Furman University Scholarships (2026–2027)

📅 2027–2028 Planning Note: The costs below reflect the most recently published figures (2026–2027). Universities typically finalize the next year’s rates in the spring, and we’ll update this page once official 2027–2028 numbers are released.

Planning tip: At large public universities, tuition, fees, and housing usually increase modestly each year (often in the 2–5% range). For early budgeting, families may want to plan for roughly $1,000–$1,500 more in-state or $2,000–$3,000 more out-of-state in total direct costs once new rates are published.

Average Federal Net Price: $29,997 — this is what families actually paid after grants and scholarships (no loans), based on the most recent federal data. Your specific cost could be significantly lower or higher depending on your financial aid eligibility and merit scholarships. New to Net Price & SAI? Read our guide.

The table covers what Furman bills you: tuition, the student fee, housing, and the unlimited meal plan. Furman’s own budget also adds about $1,250 for books and supplies, $1,100 for transportation, and $1,300 for personal expenses. That brings the full estimated cost to roughly $84,926 for 2026-2027. Because Furman is private, the price is the same whether you live in South Carolina or not.

If a parent works full time at another college, check this first. Furman takes part in Tuition Exchange, which covers full tuition for selected students, and the Associated Colleges of the South exchange, which covers the cost of tuition. Your parent applies through their own HR office, and Furman’s deadline is January 1. Spots aren’t guaranteed, and the number of recipients changes each year.

📅 Furman Scholarship Timeline (Simple Version)

• November 1: Priority date for the premier scholarships (Duke, Vaughn, Hollingsworth, Townes).
• December to February: Music audition weekends for Furman’s three music scholarships (recorded auditions due February 1).
• January 1: Tuition Exchange and ACS deadline for children of college employees.
• Early February: Duke Scholarship interview invitations go out by mail.
• March: Duke and Vaughn interviews; music audition results by March 1.

Parent rule of thumb: treat November 1 as your real deadline, even if your student plans to apply Regular Decision.

❓ Flagship / Competitive Scholarship FAQs

When is the deadline for Furman’s premier scholarships?
November 1 is the priority date for Duke, Vaughn, Hollingsworth, and Townes consideration. Students who apply by January 15 can still be admitted, but applying by November 1 gives them the best shot at these awards.

Is there a separate scholarship application?
No. The admission application is the only application. For Duke and Vaughn, some students are invited to an interview after that review.

What does a Duke Scholarship finalist look like?
According to Furman, finalists usually take the hardest courses available, earn mostly A’s, and typically score above 34 on the ACT or 1500 on the SAT when they send scores. They also hold real leadership roles, often at the county, state, or national level. Invitations are mailed in early February, and interviews are held in March.

Can an out-of-state student win a full ride at Furman?
Yes, through the Duke Scholarship, which is open to everyone. The Vaughn full ride is only for South Carolina residents. The Townes Scholarship, worth $36,000 a year, is Furman’s premier award for students from outside South Carolina.

How many Vaughn Scholarships are there?
Five per entering class, all for South Carolina residents. Selected candidates are invited to a selection interview in March.

What happens if my student’s GPA drops in college?
Furman checks grades at the end of each academic year. Duke requires a 3.00 cumulative GPA to renew, and Hollingsworth and Townes require a 2.70. Furman doesn’t publish a renewal GPA for Vaughn.

Do the premier scholarships come with anything besides money?
Yes. All four include the Riley Institute’s Advantage Scholars summer program and membership in Furman’s Community of Scholars. Hollingsworth and Townes also include Public Leadership Seminars with government and civic leaders.

What should students prepare for their applications?
Since the admission application is also the scholarship application, the essay and activity list do double duty. Families can use our Essay Toolkit and Brag Sheet Builder to show leadership and service clearly.

🧠 Parent Strategy: The Audition Most Families Skip

Furman’s biggest stackable money outside the premier awards goes to musicians, and your student doesn’t have to major in music to audition. A strong player or singer headed for biology or business can earn a music scholarship on top of Bell Tower and need-based aid.

1. Submit the admission application first.
2. Log into the Online Status Page and find the audition registration form.
3. Pick an in-person weekend (December 4; January 15 to 16; January 29 to 30; February 19 to 20) or send a recorded audition by February 1, 2027.
4. Ask a music teacher for an optional letter of recommendation, due February 1, 2027.

Parent translation: one audition puts your student in the running for all three music awards at once.

❓ Hidden Gems FAQ

What’s the difference between Furman’s three music awards?
The Presidential Music Scholarship is Furman’s top talent award: $25,000 a year for ten students. The Herring Music Fellowship pays $5,000 to $25,000 a year to several students. The Furman Music Scholarship ranges from $1,000 to $15,000 a year. All three renew for up to four years and stack with Bell Tower and need-based aid.

Is a recorded audition at a disadvantage?
No. Furman says recorded auditions get the same weight as live ones. Results come out by March 1, 2027, and may be adjusted before May 1.

What’s the deal for Palmetto Fellows?
South Carolina students named Palmetto Fellows are promised at least $10,000 in Furman institutional aid. That’s a minimum on total Furman aid, not a separate check. Bell Tower and other Furman awards count toward it. The state Palmetto Fellows award itself is separate and worth up to $6,700 in year one.

Is Furman’s National Merit award worth chasing?
If your student is already a National Merit finalist, yes. Listing Furman as the first-choice college with the National Merit Scholarship Corporation can add a $2,000 renewable award on top of other Furman aid. Just know a finalist can only receive one NMSC money award.

Why did a scholarship with someone’s name show up on our award letter?
Furman sometimes renames part of an existing scholarship or grant to honor a donor. Unless the letter says otherwise, a renamed award isn’t additional money. If you’re not sure, ask the financial aid office before you plan around it.

Is there help paying for study abroad?
Yes. Furman offers need-based scholarships for its study away programs. Three-week MayX trips usually cost $5,000 to $7,000, and regular aid generally doesn’t cover MayX, so these scholarships matter most there.

Are there awards for older students?
Yes. Each spring, five juniors are named Furman Fellows and receive $10,000 for a project during senior year. Furman also offers summer funding for students who land unpaid or low-paying internships or research positions, and it reports more than $1.8 million a year in research and internship stipends.

• Advantage Scholars: A four-day summer program with local leaders, faculty sessions, and site visits around Greenville. It’s free except for travel to campus.
• Speaker Dinners: Small-group dinners with guest speakers before campus-wide events.
• Career Workshops: Scholar-only workshops with Furman’s internship and career center, plus networking and peer mentoring.
• Community Internships: Summer internship opportunities focused on community work that scholars are encouraged to apply for.

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