Financial Aid

Furman University administers over $70 million in federal, state, and institutional financial aid, over $47 million of which is funded directly by Furman. The financial aid program includes a broad range of academic and special talent scholarships as well as a comprehensive need-based program of grants, loans and work study opportunities.

Most aid awarded by the university is offered as a combination of scholarship and/or grant, loan and student employment (work study).

New students without a high school diploma or a recognized equivalent are not eligible for the receipt of Title IV funds. However, students without a diploma or equivalent enrolled at Furman prior to July 1, 2012 may continue to be considered eligible provided that they have successfully completed at least six credits applicable to the award of a degree at Furman.

Definitions

COA

Cost of Attendance includes tuition, fees, weighted average room cost, the maximum meal plan, estimated cost of books, estimated personal expenses, and estimated transportation costs. “Direct COA” includes only tuition, fees, the weighted average room cost, and the maximum meal plan. All undergraduate day students are assigned the same COA based on Furman’s four-year residency requirement.

EFC

Expected Family Contribution is the minimum amount a family is expected to contribute for the student’s education for a given academic year. The EFC is calculated by the FAFSA (federal and state aid) and the CSS PROFILE (institutional need-based grant aid) and assumes families will finance education utilizing current income, past savings, and student and/or family borrowing.

Demonstrated Need

The difference between the Cost of Attendance (COA) and the Expected Family Contribution (EFC).

FAFSA

Free Application for Federal Student Aid used to determine eligibility for awarding federal and state need-based grants as well as loans and work study.

CSS PROFILE

A financial aid application that Furman uses to determine need for Furman Grant funding. The CSS PROFILE is a fee-based service provided by The College Board.

Need Based Financial Aid

Aid awards for which a student must demonstrate financial need in order to qualify. Such awards include the Federal Pell Grant, the Federal SEOG, the Federal Direct Subsidized Student Loans, the Federal Perkins Loan, the Federal Work Study program, the South Carolina Tuition Grant, and the Furman Grant.

Financial Aid Package

The offer of financial aid awards, including academic or merit scholarships, for which a student is eligible. The student is notified of his or her financial aid package via e-mail and/ or through the MyFurman portal at furman.edu. All information of this nature will be conveyed via electronic means. New students will access the information through the e-mail address they provide during the admission process, while returning students will gain access via MyFurman.

Satisfactory Academic Progress for Federal Title IV Financial Aid

Federal regulations mandate that institutions of higher education establish minimum standards of satisfactory academic progress (SAP) for students receiving Title IV (federal) financial aid. Satisfactory academic progress is comprised of three evaluative standards:

Quality: Students must achieve a cumulative grade point average (GPA) that is consistent with meeting graduation requirements.

Pace: Students must demonstrate they are making progress towards the completion of the degree by earning a minimum number of credits each semester. The pace required is calculated by dividing the cumulative number of credits earned by the cumulative number of credits attempted. A student must have earned a minimum of 67% of all credits attempted after each academic year.

Time Frame: Students must complete their degree within a specified period.

Federal regulations specify that a student may receive federal financial aid for a maximum time frame of 150% of the published length of the program. At Furman, students must earn at least 128 credits to earn the bachelor’s degree. Accordingly, the maximum time frame for students to receive federal aid is 192 attempted credits. There is no appeal for exceeding the maximum time-to-degree standard.

For all measures of satisfactory academic progress, credits attempted include all work at Furman plus any credits earned elsewhere that contribute toward the degree such as AP, IB, and transfer credits. The qualifying grade point average remains the Furman GPA which excludes course grades from any other institution.

Students receiving federal aid are evaluated at the end of each academic year. Federal aid programs affected are Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), Federal Work Study, Federal Perkins Loan, Federal Direct Loan, and Federal Direct Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS).

Appeal Process

Students who are not meeting SAP standards at the end of the academic year are notified via their campus email account. They cannot be awarded federal financial aid for the fall semester. The email advises them to write a formal letter of appeal to be considered for a fall probationary semester.

Submitting an Appeal

Written notification from the student explaining the mitigating circumstances involved and how the circumstances have, or will be, resolved must be submitted to the Office of Financial Aid. Mitigating circumstances are typically considered to be any situation beyond the control of the student.

