Furman University

Furman University in Greenville, South Carolina was my favorite visit during my recent sweep of colleges in South Carolina. It's truly a hidden gem. Widely known in the southeast, most of us elsewhere aren't familiar with it. Yes, it's a regional school, but I think it's time for Furman's star to rise. It has the feel of a NESCAC - think Bowdoin or Hamilton - with 2600 students, but more approachable, with a 53% acceptance rate.

The campus was gorgeous, even in the pouring rain. Downtown Greenville is out of a Hallmark movie, somewhere between Saratoga Springs, New York and Winter Park, Florida. In fact, US News and World Report ranked Greenville among the top 4 places to live in the US. More importantly, Princeton Review ranked Furman one of the nation's Best Value Colleges, and #22 for Most Accessible Professors. In fact, 76% of classes have fewer than 20 students.

Furman offers a true residential experience with 96% of students living on campus. And the food in the dining hall in absolutely OUTSTANDING - easily among the top five I've ever eaten in, and I eat in a lot of college dining halls.

Academically, Furman is very strong in the liberal arts, but also offers majors in Computer Science, Information Technology, Accounting, Business Administration, Communication Studies, Education, Public Health, and Music Performance, among many other choices.

This is another institution that's overwhelmingly white and upper middle class, but they are making efforts to become more diverse. A third of Furman's students come from South Carolina, so it does unquestionably have a southern vibe. Greek life is a pretty big deal here. With merit scholarships up to a full ride, Furman is an amazing place for students looking for an idyllic campus and a great education in the south.