Furman University Scholarships (2025–2026)
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- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic and competitive merit awards (up to full cost of attendance)
- Prestigious scholarships like the Duke, Townes, Hollingsworth, and Vaughn
- Honors and Furman Advantage opportunities
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~43%
- Middle 50% ACT: 28–32
- Middle 50% SAT: 1280–1418
- Average GPA (HS): 3.63 (unweighted core)
Source: Furman Office of Institutional Research / New Student Profile and College Board BigFuture (most recent data). Middle 50% = range where half of admitted students fall.
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
Furman at a Glance
Intro FAQs
Does Furman award automatic scholarships?
Yes. Your application for admission automatically serves as your application for merit scholarships (no separate form). Amounts vary based on academic record, rigor, leadership, and (if submitted) test scores.
Are there full cost of attendance scholarships?
Yes. The James B. Duke and Joseph A. Vaughn Scholarships cover full tuition, fees, room, and board. The Hollingsworth and Townes Scholarships provide $36,000 per year.
Is Furman test-optional?
Yes. Applicants may apply without SAT/ACT scores. If submitted, Furman superscores and considers scores within holistic review.
When should students apply?
For premier scholarship consideration, apply by November 1; select finalists are invited to interview in March. Financial aid priority dates: ED I Nov 1 • EA Nov 15 • ED II Jan 15 • RD Feb 1.
University scholarships page — https://www.furman.edu/financial-aid/aid-types/merit-based-scholarships/
University scholarships overview — https://www.furman.edu/scholarships/
How to Apply (admission & aid dates) — https://www.furman.edu/admissions-aid/apply/
New Student Profile (GPA snapshot) — https://www.furman.edu/admissions-aid/new-student-profile/
Test-Optional policy — https://www.furman.edu/admissions-aid/international-admissions/frequently-asked-questions/
University Tuition & Fees (2025–26) — https://www.furman.edu/admissions-aid/tuition-fees/
College Scorecard (Average Annual Cost) — https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?218070-Furman-University=
BigFuture (acceptance rate & middle 50% ranges) — https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/colleges/furman-university
💰 Cost of Attendance at Furman University
| Expense | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees (Tuition $61,034 + Fees $410) | $61,444 | $61,444 |
| Housing & Meals (Weighted avg housing $9,836 + Unlimited meal plan $7,328) | $17,164 | $17,164 |
| Total (billed by the college) | $78,608 | $78,608 |
Other estimated costs like books & supplies (~$1,250), transportation (~$1,100), and personal expenses (~$1,300) are not included in the table because they are not paid directly to the college.
FAQ
Does residency affect tuition?
No. Furman charges the same tuition and fees for all students regardless of residency.
Can South Carolina state programs reduce cost?
Yes. South Carolina residents may qualify for state aid such as LIFE, Palmetto Fellows, and the SC Tuition Grant, which can reduce net price alongside institutional scholarships.
Do I need to file both FAFSA and CSS Profile?
Yes. Furman requires both the FAFSA and the CSS Profile for consideration of institutional need-based aid.
University Tuition & Fees (2025–26) — https://www.furman.edu/admissions-aid/tuition-fees/
Dining (Meal Plan pricing, 2025–26) — https://www.furman.edu/campus-life/dining/
Housing (Rates/overview) — https://www.furman.edu/campus-life/housing/
College Board BigFuture (Average Net Price) — https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/colleges/furman-university/tuition-and-costs
SC Tuition Grants Commission — https://www.sctuitiongrants.org/
SC Commission on Higher Education (LIFE & Palmetto Fellows) — https://www.che.sc.gov/
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
Furman considers all applicants for merit during the admission review—no separate scholarship application is required for the awards below. Amounts are renewable for up to eight semesters unless noted.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility (plain English) + Stacking | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bell Tower Scholarships | ≈ $5,000 – $25,000/yr* | High academic achievement plus leadership/community impact. May stack with certain talent awards (e.g., Music) per departmental rules. | No | Yes (8 semesters; maintain SAP) | *Students near/above Furman’s middle-50% (≈ ACT 31 / SAT 1355; strong rigor & leadership). Estimate. | Nov 1 (priority), Jan 15 (final/regular) |
| Charles H. Townes (Non-SC residents) | $36,000/yr | Exceptional academics + leadership. Standard stacking rules; verify with Financial Aid if pairing with talent or outside awards. | No | Yes (2.70 cum GPA required for renewal) | *Top nonresident admits with very strong records; consistent leadership/service. Estimate. | Nov 1 (priority), Jan 15 (final/regular) |
| John D. Hollingsworth (SC residents) | $36,000/yr | South Carolina residents with exceptional academics and service. Standard stacking rules; confirm with state aid coordination. | No | Yes (2.70 cum GPA required for renewal) | *Top SC admits with high rigor, leadership, and community impact. Estimate. | Nov 1 (priority), Jan 15 (final/regular) |
*Bell Tower range is based on published Furman award disclosures and reported student aid packages; exact cutoffs vary year to year. Estimates should be verified during Phase 2 with current offer letters.
FAQ
Is a separate scholarship application required?
No. Admission to Furman doubles as your application for these merit awards.
Do they superscore the SAT/ACT?
Yes. Furman is test-optional and superscores any SAT/ACT you choose to submit.
Can merit stack with talent, state, or ROTC awards?