Some examples of mitigating circumstances include student illness, family issues, emotional distress, interpersonal problems, difficulty adjusting to college life, balancing school, employment obligations, etc. A financial aid counselor will determine if other circumstances documented by the student may be considered.

Appeal Decision Process

In most cases, financial aid counselors have the responsibility for reviewing and deciding on individual appeals, but the Financial Aid Appeals Committee can meet to approve or suspend aid when necessary.

If the appeal is approved, the financial aid counselor will award aid for one semester only on a probationary basis. The student will be informed that financial aid will not be awarded for any future semesters unless an additional SAP appeal is submitted and approved.

When a subsequent appeal is submitted, the financial aid counselor can follow the same procedures. However, students who are not meeting SAP standards during multiple semesters are likely to be presented to the Financial Aid Appeals Committee for review.

If the Financial Aid Appeals Committee agrees that the student should be denied aid based on the most recent appeal, the student will be notified, and he or she will be made aware of alternative financing options (such as private loans that do not require school certification or payment plans). The student may decide to self-pay or apply for a leave of absence.

Students do not automatically regain eligibility for financial aid during a leave. An additional appeal must be submitted prior to returning to regular enrollment.

Financial Aid Application Procedures for Prospective Students

• Submit the CSS PROFILE at https://profileonline.collegeboard.com. Early Decision applicants should complete the CSS PROFILE by November 15, Early Action applicants by February 15, and Regular Decision applicants no later March 1. Furman’s CSS PROFILE code is 5222.
• Submit the FAFSA (www.fafsa.gov). Early Decision and Early Action applicants should submit the FAFSA by February 15, and Regular Decision applicants should submit the FAFSA by March 1. Furman’s Title IV code for FAFSA results is 003434. Early decision applicants who received a financial aid award package based solely on the CSS PROFILE must complete the FAFSA in February to confirm the federal and/or state portions of their Early Decision financial aid package.
• Notification of financial aid packages for admitted Early Decision applicants will occur in mid-December, while admitted Early Action applicants will receive their financial aid packages in early March, and Regular Decision applicants will be notified in early April.

Financial Aid Application Procedures for Returning Students

Returning students (enrolled in a previous term at Furman) who wish to continue eligibility for need-based financial aid (see definition of need-based financial aid in the preceding paragraph) must complete the FAFSA each year. Furman encourages returning students to complete the renewal FAFSA by May 15.

The U.S. Department of Education will send renewal FAFSA notices to students by January of each year, typically via e-mail. Returning students who are re-applying for financial aid do not need to complete the CSS PROFILE unless the student is asking for re-evaluation of aid eligibility based on special financial circumstances; otherwise, the CSS PROFILE is required of first-time financial aid applicants only. International students must follow the guidelines described in their award letter to renew their scholarships.

Outside scholarships from sources such as corporations, clubs, civic organizations and churches are applied to the semester in which the funds are received, unless the donor specifies otherwise. This may result in a credit balance for any semester in which the outside scholarship checks are received. Students requesting a refund of the credit balance in any semester may have a balance due on their account for a future semester.

Study Away

Financial aid applies as it would during a semester on campus to all Furman-sponsored faculty-led travel study programs. Students participating in approved affiliate programs may receive federal and state aid for which they qualify, but no Furman financial aid can apply to these programs. No financial aid of any type will be administered by Furman for students pursuing study opportunities while on a leave of absence from the University. Contact the Office for Study Away & International Education for more details.

Merit-Based Scholarships

Furman offers a number of scholarships to students who demonstrate strong ability based on their academic achievements, or who are gifted in other areas. Students who are eligible for multiple scholarships will receive the award of highest value. Furman typically does not “stack” multiple scholarship awards.

Unless otherwise specified, these all have separate applications that are due January 20. Scholarship winners are typically notified in early April.

Herman W. Lay Scholarships

Awarded to no more than four incoming students each year who have displayed exceptional academic achievement and distinctive personal accomplishment. Provides full tuition, weighted average room costs, maximum meal plan and student fees worth more than $220,000 over four years. A 3.00 cumulative GPA is required for annual renewal.

