Students at Furman University achieve exceptional long-term earnings that place the institution among the top performers nationally, with graduates earning well above typical outcomes for similar institutions.
The university delivers particularly strong results for low-income students, ranking in the top tier nationally for economic mobility outcomes.
Furman University delivers exceptional long-term financial outcomes for graduates, ranking in the top 13% nationally for 10-year earnings among all institutions. What makes Furman distinctive is how it combines the intimate academic environment of a selective liberal arts college with career preparation that leads to substantial financial success. Graduates earn a median of $68,635 ten years after enrollment, placing the university well above typical outcomes for similar institutions.
As a "Selective Achievers" institution, Furman admits a academically accomplished student body—about 11% receive Pell Grants and 12% are first-generation college students—and delivers strong mobility outcomes for the low-income students it does serve. Low-income graduates earn $64,100 at the 10-year mark, ranking in the top 9% nationally for earnings among this population.
Located in Greenville, South Carolina, Furman operates as a medium-sized private nonprofit university that emphasizes undergraduate education and close mentorship. The combination of selectivity, strong alumni networks, and career-focused programming creates pathways into well-paying professional roles that continue to appreciate over time. For families who can manage the higher net prices, Furman represents a clear investment in long-term financial security.
Furman University's program portfolio demonstrates how a liberal arts foundation can translate into strong career outcomes across multiple fields. Applied Economics stands out with graduates earning $57,318 early in their careers, representing some of the highest early-career pay among Furman's offerings. Business Administration, with 56 graduates, provides solid returns at $47,260, while American Government and Politics—the university's largest program with 67 graduates—leads to median earnings of $36,668.
What makes Furman distinctive is how consistently its programs perform above typical expectations for liberal arts institutions. Even fields that might show more modest earnings elsewhere benefit from Furman's strong alumni networks, career services, and employer relationships. The university's location in Greenville provides access to regional business centers while maintaining the close faculty mentorship that characterizes the Furman experience.
The program mix reflects Furman's commitment to combining intellectual breadth with practical career preparation. Students benefit from small class sizes and extensive faculty interaction across all majors, creating the kind of personalized education that translates into strong professional networks and career advancement opportunities after graduation.
Furman University graduates achieve strong long-term earnings that place the institution among the top performers nationally. Ten years after enrollment, graduates earn a median of $68,635, ranking in the top 13% of all institutions for long-term financial outcomes. This performance reflects both the quality of Furman's academic programs and the career networks that graduates access through the university's alumni connections and employer relationships.
The strongest financial returns come from Furman's business and economics programs. Applied Economics graduates earn around $57,318 early in their careers, representing some of the highest early-career earnings among Furman's programs. Business Administration graduates earn about $47,260, while the university's largest program by enrollment—American Government and Politics with 67 graduates—leads to median earnings of $36,668. These outcomes demonstrate how Furman's liberal arts foundation translates into practical career preparation across multiple fields.
What sets Furman apart is the consistency of its outcomes across different academic areas. Even programs that might typically show more modest earnings at other institutions perform well here, suggesting that Furman's career services, alumni networks, and employer relationships create value that extends beyond any single major. The university's location in South Carolina, where cost of living is moderate, means that graduate earnings provide strong purchasing power for building long-term financial security.
Furman University requires a significant financial commitment, with net prices that reflect its position as a selective private institution. Low-income families pay about $16,190 annually, middle-income families see costs around $24,978, and higher-income families face net prices of $37,271. These figures place Furman in the bottom 17% nationally for affordability, meaning families pay more here than at most comparable institutions.
The higher costs reflect Furman's comprehensive educational model, which includes small class sizes, extensive faculty mentorship, and robust student support services. Most families finance these costs through a combination of institutional aid, federal grants, and borrowing. The university's financial aid office works to make attendance possible for students from different economic backgrounds, though the overall cost structure means that Furman remains most accessible to families with substantial financial resources.
Despite the higher upfront investment, Furman's strong earnings outcomes help justify the cost for many families. With graduates earning well above national averages and loan repayment rates remaining strong, the financial model works for students who can access it. The key consideration for families is whether they can manage the higher net prices during the college years in exchange for the long-term earnings advantages that Furman graduates typically achieve.
Furman University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