Talent (e.g., Music) can stack per departmental rules; South Carolina grants generally coordinate with institutional aid. Army ROTC scholarships typically cannot be combined with Furman scholarships if ROTC covers tuition—verify with Financial Aid/ROTC before committing.
Are there renewal GPA requirements?
Yes. Townes and Hollingsworth specify a 2.70 cumulative GPA each academic year; most others renew with satisfactory academic progress.
www.furman.edu/financial-aid/types-of-aid/scholarships/merit-based-scholarships/
www.furman.edu/financial-aid/types-of-aid/scholarships/
www.furman.edu/financial-aid/types-of-aid/scholarships/other-scholarships/
catalog.furman.edu/content.php?catoid=15&navoid=1328
🏆 Flagship Scholarships (competitive university-level awards)
These are Furman’s marquee, university-level competitive scholarships (often called “flagship scholarships”). They’re highly selective and may include interviews or additional steps. Departmental and Honors awards are listed in their own sections.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility / Why It’s Competitive | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| James B. Duke Scholarship | Full tuition, fees, room & board (up to 8 semesters) | Invitation-only selection interview (March). Recognizes exceptional academics, leadership, service, and resilience; limited number of awards. | No (considered via admission; interview by invite) | Yes (meet annual renewal standards) | *National-caliber scholars with sustained leadership and impact; typically well above Furman’s middle-50% profile. Estimate. | Jan 15 (Regular Decision) |
| Joseph A. Vaughn Scholarship (South Carolina) | Full tuition, fees, room & board (up to 8 semesters) | For exceptional South Carolina residents; only five awarded. Invitation-only selection interview (March). | No (considered via admission; interview by invite) | Yes (meet annual renewal standards) | *Top SC admits with standout academics, leadership, and service. Estimate. | Jan 15 (Regular Decision) |
FAQ
Do I submit a separate application for these competitive scholarships?
No. All applicants are automatically considered during admission; a small group is invited to a selection interview in March.
Are test scores required or superscored?
Furman is test-optional. If you submit scores, the university superscores SAT/ACT, which can help a competitive case.
Can flagship (competitive) awards stack with other Furman scholarships or ROTC?
These are full awards that typically leave little room to stack additional institutional funds. If you are also pursuing Army ROTC (which can cover full tuition), confirm coordination with Financial Aid/ROTC before committing.
How selective are these scholarships?
Extremely selective. Invitations are limited; recipients usually present exceptional academics plus high-impact leadership and service.
www.furman.edu/financial-aid/types-of-aid/scholarships/merit-based-scholarships/
catalog.furman.edu/content.php?catoid=15&navoid=1328
petersons.com/scholarship/james-b-duke-scholarships-111_174686.aspx
petersons.com/scholarship/joseph-a-vaughn-scholarships-111_176148.aspx
🎖️ Honors College
Furman does not have a separate Honors College with its own application and scholarships. Instead, its most prestigious flagship scholarships—the James B. Duke Scholarship and the Joseph A. Vaughn Scholarship—bring students into a selective Community of Scholars that functions much like an honors program. These scholars receive extra academic and leadership opportunities beyond regular coursework.
Students with top academics (often 3.7+ GPA and rigorous coursework), outstanding leadership or service, and the drive to pursue high-impact projects. Duke and Vaughn scholars are invited to this Community of Scholars, which provides mentorship and visibility across campus.
• Membership in the Community of Scholars with exclusive programming
• The Riley Institute’s Advantage Scholars summer experience before freshman year
• Ongoing workshops, speaker events, and leadership development
• Faculty mentorship and research funding through the Furman Advantage
• Graduate school pipelines, such as the Wake Forest–Furman Honors partnership for business students
FAQ
Is there an application for honors?
No. Students are considered automatically through the admission process. Top applicants may be invited to interview for flagship scholarships, which grant entry to the Community of Scholars.
Does completing honors add time to my degree?
No. The Community of Scholars and departmental honors tracks are designed to fit within the four-year pathway.
Are there honors-specific scholarships?
Not separately. Instead, Furman’s Duke and Vaughn Scholarships serve as both full-ride awards and entry into the Community of Scholars.
www.furman.edu/honors
www.furman.edu/admissions-aid/scholarships/
www.furman.edu/riley/advantage-scholars
catalog.furman.edu/content.php?catoid=15&navoid=1328
⭐ College Specialty
Furman isn’t a big research university (it’s a private liberal arts college, not an R1), but it’s nationally known for blending a strong liberal arts foundation with hands-on learning. The school’s signature “Furman Advantage” means students don’t just sit in lecture halls—they’re out in the field, in labs, or abroad, putting their degrees to work before graduation. Parents should know that this approach makes Furman stand out in South Carolina and beyond.
Political Science & Public Policy — Furman is widely recognized in South Carolina for its political science program and the work of the Riley Institute, which connects students with leaders and policy experiences statewide.
- Sustainability & Environmental Science — anchored by the Shi Institute for Sustainable Communities, offering hands-on projects on campus and in the Greenville community.
- Music & Fine Arts — Furman’s music program is one of the strongest in the Southeast, with scholarship support and national performance opportunities.
- Business & Accounting — Furman grads are highly placed in regional firms; the Wake Forest–Furman Honors partnership also gives business-minded students a direct path to a master’s degree with added scholarship support.
- Undergraduate Research — About 39% of students participate in research, often co-authoring publications or presenting at conferences—high for a liberal arts university.