James B. Duke Scholarships

Awarded to no more than 10 incoming students each year who have displayed exceptional academic achievement and distinctive personal accomplishment. Provides full tuition worth more than $170,000 over four years. A 3.00 cumulative GPA is required for annual renewal.

John D. Hollingsworth Scholarships

Awarded to no more than 20 incoming students from South Carolina who have demonstrated outstanding achievement and a strong commitment to their communities. Includes a renewable $25,000 scholarship, a study away stipend of up to $2,000, an additional stipend of up to $3,000 for a summer internship or research experience, and participation in the Public Leadership Seminars, which connect students with government and civic leaders. A 2.70 cumulative GPA is required for annual renewal. The study away stipend may be used only for Furman-sponsored, faculty-led travel study programs.

Charles H. Townes Scholarships

Awarded to no more than 10 incoming students outside of South Carolina who have demonstrated outstanding achievement and a strong commitment to their communities. Includes a renewable $25,000 scholarship, a study away stipend of up to $2,000, an additional stipend of up to $3,000 for a summer internship or research experience, and participation in the Public Leadership Seminars, which connect students with government and civic leaders. A 2.70 cumulative GPA is required for annual renewal. The study away stipend may be used only for Furman-sponsored, faculty-led travel study programs.

Alden Pre-Engineering Scholarship

Competitive, renewable, full-tuition scholarship awarded to one first-year student majoring in the three-year pre-engineering program. A 3.00 cumulative GPA and a recommendation from the physics department are required for annual renewal.

Alden Transfer Scholarship

Competitive, renewable, full tuition, two-year scholarship awarded to one transfer student each year. A 3.00 cumulative GPA is required for annual renewal.

Art Scholarships

Competitive scholarships awarded on the basis of portfolio submissions and an interview with at least one member of the art faculty. Prospective students submit portfolios via the art department website. A 3.00 GPA in art courses is required for annual renewal.

Chemistry Scholarships

Competitive, renewable scholarships of up to $4,000 for students planning a career in the chemical industry or planning to pursue a Ph.D. in chemistry. A 3.00 cumulative GPA and a recommendation from the chemistry department are required for annual renewal.

Exploration of Vocational Ministry Scholarships

Available to students exploring a career in fulltime faith-based ministry. For details, contact the University Chaplain’s office.

Furman Teacher Education Scholarships

Renewable scholarships awarded to entering first year students who indicate teaching as their career goals. A 3.00 cumulative GPA and a recommendation from the education department are required for annual renewal.

Herman and Francis Hipp Scholarships

Competitive, renewable $8,000 scholarships awarded to first year students with an intended business administration, economics or computer science major. A 3.00 cumulative GPA and continued participation in the intended major is required for annual renewal.

Merit-based Legacy Scholarships

No more than five competitive, renewable $25,000 scholarships available to incoming students who have indicated on the application for admission that a parent or grandparent attended Furman University. To be eligible for this scholarship, the applicant must complete a FAN interview, as well as the merit-based Legacy Scholarship application.

Mock Trial Scholarships

Competitive, renewable scholarships awarded to entering freshmen with a passion for and commitment to the Mock Trial activity and a desire to participate in Furman’s Mock Trial program. A 3.00 cumulative GPA and continued participation in the Mock Trial program are required for annual renewal.

Music Scholarships

Competitive scholarships awarded on the basis of auditions held on-campus between December and February. For more information, contact the Music Department.

Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) Scholarships

Army ROTC scholarships are available to selected students for three or four years. Recipients, selected jointly by Furman and the U.S. Army, complete military science courses each term. Upon graduation they receive a commission in the U.S. Army, Army Reserve or National Guard.

For three-year ROTC scholarship recipients, Furman provides scholarship or grant assistance in the amount of the weighted average room cost and the maximum meal plan costs for the student’s first year; the student is responsible for all other costs, including the comprehensive tuition fee. Any Furman scholarship or grant previously awarded based on merit, talent and/or need can only contribute toward meeting the room and board requirement and no scholarship monies will be attributed to tuition costs during this first year.

