
Furman University, founded in 1826, is a private liberal arts university in Greenville, South Carolina, United States. It is the oldest private university in the state, with a prestigious reputation for strong academics and a picturesque campus. The university enrolls approximately 2,300 undergraduate students and 150 graduate students, with a gender distribution of 42.8% male and 56.9% female students. The campus, spanning 750-940 acres, has been consistently recognized as one of the most beautiful in the nation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year of Founding | 1826 |
| Location | Greenville, South Carolina, United States |
| Type of University | Liberal arts private university |
| Campus Size | 750-800 acres |
| Student Enrollment (Fall 2023) | 2,327 undergraduate students |
| Student Enrollment (Fall 2021) | 2,300 undergraduate students and 150 graduate students |
| Student Enrollment (Class of 2028) | 616+ students |
| Gender Distribution (Fall 2023) | 42.8% male and 56.9% female |
| Housing | 89% of students live in college-affiliated housing, 11% live off-campus |
| Sports | NCAA Division I athletics |
| Notable Alumni | Lay's founder Herman Lay, author George Singleton, and Kabbage founder Kathryn Petralia |
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What You'll Learn
- Furman University has over 2,300 undergraduate and 150 graduate students
- The university was founded in 1826 and is South Carolina's oldest private university
- Student life includes homecoming carnivals and swimming in campus fountains
- The university's campus is over 700 acres and is located at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains
- Furman has a holistic, selective admission process and its Class of 2028 has over 600 students

Furman University has over 2,300 undergraduate and 150 graduate students
Furman University, a private liberal arts university in South Carolina, has over 2,300 undergraduate and 150 graduate students as of Fall 2021. Founded in 1826, it is the oldest private institution of higher learning in the state. The university's campus, which spans 750 acres, has been consistently recognised as one of the most beautiful in the nation.
The student body at Furman University represents a diverse range of cultural, religious, sexual, gender, and intellectual backgrounds. The university community fosters an inclusive environment, encouraging students to explore their authentic calling through a holistic admission process. The university's rigorous academics, broad research opportunities, and robust visual and performing arts programs attract students from across the country and around the world.
The university's history includes a period of closure from 1834 to 1837, after which it relocated to Fairfield County near Winnsboro. It was chartered by the state legislature in 1850 and moved to Greenville, South Carolina, in 1851. Furman University faced financial challenges with an average enrolment of only 10 students until 1850. The university closed again from 1861 to 1866 during the Civil War, with many students and faculty members enlisting in the Confederate forces.
In 1933, Furman University began admitting female students from the Greenville Women's College, marking a significant step towards inclusivity. However, the university's journey towards racial desegregation was more challenging. It was not until 1965 that Joseph Vaughn became the first Black undergraduate to enrol, despite faculty support for desegregation as early as 1963. In recent years, Furman University has actively confronted its historical connections to slavery and racism, leading to recommendations and actions to promote diversity and justice on campus.
Today, Furman University offers a vibrant student life with traditions such as the homecoming carnival and seniors swimming in the campus fountains on their last day of class. The university's NCAA Division I athletics programme and Timmons Arena provide a hub for sporting events, while the renovated Trone Student Center serves as a central gathering space for the diverse student community.
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The university was founded in 1826 and is South Carolina's oldest private university
Furman University is a private liberal arts university in Greenville, South Carolina, United States. The university was founded in 1826 and is South Carolina's oldest private university. It was established by the South Carolina Baptist Convention and was named after Baptist pastor Richard Furman, who was among the most important Baptist clergymen during the early decades of the US. Furman University is one of the nation's premier liberal arts and sciences universities, offering rigorous academics, broad research opportunities, and a robust visual and performing arts program. It is also known for its picturesque campus, which has been named one of the most beautiful campuses in the nation.
The history of Furman University dates back to December 1825 when the Furman Academy and Theological Institution was incorporated in Edgefield, South Carolina. The university officially opened its doors in 1826 and has a long history of providing education and shaping the lives of its students. The university closed temporarily from 1834 to 1837 and later moved to Fairfield County, near Winnsboro, at the urging of Reverend Jonathan Davis. In 1850, the state legislature chartered Furman University, and it was able to move to Greenville, South Carolina, in 1851 with the necessary funds raised by the South Carolina Baptists.
The university faced challenges during the Civil War as it closed again from 1861 to 1866 when most of its students and faculty members enlisted in the Confederate forces. The university struggled financially and almost closed several times in the post-war years. However, it survived due to the sacrificial gifts from churches and individuals. In the late 1860s and 1870s, James C. Furman, the son of Richard Furman, fought passionately to save the institution. James C. Furman served as the university's first president and was a signer of the state's Ordinance of Secession, which led to the Civil War. Despite these challenges, Furman University persevered and continued its mission of providing quality education.
Today, Furman University enrolls approximately 2,300 undergraduate students and 150 graduate students as of Fall 2021. The university's campus spans 750 acres and is located at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering a beautiful and serene learning environment. The university has a diverse student body and is committed to empowering students to achieve their ambitions. With a strong academic program, Furman University is recognized for its excellence and has produced notable alumni, including Nobel Laureates and award-winning artists.
