Furman University vs Berry College

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the key academic differences between Furman University and Berry College?

  Furman University is known for its strong liberal arts curriculum and emphasis on undergraduate research, often providing more opportunities for students to engage in research projects with faculty. Berry College, while also offering a strong liberal arts education, is distinguished by its unique student work program, which integrates work experience into the academic experience. Furman generally has a more selective admissions process and a higher average SAT/ACT score for admitted students.

• How does the campus environment differ between Furman and Berry?

  Furman University boasts a beautifully landscaped campus with a lake, providing a more traditional, compact college experience. Berry College, on the other hand, has an expansive campus, one of the largest in the world, featuring forests, fields, and historic buildings, offering a more rural and outdoors-oriented environment. Furman's campus is generally more walkable, while Berry's size often necessitates the use of a car or the campus shuttle system.

• What are the strengths of the student life experiences at Furman and Berry?

  Furman University offers a vibrant social scene with a strong Greek life presence and a focus on on-campus activities. Berry College provides a close-knit community with a strong emphasis on student involvement in campus work and outdoor recreation. Both schools offer a variety of clubs, organizations, and athletic opportunities, but the focus and culture differ significantly. Furman tends to have a more traditional college social scene, while Berry emphasizes community and hands-on experiences.

• How do the costs of attendance compare at Furman and Berry?

  The total cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, room, and board, is generally higher at Furman University than at Berry College. However, both institutions offer financial aid and merit-based scholarships to help offset the cost. Prospective students should carefully review the financial aid packages offered by each school to determine the net cost of attendance.

• What are the career services and internship opportunities like at Furman and Berry?

  Both Furman and Berry offer career services to assist students with internships and job placement. Furman, with its strong alumni network and location, often provides access to internships and job opportunities in various fields, including business, law, and medicine. Berry College's work program can provide students with valuable work experience and connections, which can be beneficial for career development. The specific opportunities and focus may vary depending on the student's major and career interests.

• What is the selectivity of admissions at Furman and Berry?

  Furman University is generally considered to be more selective in its admissions process than Berry College. Furman typically has a lower acceptance rate and higher average SAT/ACT scores for admitted students. Berry College, while still selective, has a slightly higher acceptance rate, making it potentially more accessible for a wider range of applicants. Both schools consider a holistic review of applications, including academic performance, extracurricular activities, and essays.

• How do the athletic programs compare at Furman and Berry?

  Furman University competes in NCAA Division I athletics, primarily in the Southern Conference. They have a strong athletic program with a focus on football, basketball, and other sports. Berry College competes in NCAA Division III athletics, primarily in the Southern Athletic Association. Berry's athletic programs are also competitive, but the focus is on a different level of competition and a different set of sports.

• What are the religious affiliations of Furman and Berry?

  Furman University was founded by Baptists but is now non-denominational. While it maintains some historical ties to the Baptist tradition, it welcomes students of all faiths and backgrounds. Berry College was founded by Martha Berry and has historical ties to the Christian faith, but it is also non-denominational and welcomes students from diverse religious backgrounds.

• What is the location of Furman and Berry, and how does this impact the student experience?

  Furman University is located in Greenville, South Carolina, a growing city with a vibrant downtown area and access to cultural and recreational activities. Berry College is located in Rome, Georgia, a smaller city with a more rural setting. The location impacts the student experience by influencing the available social and cultural opportunities, as well as the types of internships and job opportunities available.

• Which college is better for a student who values a strong sense of community?

  Both Furman and Berry offer a strong sense of community, but the nature of the community differs. Berry College, with its work program and expansive campus, often fosters a particularly close-knit community. Furman, with its smaller campus and active student life, also provides a strong sense of community, though it may be expressed differently. The best choice depends on the specific type of community a student is seeking.