Columbia In­ter­na­tion­al University

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No College Consensus
AVERAGE: 69
No Publisher Consensus
AVERAGE: 58.7
79.8
Student Consensus
AVERAGE: 76.9
Publisher Ratings
82.8
U.S. News - Regional Universities South
Student Reviews
85.7
Unigo
78.8
Niche
75
Grad Reports
Scores last updated on January 6, 2024
48%
Percent Admitted
54%
4-year Graduation Rate
2,481
Enrollment
13.0:1
Student-to-Faculty Ratio
$16,751
Average Undergraduate Students Aid
$26,840
In-State Tuition and Fees
$26,840
Out-of-State Tuition and Fees
= Average
Sector
Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
Carnegie Classification
Master's Colleges & Universities: Small Programs
Religious Affiliation
Not applicable

Columbia International University, a private 4-year school was founded in 1923 as Columbia Bible School. In 1927, the decision was made to convert the school into a college and begin offering bachelor’s degrees in Bible; the name was changed yet again in 1994 to Columbia International University. Noteworthy in its history is that CIU was the first white institution of higher education in South Carolina to voluntarily desegregate in 1963. Although the school is identified as non-denominational, all faculty are required to belong to a Protestant Church. The 400 acre campus just north of downtown Columbia is set along the Broad River. Notable alumni of CIU includes author Phillip Yancy.

Academic Programs

Columbia International University is accredited by the Association for Biblical Higher Education, Commission on Accreditation and Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges and offers Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees, post-baccalaureate and post-masters certificates and Doctorates in over 20 majors. Presently only certain graduate and master’s programs are available online. The university is comprised of five colleges: the College of Arts & Sciences, the College of Counseling, the College of Education, the College of Intercultural Studies, and the Seminary & School of Ministry. CIU is noted for Theology and the largest programs on campus are Theology and Psychology. According to statements from CIU, “We educate from a biblical worldview to impact the nations with the message of Christ” and “Teaching at Columbia International University is based on the great fundamentals of the Christian faith, all of which center in the person of Jesus Christ, our crucified, risen, and glorified Savior and Lord. The following, together with other Christian principles of doctrine and practice, including the affirmation of the full trustworthiness of Scripture, which in its original writing was verbally inspired and without error, shall be the basis of the faith and doctrine of the Columbia International University”

Student Life

Columbia International University enrolls over 500 undergraduate students; all unmarried students under 23 reside in one of the 6 dormitories or apartments on campus. There are several clubs and student organizations, including intramurals. For the varsity athlete, the blue and gold Rams field teams in 4 sports (basketball, soccer, cross country/track and golf) and participate in NCCAA competition. Students are taught under the “educational triad”: 1) Head – Strive for academic excellence with the Bible at the core of all learning; 2) Heart – Grow in maturity in Christ; 3) Hands – Practice skills related to personal and vocational goals in the community away from the classroom and education at CIU is grounded in our historic roots and these particular core values: The Authority of Scripture; Victorious Christian Living; World Evangelization; Prayer & Faith and Evangelical Unity. Additionally, students are expected to hold to seven doctrinal points: biblical inspiration, natural separation of humanity from God, salvation by grace through faith in Christ, the historical doctrine of the Trinity, the bodily resurrection of Christ from the dead, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in the believer, and the evangelical mandate to witness to the gospel of Christ.

Ready to start your journey?

Get a personalized list of degree programs that fit your needs.

Ready to start your journey?

Get a personalized list of degree programs that fit your needs.