For four-year ROTC scholarship recipients, the Army provides full tuition and fee support as well as a monthly stipend, while Furman provides scholarship or grant assistance in the amount of the weighted average room cost and the maximum meal plan costs. Any Furman scholarship or grant previously awarded based on merit, talent and/or need will contribute to the room and board requirement, but cannot exceed those fees.

Sustainability Science Scholarships

Renewable scholarships awarded to entering first year students with a commitment to sustainability and a desire to major in Sustainability Science. A 3.00 cumulative GPA and continued participation in the Sustainability Science major is required for annual renewal.

Theatre Arts Scholarships

Renewable scholarships awarded to entering first-year students with a desire to major in Theatre Arts. An audition before a faculty member in the department is required along with the scholarship application. A 3.00 GPA in the Theatre Arts major and a 2.00 cumulative GPA are required for annual renewal.

Wylie Mathematics Scholarships

Competitive, renewable scholarships awarded to entering first year students with outstanding mathematical ability and a combined SAT score of at least 1350. A 3.00 cumulative GPA and a 3.25 GPA in courses that would contribute to the major is required for renewal after the first year. A 3.60 GPA in courses that contribute to the major is required for annual renewal in the second, third and fourth year.

South Carolina Merit-Based Scholarships

These state merit-based scholarships are awarded without regard to financial need.

Hope Scholarships are awarded to South Carolina residents who graduate from high school with at least a 3.00 grade point average and who do not qualify for a South Carolina LIFE or Palmetto Fellows award. The Hope award is for the first year only; recipients who earn at least 30 credits with a 3.00 grade point average are eligible for a LIFE scholarship the following year. Recipients must be enrolled in at least twelve credits each semester.

LIFE scholarships are $5,000 awards for South Carolina residents attending a four year private college or university in the state. To qualify, students must meet two of the following criteria: a 3.00 grade point average on the final high school transcript; rank in the top 30 percent of their graduating class; or earn a combined SAT score of at least 1100 or an ACT score of at least 24. The awards are renewable provided the student maintains a 3.00 grade point average and completes at least 30 credits each year consistent with provisions enacted through South Carolina law. Recipients must be enrolled in at least twelve credits each semester.

Palmetto Fellows awards are $6,700 academic grants to students from South Carolina based on annual guidelines established by the state legislature: currently a 3.50 grade point average in high school, 1200 combined SAT score, and a rank in the top 6 percent of the high school class or at least a 1400 combined SAT score and a high school grade point average of 4.00 or greater. Eligible candidates may apply through their high school guidance office in the fall of their senior year. The awards are renewable provided the student maintains a 3.00 grade point average and completes at least 30 credits each year. Recipients must be enrolled in at least twelve credits each semester.

Students must be South Carolina residents, as defined by the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education, to be eligible for consideration and may receive only one type of merit-based award from the state: Palmetto Fellows, LIFE or Hope scholarships.

If a recipient of any of the scholarships fails to meet the renewal criteria, appeal information is available from the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education web site at www.che.sc.gov. Furman does not replace lost state aid.

Other Scholarships

Bell Tower scholarships, Paladin awards and other general scholarships are available to incoming students based on the activities they were involved in during high school. Maintaining satisfactory academic progress is required for annual renewal.

Athletic Scholarships

Partial to full scholarships awarded in men’s and women’s intercollegiate sports. Contact our athletics staff to learn about scholarship opportunities. Students receiving athletics scholarships who receive any other type of financial aid must report any and all other means of support to the coaching staff of the scholarship sport.

Furman Scholars Program

Students are selected from eligible high schools their junior years, based on grades, standardized test scores, and extracurricular activities. Furman Scholars who enroll at Furman are each awarded at least $7,500 in institutional scholarship monies.

Furman Scholars awards will be replaced, not stacked, by scholarships exceeding the amount of the award.

Legacy Scholarships

Renewable $10,000 scholarships awarded to students who have indicated on the application supplement that a parent or grandparent graduated from Furman University. If an admitted applicant is eligible for any Furman scholarship in excess of the amount of the Legacy Scholarship, the higher scholarship will be awarded and will replace the Legacy Scholarship.

