Converse at a Glance
Converse empowers our students to become transformative leaders who see clearly, decide wisely, and act justly. We offer an environment where opinions are valued and supported with strong academic programs in the arts, sciences, and education, an uncommonly low student-faculty ratio and unique opportunities for student and faculty research.
We value creativity, innovation, and transformation. Every student has the opportunity to participate in experiential learning while at Converse—things like internships, student research, leadership development, community service and study-travel.
History
In 1964 Converse introduced co-ed graduate programs, including the Master of Art in Teaching (MAT) program, the first degree of its kind in South Carolina.
In February 2020, Converse decided to expand its undergraduate residential program from single-gender to co-ed beginning in Fall 2020. On July 1, 2021, Converse College acknowledged its long-held university status with an official name change to Converse University,
Converse ranked #1 in Top Performers on Social Mobility by U.S. News & World Report among Regional Universities in the South.
Students
- 1,394 total enrollment (747 undergraduate and 647 graduate)
- 29 states and 9 countries represented
- 11:1 student/faculty ratio ensures personal attention and mentoring
Faculty
- 98% of full-time faculty hold the terminal degree in their fields
- 86% of courses are taught by full-time faculty
- 3 faculty members were named South Carolina Professor of the Year by the Carnegie Foundation
Academic Profile
- Over 45% rank in the top quarter of their graduating class
- Middle 50% SAT range: 970-1160; middle 50% ACT range: 21-26
- 60% graduation rate with 94% of graduates completing their degree in four years

Academics
- More than 40 undergraduate majors merge the liberal arts and career-focused majors
- Options for double and self-designed majors – more than half of our students double major
- Graduate programs include: MIM, MLA, MMFT, MM, MAT, MFA, MEd, EdD and EdS degrees
- Five online graduate degrees (EdS, MEd, MIM) and one low-residency MFA graduate degree
- Five programs are offered at our alternate location at the University Center of Greenville (UCG), including the EdD
Experiential Learning
- Converse students have the opportunity to participate in research, independent creative projects, service learning projects, internships or study travel
- 1/2 of Converse students are involved in research or independent creative projects. Our student researchers receive more SCICU funding than any other school in the state
- 1/2 of our students participate in service projects.
- 1/3 participate in study-travel to connect with global learning in Africa, Australia, Europe, Asia, North America and South America. Many receive study-travel scholarships.
The Converse Guarantee
Guarantee 1: We guarantee all undergraduate, full-time students will graduate from Converse in four years. We are committed to your success. If you don’t graduate in four years, the rest of your classes needed to complete your degree at Converse will be free*.
Guarantee 2: We guarantee all students will be employed full-time or enrolled in graduate school within six months of graduation, or be eligible to return for a full year tuition-free*.

Undergraduate
Academics
With more than 40 undergraduate majors and 30 minors, as well as nine pre-professional career-tracks, tomorrow’s game changers start here at Converse.
Admissions
- October 1: Submit FAFSA
- May 1: Deposit deadline
Tuition & Fees
Our tuition is 55% lower than the average cost of other Upstate SC institutions.
Graduate
Academics
Accelerate your career journey with Converse’s Master’s and Doctorate degrees.
Admissions
With more than 35 Master’s programs (five fully-online) and our unique doctoral program with the dissertation built into the coursework, we will take your career to a new level.
Tuition & Fees
Affordable and accessible, take the next step in advancing your education at Converse.

Valkyries Athletics
Converse has 18 NCAA Division II teams including acrobatics & tumbling (emerging), field hockey, women’s golf, women’s lacrosse, softball, women’s swimming, and women’s volleyball, as well as men’s and women’s programs for basketball, cross country, soccer, tennis, track & field. In addition, we offer coed programs in esports and IHSA equestrian. We are the only NCAA Division II athletic program in the Upstate, actively competing in Conference Carolinas.
Women’s Teams
- Acrobatics & Tumbling
- Basketball
- Cross Country
- Field Hockey
- Golf
- Lacrosse
- Soccer
- Softball
- Swimming
- Tennis
- Track & Field
- Volleyball
Men’s Teams
- Basketball
- Cross Country
- Soccer
- Swimming (Fall 2022)
- Tennis
- Track & Field
Co-ed Teams
- Equestrian (IHSA)*
- Esports*
- Spirit Squad (Fall 2022)
*Not a Division II sport
NEXT STEPS
Main phone & switchboard: 864.596.9000
Mailing Address:
Converse University
580 E. Main St
Spartanburg, SC 29302
Media Inquiries:
864.596.9704
communications@converse.edu
Campus Safety:
864.596.9026
campussafety@converse.edu