Furman University vs Millsaps College

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the primary academic differences between Furman University and Millsaps College?

  Furman University is known for its strong liberal arts curriculum with a focus on undergraduate research and a beautiful campus. Millsaps College also emphasizes a liberal arts education but has a smaller student body, fostering a close-knit community. Furman offers a wider range of majors and graduate programs, while Millsaps has a more focused selection, including a strong business program.

• How does the campus environment differ at Furman and Millsaps?

  Furman boasts a stunning, expansive campus with a lake and meticulously maintained grounds, providing a traditional college experience. Millsaps has a more intimate campus setting in a residential area, promoting a strong sense of community and easier access to the city of Jackson, Mississippi.

• What is the cost of attendance at Furman and Millsaps, and how does financial aid compare?

  Both Furman and Millsaps are private institutions, so the sticker price is relatively high. However, both schools offer generous financial aid packages, including merit-based and need-based scholarships. It's recommended to compare the net cost (after financial aid) for each school based on your individual circumstances. Furman's endowment is larger, which can translate to more financial aid opportunities, but Millsaps is also committed to making education affordable.

• What are the student life and extracurricular opportunities like at Furman and Millsaps?

  Furman offers a wide array of extracurricular activities, including a robust Greek life, numerous clubs, and Division I athletics. Millsaps also has a vibrant student life, with a strong emphasis on community involvement, smaller athletic programs, and a more intimate social scene. Both schools provide opportunities for leadership and personal growth.

• How do the locations of Furman and Millsaps impact the student experience?

  Furman is located in Greenville, South Carolina, a growing city with a thriving arts and culture scene. Students have access to outdoor recreation in the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains. Millsaps is located in Jackson, Mississippi, the state's capital, offering opportunities for internships and civic engagement. The location provides a different cultural and social experience compared to Greenville.

• What are the typical class sizes at Furman and Millsaps?

  Millsaps generally has smaller class sizes than Furman, fostering more personalized attention from professors. Furman maintains a good student-to-faculty ratio, but class sizes can vary depending on the course. Both schools prioritize a strong student-faculty relationship, but the smaller size at Millsaps often leads to more intimate learning environments.

• How do the alumni networks of Furman and Millsaps compare?

  Both Furman and Millsaps have active and supportive alumni networks. Furman's larger alumni base provides a broader network, particularly in the Southeast and beyond. Millsaps' alumni network, while smaller, is known for its strong sense of loyalty and commitment to the college, creating a close-knit community that can be very beneficial for career opportunities.

• What are the strengths of the academic programs at Furman and Millsaps?

  Furman excels in its undergraduate research opportunities, pre-professional programs, and its commitment to a well-rounded liberal arts education. Millsaps is particularly strong in its business program, as well as its focus on community engagement and leadership development. Both schools offer excellent programs in the humanities and social sciences.

• How does the selectivity of admissions differ between Furman and Millsaps?

  Furman is generally considered to be more selective in its admissions process than Millsaps. Both schools seek academically strong students, but Furman typically has a higher average GPA and standardized test scores for admitted students. However, both schools consider a holistic review of applicants, including extracurricular activities and personal essays.

• Which college is a better fit for me: Furman or Millsaps?

  The best fit depends on your individual preferences and priorities. If you are looking for a larger campus with a wider range of academic programs and a more extensive social scene, Furman might be a better choice. If you prefer a smaller, more intimate community with a strong emphasis on community engagement and a close-knit environment, Millsaps could be a better fit. Consider visiting both campuses, talking to current students, and evaluating your own academic and social goals to make the best decision.