National Merit Scholarships

National Merit/National Achievement finalists who indicate Furman as their first-choice college may be eligible for a renewable university-sponsored scholarship, in accordance with National Merit Scholarship Corporation guidelines. Students who demonstrate financial need may receive $2,000 in a renewable university-sponsored scholarship, and students who do not demonstrate financial need may receive a $1,000 renewable university-sponsored scholarship. This university-sponsored scholarship is awarded in addition to any other Furman scholarship or grant for which the student may be eligible.

Kittie Moss Fairey Scholarship Fund

Established to aid worthy entering first year students from South Carolina attending in-state institutions, the award is equal to half the cost of room, board and tuition. For details, write Wachovia, Kittie M. Fairey Scholarship Fund, Trust Department, Columbia, South Carolina 29202, or contact a high school guidance counselor.

C.G. Fuller Scholarship Fund

Established to assist deserving students from South Carolina attending schools within the state, the award is based on academic merit and financial need. For details, write C.G. Fuller Foundation, c/o Bank of America, S.C. 3-240-04-17, P.O. Box 448, Columbia, South Carolina 29202-0448.

J.E. Sirrine Scholarship Fund

The J.E. Sirrine Scholarship Program assists deserving graduates of Greenville County public high schools. For details, write Sirrine Scholarship Program, P.O. Box 2848, Greenville, South Carolina 29602. The application deadline is April 15.

Graduate Scholarships

Graduate fellowships and assistantships are available in Chemistry. Recipients render service in the department and generally are expected to enroll on a less than full-time basis. For information, consult the Chemistry Department.

Need-Based Financial Aid

Furman will normally offer the student a financial aid package that consists of gift-aid (grants and/or scholarships) and self-help (loans and student employment) to students with demonstrated need as determined by the FAFSA and CSS PROFILE. Funds from any source (Furman, federal, state or through outside organizations) and type (merit, need or talent) are all considered part of a need-based financial aid package and are applied to the student’s demonstrated need first, per federal regulations. Need-based programs commonly available at Furman are described below.

Grants

Furman Grant

Students may receive a Furman Grant along with other forms of assistance such as merit scholarships, student loans, and work study. Furman Grants are need-based, and eligibility is determined by the student’s CSS PROFILE. Furman Grant amounts remain constant throughout the student’s tenure at Furman. Exceptions to this are within the purview of Financial Aid staff in response to extreme increases in demonstrated need from one year to the next per the FAFSA and/or CSS PROFILE. Students must complete the FAFSA each year to maintain eligibility for the Furman Grant.

Federal Pell Grant

The federal government provides assistance to eligible students through the Pell Grant program. Eligibility for the Pell Grant is determined by the results of the FAFSA.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG)

Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants are awarded by Furman to students with exceptional financial need, defined as those students who are eligible for Pell Grant. SEOG funds are limited.

South Carolina Tuition Grants

South Carolina residents who have financial need as determined by the FAFSA and who have been legal residents of the state for at least one year prior to their entrance date may qualify for awards ranging up to $3,000. Students must be enrolled full-time (at least twelve credits) to be eligible to receive the maximum grant. For students to qualify, the FAFSA must be submitted no later than June 30. Funding is contingent upon state appropriations. These tuition grants may be reduced or eliminated if the student already receives tuition-sensitive scholarships per state regulations.

Student Loans

Federal Perkins Loan

Furman awards Perkins Loans to students who demonstrate exceptional financial need. The Perkins Loan is a 5% interest loan on which no interest is charged and no payments are made as long as the student is enrolled at Furman for at least six credits. Repayment begins nine months after the student graduates or ceases being enrolled at least half-time. Repayment of the Perkins Loan may extend over a ten-year period. Perkins funds are limited and loan amounts may vary from year to year. Students must complete the FAFSA each year to maintain eligibility.

Federal Direct Student Loan Program

Loans up to $5,500 are available to first year undergraduate students. After earning 28 credits, students may obtain a loan up to $6,500 for the sophomore year, and, upon earning 58 credits, students may obtain a loan of up to $7,500 per year for the remaining years of undergraduate study.

