Diversity at Furman

Colleges and Universities A-Z Furman University
1

I am a black, female highschool student who was accepted to Furman through Early Action. I was awarded a $20k Bell Tower Scholarship with my acceptance and because I am from a low-income family, I only have to pay about $1,000 out of pocket.

As far as I know, only me and another fellow black, female student have been accepted from my school. About eight or so people applied and my white and Chinese friends who both have much higher gpas and standardized test scores than mine, have been waitlisted. Me and the friend that got in through EA with me have both visited Furman, and we both had stellar essays, so I think demonstrated interest had a huge role in our acceptances. But I cannot help to think that they accepted us because we are students of color who because of our stats, are more than likely going to have to attend the school.

I’ve been rejected by three schools so far and I have 14 decisions left, but because most of them are Ivies or Ivy equivalent schools, I am doubtful that I will have a lot of colleges to choose from. Of the backup schools that I applied to, Furman is the one that I will most likely attend if everything else falls through. The money is there, I love the campus, and I love the academics. However, when I did visit campus last April, I only noticed 3 students of color. Furman has a whopping 81% white student population and because tuition is 60k a year, it would be fair to assume that most students are wealthy.

Basically what I am asking is, can any students of color or even white students that attend (or even parents), tell me how campus morale is when it comes to minorities and lower income students. Even though I like the school’s appearance, I would like to know if it is truly a safe and happy environment when it comes to people of color.

Thanks!!

2

I have a senior at Furman. Can’t speak for minorities on campus, I just know my D has never witnessed a hostile environment. She has lived, and does live with kids of varying economic and racial backgrounds. As a school, it is rigorous. Excellent for pre health, psychology, pre law/mock trial. And many other majors. You most likely will have the chance for undergraduate research as well. I know Furman had accepted student day this weekend, but try calling them and ask for an overnight. That might really give you a chance to see first hand.

3

My daughter’s boyfriend is black & he has sent in his deposit already. He’s very excited about Furman & didn’t hesitate once he was accepted. He’s already in a very white HS, though, so maybe he is so used to it already that he knew it wouldn’t bother him (?). I’ll ask him what he knows about campus morale regarding minorities to see if he did any of his own research & let you know what he says.