus - 95% of students live on campus all four years. Weekend activities include athletics, Greek events, outdoor recreation, and trips to downtown Greenville. NOT a commuter school

Political Climate

Moderate to moderate-conservative. Located in conservative South Carolina but campus has diverse viewpoints. Generally respectful discourse. More moderate than surrounding area

Setting

Suburban campus in Greenville, SC. 750-acre campus with lake. Located 5 miles from downtown Greenville, offering best of both worlds - beautiful enclosed campus with easy city access

Sunny Days

Approximately 217 sunny days per year. Mild winters, warm summers. Four distinct but moderate seasons. Average annual temperature 61°F

Nature Access

Excellent - campus itself features 13-acre lake, walking trails, and Asian Garden. Blue Ridge Mountains 45 minutes away with hiking, camping, waterfalls. Paris Mountain State Park 15 minutes away. Outdoor recreation highly accessible

Transportation

Campus is walkable. Greenlink public transit available. Uber/Lyft active in area. Many students have cars junior/senior year. Campus shuttle services available. Bike-friendly

Nearest Airport

Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP) - 20 minutes from campus. Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) - 90 minutes, larger hub with more flight options

Surrounding Area

Greenville is thriving mid-size city (population 500,000 metro). Revitalized downtown with restaurants, shops, minor league baseball, performing arts. Main Street highly walkable. Growing tech and business hub. Southern charm with progressive energy. Falls Park downtown is stunning

Dance Team

Furman has a Dance Team that performs at basketball games and competitions. Competes in UDA (Universal Dance Association) College Nationals. Auditions held annually - walk-ons welcome. Also has competitive Dance Company (student-run, audition-based) and recreational dance classes/clubs

Recreation

Excellent facilities - Trone Student Center with fitness center, indoor track, basketball courts, climbing wall. Intramural sports very popular (flag football, soccer, basketball, etc.). Outdoor recreation program offers trips and equipment rental. Club sports available. Lake used for paddleboarding, kayaking

Food Quality

Above average. Dining Hall (DH) recently renovated. Multiple dining locations including Dining Hall, Panda Express, Chick-fil-A, Starbucks, Subway, POD market. Meal plans flexible. Generally positive student reviews though typical college dining complaints

Campus Beauty

Consistently ranked among most beautiful campuses in America. Bell Tower iconic landmark. Lake surrounded by walking paths. Well-maintained grounds, classical architecture mixed with modern facilities. Asian Garden, rose garden. Stunning in all seasons

Housing Quality

Good to very good. Guaranteed all four years and 95% live on campus. Mix of traditional dorms, suite-style, apartments. Lakeside Housing (apartments) for upperclassmen highly rated. North Village newest. Some older dorms but ongoing renovations. Living Learning Communities available

Dance Team Contact

Athletics Department: 864-294-2061. Cheer and Dance program contact through Spirit Squads coordinator. Recommend contacting Athletics Communications or Student Activities for current coach information

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Data Quality & Confidence

Confidence Level
HIGH 82/100
Last Updated
Oct 25, 2025
1 week ago
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