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Student life includes homecoming carnivals and swimming in campus fountains
Furman University, founded in 1826, is South Carolina's oldest private university. It has a student body of around 2,300 undergraduate and 150 graduate students. The university is known for its picturesque campus, which spans 750 acres (or 800 acres according to another source) of classic building design and park-like greenspace. The campus has been consistently ranked as one of the most beautiful in the nation.
Student life at Furman University is vibrant and engaging. With over 170 clubs and organizations, students can pursue a variety of interests and passions. The university also emphasizes the importance of living and learning together on campus, fostering a strong sense of community. Students create and uphold traditions, such as homecoming carnivals, and make memories like swimming in campus fountains.
Homecoming carnivals are a beloved tradition at Furman University, bringing students, alumni, and the community together. It is a time when the campus comes alive with festivities, games, and entertainment. Students organize and participate in various events, showcasing their talents and building lasting memories. The homecoming carnivals strengthen the sense of community and school spirit, with students bonding over shared experiences and the university's traditions.
Swimming in campus fountains is a quintessential part of student life at Furman University. On hot days, students may be tempted to take a dip in one of the many picturesque fountains adorning the campus. It is a refreshing break from studying and a unique way to cool off. The act of swimming in campus fountains has become a tradition, with students creating unforgettable moments and stories to cherish long after their graduation.
Student life at Furman University extends beyond the classroom, offering a well-rounded and memorable experience. With a focus on community, tradition, and engagement, students create their own adventures and leave their mark on the university. Whether it's through homecoming carnivals, swimming in campus fountains, or exploring the over 170 clubs and organizations, Furman students embrace a vibrant and dynamic campus life.
Furman University's commitment to student life is evident in its dedication to providing a diverse range of experiences and opportunities for personal growth. From academic excellence to extracurricular involvement, and from tradition to innovation, Furman students thrive in an environment that fosters community and a sense of belonging.
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The university's campus is over 700 acres and is located at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains
Furman University is a private university in Greenville, South Carolina, United States. It was founded in 1826 and is the oldest private institution of higher learning in the state. The university is named after Baptist pastor Richard Furman and has a reputation for strong academics.
The university's campus spans over 700 acres and is located at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the upstate region of South Carolina. Furman's campus has been recognised as one of the most beautiful in the nation. The campus includes an array of facilities and features that contribute to its aesthetic appeal and functionality.
The campus boasts a diverse range of architectural styles, from classic building designs to modern constructions. The Furman Institution Faculty Residence stands as a reminder of the university's early history, having been established in Fairfield County before moving to its current location. The campus also includes the Timmons Arena, a 4,000-seat multi-purpose arena that serves as the home of the Furman University Paladins basketball team.
Furman University's campus incorporates natural elements that enhance its beauty and provide recreational spaces for the community. The campus features Furman Lake, alongside which sits the Furman Farm, a quarter-acre garden that employs sustainable agricultural practices. The campus also includes an Asian garden, with a Buddhist temple as its centrepiece, and a replica of Henry David Thoreau's cabin from Walden Pond.
The university prioritises sustainability and environmental initiatives. In addition to the Furman Farm, Furman has installed a 6-acre solar farm near the campus entrance, contributing to its goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2026. These efforts have been recognised by various organisations, with Furman being featured in lists of eco-friendly colleges and receiving positive sustainability ratings.
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Furman has a holistic, selective admission process and its Class of 2028 has over 600 students
Furman University, a private university in Greenville, South Carolina, is the state's oldest private university, founded in 1826. The university has a reputation for strong academics and is considered one of the nation's premier liberal arts and sciences universities. With a picturesque campus spanning 750 acres, Furman offers a holistic and selective admission process for prospective students.
The university's holistic approach to admissions aims to identify well-rounded, academically accomplished, and interesting students. While grades and curriculum rigour are important, Furman's application process goes beyond academic metrics. The university encourages applicants to connect with admission counsellors, visit the campus, or attend virtual sessions to determine if Furman is the right fit for them.
The admission process at Furman is selective, with an acceptance rate of 67%. Students admitted to Furman typically have SAT scores ranging from 1260 to 1430 or ACT scores between 27 and 32. The university welcomes a diverse student body, representing various cultural, religious, sexual, gender, and intellectual backgrounds.
For the Class of 2028, Furman University enrolled approximately 2,300 undergraduate students, with a total undergraduate population of 2,327 in the fall of 2023. This class size reflects the university's commitment to offering a rigorous academic programme with broad research opportunities and a robust visual and performing arts curriculum.
The university's selective admission process ensures that Furman maintains its prestigious reputation and provides a high-quality education for its students. With a diverse and talented student body, Furman University continues to foster a community that values academic excellence and individual growth.
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Frequently asked questions
As of Fall 2023, Furman University has a total undergraduate enrollment of 2,327.
The Furman University campus is 750 acres, although some sources state it is 800 or 940 acres.
42.8% of students at Furman University are male, while 56.9% are female.
89% of Furman University students live in college-owned, -operated, or -affiliated housing, while 11% live off-campus.
Joseph Vaughn was the first Black undergraduate to enroll at Furman University in 1965.











































