Furman University Scholarships (2025–2026)

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Thinking about Furman? This private university in South Carolina doesn’t charge different rates for in-state or out-of-state students, but there are still plenty of ways to bring the cost down. From automatic Bell Tower awards to full-ride Duke and Vaughn scholarships, plus South Carolina state aid, families have real options to cut the sticker price. If you’re a South Carolina parent, also check our South Carolina state aid guide for programs that can stack with Furman’s scholarships.

💰 Cost of Attendance at Furman University

FAQ

Who qualifies for in-state rates?
Everyone pays the same tuition and fees at Furman, regardless of residency.

Are there state programs that can reduce the cost?
Yes. South Carolina residents can use programs like LIFE, Palmetto Fellows, and the SC Tuition Grant at Furman to reduce net cost.

Do I need the CSS Profile or just the FAFSA?
Furman requires both the FAFSA and the CSS Profile for institutional need-based aid.

✅ 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.

*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.

🏆 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.

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.

💎 Hidden Gem Scholarships

Beyond Furman’s automatic and flagship awards, there are niche programs that can quietly shave thousands off the bill. These include state-based grants, ROTC pathways, and special opportunities for research or study abroad.

*Dollar ranges for Teacher Education and Study Abroad are based on typical departmental award disclosures; confirm exact figures in the current cycle. GPA/test benchmarks for SC LIFE/HOPE/Palmetto are set by the state and updated each year.

• First-generation student support programs (resources and advising, not fixed-dollar scholarships)
• Identity-based campus groups and leadership initiatives (e.g., multicultural center, Greek life, student orgs) may have small awards or stipends, but no published amounts
• Need-based Furman aid packages (require both FAFSA and CSS Profile) are separate from merit and state programs

FAQ

Can these hidden gem awards stack with flagship or automatic scholarships?
Usually, yes. State grants and departmental awards reduce net cost alongside Furman merit, but ROTC cannot stack with other Furman tuition scholarships if it already covers tuition.

Are applications separate?
State grants come through the FAFSA and state agency. ROTC requires a separate national application. Departmental research or study abroad scholarships use campus or departmental applications.

Who tends to win these?
SC residents with financial need (state grants), strong cadets (ROTC), and students who pursue high-impact projects or study abroad experiences with faculty backing.

Do these change year to year?
Yes. State grant maximums and ROTC board deadlines can shift annually, so double-check current-year details when applying.

⭐ 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.

• 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.

🎖️ 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.

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.

📎 Official Links

• Furman University — Homepage
• Community of Scholars (Honors-equivalent)
• Scholarships & Financial Aid

Final Thoughts

Furman can feel expensive on paper, but with flagship scholarships, South Carolina grants, and hidden gems like STEM and ROTC funding, many families pay far less than the sticker price. What makes Furman stand out is not just the aid, but the built-in experiences—research, study abroad, and leadership programming—that help students graduate ready for the next step. If your student is aiming high and wants a campus that blends a liberal arts feel with big opportunities, Furman is worth a serious look.

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