Alabama vs. Furman

Comparable Facts

Compare The University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, AL with Furman University in Greenville, SC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

The University of Alabama is larger than Furman based on total student enrollment (40,846 students vs. 2,554 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• The University of Alabama is located in Tuscaloosa, AL (Small City setting); Furman University is in Greenville, SC (Large Suburban setting).
• The University of Alabama is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Furman University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: The University of Alabama 19:1; Furman University 10:1.

Alabama vs. Furman Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Alabama or Furman? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at The University of Alabama than Furman ($22,559 vs. $34,086).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at The University of Alabama are 9% lower than at Furman University ($15,016 vs. $16,504).
• Furman University is 390.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Alabama (about $47,590 more per year; $59,770.00 vs. $12,180.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 74.9% higher at Furman than at The University of Alabama (about $25,598 more per year; $59,770.00 vs. $34,172.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Furman University than at The University of Alabama (100% vs. 80%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Furman University students is 144.6% larger than aid received by The University of Alabama students ($42,811 vs. $17,503).

Alabama vs. Furman Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Alabama or Furman? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Furman and Alabama.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Furman University (1350) is 60 points higher than at Alabama (1290).
• Incoming Furman students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 27 at Alabama).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: The University of Alabama 1170/1400; Furman University 1260/1430.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: The University of Alabama 24/31; Furman University 28/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Alabama - Test optional; Furman - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Alabama May 1, 2027; Furman Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Alabama students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.76) than students at Furman (3.61).
• Alabama has a higher acceptance rate (76.6%) than Furman (42.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.5% at Alabama vs. 13.1% at Furman.

Alabama vs. Furman Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Alabama and Furman? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Furman University's six-year graduation rate (87%) is higher than The University of Alabama's (66%).
• Graduates from Furman University earn a median of about $4,400 more per year than Alabama graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,300 vs. $49,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, The University of Alabama graduates have a $1,693 lower median loan debt than Furman graduates ($23,750 vs. $25,443).
• Among borrowers, Alabama graduates have an estimated $18 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Furman graduates ($245 vs. $263).
• More Furman graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Alabama students, three years after graduation. (82% vs. 59%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.