Furman University vs Columbia International

Furman University and Columbia International University, while both located in South Carolina, offer distinct educational experiences. Furman, a private liberal arts institution, boasts a 60% acceptance rate and a diverse student body, with 48% male and 52% female students. Its popular majors include Business, Psychology, and Biology. Columbia International University, a private Christian university, has a higher acceptance rate of 80% and a more balanced gender ratio, with 46% male and 54% female students. It is known for its strong programs in Biblical Studies, Intercultural Studies, and Business Administration. Both universities offer competitive graduation rates, with Furman at 84% and Columbia International at 78%. Explore the detailed comparison table below to discover more key differences and make an informed decision about which university aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.
Columbia International University logo

Columbia International University

Furman University logo

Furman University

Overview

Location Columbia, South Carolina Greenville, South Carolina
Campus setting City: Midsize Suburb: Large
College type 4 year 4 year
Control/business model Private (Non Profit) Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system Semester Semester
Degrees offered Undergraduate and Graduate Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate 64.0% 91.0%
Common app member No Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission

Acceptance rate 45.6% 71.4%
Application fees
Undergraduate: $25

Graduate: $25
Undergraduate: $50

Graduate: $55
SAT range 940 - 1135 1240 - 1422
ACT range 17 - 24 29 - 33
Students submitting SAT score 39.0% 26.0%
Students submitting ACT score 21.0% 29.0%
Total number of applicants 526 7,174
Total number of admissions given out 240 5,119
Admitted students who chose to enroll 176 656
Yield rate 73.3% 12.8%
Test scores (SAT/ACT) N/A N/A
High school GPA Required Required
Recommendation letters Not required Not required
High school transcript Not required Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) Required Required

Tuition and Fees

Sticker price $38,700 $69,880
Average net price $20,088 $33,999
Tuition $24,490 $52,992
Room & board $8,950
Room/dormitory: $7,496

Meal plan: $6,202
Available payment plans
  • Tuition payment plan
  • Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid

Students receiving financial aid

(Grants & scholarships)

96.0%
Average amount $17,706
96.0%
Average amount $33,191
Students receiving federal student loan 66.0%
Average amount $5,128
28.0%
Average amount $5,170
Students taking out private loans 7.0%
Average amount $9,004
5.0%
Average amount $20,783

Students and Campus

Undergraduate students 905
Men 46.2% Women 53.8%
2,307
Men 40.1% Women 59.9%
Graduate students 1,433
Men 47.6% Women 52.4%
156
Men 20.5% Women 79.5%
Racial/ethnic diversity
Moderate
Low
Out-of-state students 47.6% 67.8%
International students 14.2% 3.3%
Campus local/setting City: Midsize Suburb: Large
Dormitory capacity 400 2,406
First year students are required to live on campus? No No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from South Carolina Florida North Carolina Georgia Texas South Carolina Georgia North Carolina Florida Texas

Academics

Popular study areas
  • Theology
  • Education
  • Business
  • Psychology
  • Liberal Arts
  • Education
  • Biological and Biomedical Sciences
  • Social Sciences
  • Visual & Performing Arts
  • Health Professions
Students to faculty ratio 16:1 9:1
Institutional accreditation Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Outcome

Graduation rate 62.1% 81.9%
Dropout rate 16.8% 2.4%
Transferred out 19.0% 15.7%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)
Theology and Religious Vocations, Other (First Professional Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $28,960
  • Year 3: $43,723
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (First Professional Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $30,119
  • Year 3: $33,137
Bible/Biblical Studies (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $27,420
  • Year 2: $24,421
  • Year 3: $25,579
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: N/A
  • Year 3: $23,982
Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $21,964
  • Year 3: $23,347
Communication and Media Studies (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $24,035
  • Year 3: N/A
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (First Professional Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $33,993
  • Year 3: N/A
Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity Studies (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $24,421
  • Year 3: N/A
Theological and Ministerial Studies (First Professional Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $35,420
  • Year 3: N/A
Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $23,351
  • Year 3: N/A
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $47,571
  • Year 2: $47,260
  • Year 3: $56,414
Communication and Media Studies (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $36,227
  • Year 2: $40,140
  • Year 3: $52,939
Political Science and Government (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $36,108
  • Year 2: $36,668
  • Year 3: $50,384
Educational Administration and Supervision (Graduate/Professional Certificates)
  • Year 1: $61,615
  • Year 2: N/A
  • Year 3: N/A
Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $37,568
  • Year 3: N/A
English Language and Literature, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $35,060
  • Year 3: N/A
Biology, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $14,357
  • Year 2: N/A
  • Year 3: N/A
Religion/Religious Studies (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $33,993
  • Year 3: N/A
Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $24,821
  • Year 2: N/A
  • Year 3: N/A
Economics (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $57,318
  • Year 3: N/A

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