<p>What, if anything, is the difference? thanks</p>
<p>I think Furman's known for being a bit more conservative but I could be wrong.</p>
<p>From what I hear, Elon and Furman both have beautiful campuses. I think that Furman is closer to a very nice downtown and City (Greenville). Reputation wise, Furman has better academics and athletics. In the south, the top 3 LACs are Davidson, Washington and Lee, and Furman.</p>
<p>Jaxmo,</p>
<p>I think alot is different. Bunny hit the essential point but the term "conservative" can mean many things. Furman has a great, rock solid, long standing academic reputation, especially in the South. Alums from Furman have a notably successful track record over generations. I think Elon is something of an upstart in terms of the comparison but is a rapidly rising star, for its own reasons. Elon's students are more geographically diverse and, although it may not be a good fit for some, it is likely an easier spot to find friends and mentors for a broader variety of people. I think Elon's improving reputation, especially outside of the South, could merit close consideration if Furman is your other primary consideration. </p>
<p>Elon's known for it's engaged education (internships and study abroad) that tend to challenge some of the ideals for success of more conservative and traditionally academic institutions, especially in the South, which is noteworthy. My D is a freshman and likes it so far. We're from NC and politically liberal. She seems to be finding her niche pretty easily. </p>
<p>They're both great schools but they're definitely very different. Good luck to you.</p>
<p>What NCPOP said. Both good schools, but my son got very, very different feels from them. He just didn't feel comfortable on his Furman visit, though my wife really liked it (I didn't make that trip). Elon was less conservative, but also more preppy (fwiw my son is NOT preppy but still liked Elon). Son found it friendlier and more relaxed. </p>
<p>I'm not sure I would put Furman in the top 3 LAC's in the South -- depending on how you define South -- but in the top 5 or 6 without much argument. Davidson definitely tops, W&L definitely second, and then Furman in a "cluster" with schools like Centre, Sewanee, Richmond and Rhodes. </p>
<p>I don't think Elon considers itself an LAC, more of a small university (hence the different US News category) with a strong liberal arts foundation. </p>
<p>If you really want more info on Furman I would drop a note to the poster known as Faline2. A Furman grad and great proponent of the school. And she loved it despite NOT being overly conservative and attending Furman when it was even more conservative than it is today.</p>
<p>Someone correct me if I am wrong. I know that Elon does not require a student to live on campus for 4 years, but I thought that Furman does. </p>
<p>We are from the Carolinas, one son went to Elon (loved it and was not the country club type). Furman is generally regarded as much more conservative. And like Iderochi stated, Elon does not consider itself an LAC.</p>
<p>Greenville may be a "better" town than Burlington; however at Elon one has UNCG 20 min away, Wake at 30 min, Chapel Hill and Duke are within about 30-45min. and NC State just little further than Duke.</p>