Federal Direct Loans are either subsidized or unsubsidized. In the case of a subsidized loan, the federal government pays the interest while the student is enrolled in an eligible institution at least a half-time. In the case of an unsubsidized loan, the student is responsible for interest payment while enrolled at least half-time. Repayment begins six months after the student graduates or ceases to be enrolled at least half-time. The maximum repayment period is ten years.

Student Employment

Federal Work-Study underwrites work on and off campus for students who qualify. Students may work at a variety of campus jobs at a rate of pay no less than the minimum wage. Award amounts average $1,500, which allows for students to work between ten and twelve hours per week. For more information about this program, contact the Student Employment Office.

Alternative Financing

Tuition Payment Plan

Furman recognizes that managing the cost of education is a challenge for some families. Through a program with Educational Computer Systems, Inc. (ECSI), we offer an affordable and convenient set of options for meeting the costs of the academic year. See the Expenses  section of this catalog for more details.

Federal Direct Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS)

Parents with an acceptable credit history may borrow up to the difference between the cost of education and the amount of financial aid the student is awarded. Application procedures for the PLUS Loan may be found on our web site at www.furman.edu/finaid. Students must complete the FAFSA in order for a parent to apply for the PLUS Loan.

Pickett & Hatcher Educational Funds

Annual loans of $10,000 to residents of southeastern states based on financial resources and projected college costs. Simple interest is charged at an annual rate of two percent while a student maintains full-time enrollment and at six percent thereafter. Contact Pickett & Hatcher, P.O.Box 8169, Columbus, Georgia 31908-8169.

South Carolina Teacher Loan Program

Available to South Carolina residents enrolled in the university’s teacher education program. Financial need is not a consideration, and the loans are canceled at the rate of 20 percent for each year recipients teach a critical subject or teach in a critical geographic area of the state. If a student teaches a critical subject in a critical geographic area, the loans are canceled at a rate of 33 percent annually.

Entering first year students must have ranked in the top 40 percent of their high school graduating class and have an SAT or ACT score equal to or greater than the state average for the year they graduated from high school or the most recent year for which such figures are available. Any enrolled undergraduate, including enrolled first year students, must have successfully completed the Praxis I Exam and have a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.750 to be eligible to receive this award.

Alternative Loans

A number of lenders outside of the federal loan programs offer long term private educational loans. Information regarding these loans is available through the Financial Aid web site at www.furman.edu/finaid.

Revision of Financial Aid Awards

Financial aid is dynamic and may change as new information becomes available to the Office of Financial Aid. Any financial aid package is subject to revision, even during the academic year, for reasons including, but not limited to, any of the following:

• An error is discovered through the verification of information reported on the FAFSA and/or CSS PROFILE which, when corrected, changes the student’s eligibility.
• A change occurs in regulations governing federal or state programs.
• Funding levels in federal or state programs are altered.
• The student receives additional financial assistance, including, but not limited to, outside scholarships, from a source not listed on the most recent financial aid award notification.
• The student fails to meet satisfactory academic progress standards for renewal of financial aid.
• The Office of Financial Aid discovers any error, clerical or other, on your award.
• The student fails to complete required financial aid applications for need-based federal, state and/or institutional aid, including any documents required for verification of FAFSA information.

Any aid reduction based on these reasons will not be replaced by Furman-funded grants and/or scholarships.

Additional Information

Furman institutional scholarships and grants are available for a maximum of four years or eight semesters. Only athletic grants-in-aid are exempt from this standard, and only at the discretion of the Athletics Department.

Unless specifically directed otherwise, institutional scholarships and grants are renewable provided the student maintains satisfactory academic progress.

The main method of communication from the Office of Financial Aid to students is Furman e-mail. Students are expected to communicate with parents concerning financial aid award information, requirements, etc.

The total amount of Furman-funded gift aid (grants and/or scholarships) a student is eligible to receive may not exceed Furman’s direct cost of attendance. If the total amount of Furman-funded gift aid exceeds the direct cost of attendance, a portion of the Furman gift aid will be reduced accordingly.

