Academic Comparison between Furman and Western Carolina

Furman University and Western Carolina University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Furman is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Greenville, SC and Western Carolina is a four-year, public school located in Cullowhee, NC.

Comparison at a Glance

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

  • Furman is a private (not-for-profit) and Western Carolina is a public school and both are four-year schools.
  • Furman has more expensive tuition & fees ($59,770) than Western Carolina ($8,630).
  • It is harder to admit to Furman than Western Carolina.
  • Furman has a higher submitted SAT score (1,340) than Western Carolina (1,180).
  • Furman has higher submitted ACT score (31) than Western Carolina (23).
  • Western Carolina has more students with 11,686 students while Furman has 2,554 students.
  • Furman has a lower number of students per faculty with 10 to 1 while Western Carolina's ratio is 16 to 1.
  • Western Carolina has more full-time faculties with 549 faculties while Furman has 270 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Furman Universityvs.Western Carolina University
Greenville, South CarolinaLocationCullowhee, North Carolina
Four-year, Private (not-for-profit)School Typefour-year, Public
Master's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Baccalaureate College - Arts & SciencesCarnegie ClassificationDoctoral / Research University
$59,7702025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$4,630
Out-Of-State$8,630
99%% Receiving Financial Aid65%
$41,349Average Amount of Financial Aid$6,267
42.95 %Acceptance Rates81.83 %
13.09 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)12.70 %
1,340SAT Score1,180
31ACT Score23
79 %Graduation Rate60 %
19 %Transfer-out Rate27 %
91 %Retention Rate79 %
2,554Student Population11,686
270Number of Faculties549
10 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio16 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement servicesOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycare
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