A student may not receive gift aid (grants and/ or scholarships) from all sources (Furman, federal, state, private) in excess of the total cost of attendance at Furman. If the total amount of gift aid from all sources exceeds Furman’s total cost of attendance, Furman gift aid (grants and/or scholarships) will be reduced accordingly.

All outside financial assistance or scholarships received by a student attending Furman must be reported to the Office of Financial Aid, including the annual amount of the award and whether or not the award is renewable. Furman reserves the right to make adjustments in the financial aid package offered to students who receive assistance from other sources.

When calculating Furman scholarships or grants based on tuition, fees, room and board, the amount used for room is the weighted average room cost as determined by Housing and Residence Life; the amount used for board is the current maximum meal plan rate.

Furman scholarships and grants are based on a course load of 12 - 20 credits in any given semester. Additional costs incurred by a student enrolled for more than 20 credits in a given semester will be incurred at that student’s expense.

Because Furman uses a comprehensive fee structure, Furman scholarships and grants are provided to students charged full-tuition, regardless of enrollment status (i.e. course load). Students approved for charges on a per-credit basis may have their Furman scholarships and/or grants prorated as tuition is prorated. Students planning to enroll for a single semester in a given academic year will receive aid for that semester only. Financial aid for an entire academic year will not be disbursed in a single semester. Students who are eligible for multiple scholarships will receive the award of highest value. Furman typically does not “stack” multiple scholarship awards and unless specifically indexed to the direct cost of attendance, these awards are not increased each year.

Tuition Exchange Programs

Associated Colleges of the South (ACS)

Children of employees of ACS participating institutions are eligible to be considered for the ACS Tuition Exchange. Furman’s agreement with the ACS indicates that for any given academic year, ACS “imports” (students attending Furman as an ACS Tuition Exchange student) will not exceed “exports” (children of Furman employees attending another ACS college under the agreement) by more than two students.

Each ACS Tuition Exchange recipient pays a participation fee of $1,500 per academic year. The ACS Tuition Exchange benefit is equivalent to full tuition at Furman and is renewable for three years provided the student meets satisfactory academic progress. With the exception of the Lay Scholarship, the ACS Tuition Exchange benefit replaces any Furman merit or talent-based scholarship already awarded to the student. Those students awarded the Lay Scholarship will also receive the remaining cost of the Student Government Association fee, the weighted average room cost and funds to cover the maximum meal plan.

ACS Tuition Exchange benefits may be used for Furman-sponsored, faculty-led travel study programs only. All other study away programs are ineligible for ACS Tuition Exchange benefits.

Interested students must specify that admission is being sought under the ACS Tuition Exchange program, apply for all federal and/or state aid for which he or she may be eligible, and submit an ACS Tuition Exchange certification form completed by the appropriate official at the home institution certifying their eligibility for the exchange. Eligible students must meet Furman’s normal admission requirements.

Tuition Exchange, Inc. (TE)

Children of employees of TE participating institutions are eligible to be considered for the Tuition Exchange.

Furman’s policy for any given academic year is TE “imports” (students attending Furman as a TE student) will not exceed “exports” (children of Furman employees attending another TE college) by more than three students.

The TE benefit is renewable for three years provided the student meets satisfactory academic progress. With the exception of the Lay and Duke Scholarships, the TE benefit replaces any Furman merit or talent-based scholarship already awarded to the student. Those students awarded the Lay and Duke Scholarships will receive those funds in addition to the benefit, up to the remaining cost of the comprehensive tuition fee for Duke Scholars and up to the remaining cost of the comprehensive tuition fee, the Student Government Association fee, the weighted average room cost and funds to cover the maximum meal plan for Lay Scholars.

TE benefits may be used for Furman-sponsored, faculty-led travel study programs only. All other study away programs are ineligible for TE benefits.

Interested students must specify that admission is being sought under the TE program, apply for all federal and/or state aid for which he or she may be eligible, and submit an TE certification form completed by the appropriate official at the home institution certifying their eligibility for the TE program. Eligible students must meet Furman’s normal admission requirements.

Faculty-Staff Tuition Remission

Consult Furman’s Human Resources web site at http://www2.furman.edu/sites/hr for specific information about this benefit.