Columbia International University

  • 4/10 Overall Rating
  • 4 Year
  • Columbia, SC
  • 0 reviews
#7 Best Private Colleges in South Carolina
Overview Admission Cost Majors Diversity Outcomes Salaries Location Compare Reviews Admission Calculator

Overview

Total enrollment

2,914
Columbia International University overview
Columbia International University overview
  • Size Small
  • Status Non-profit
  • Housing Yes
  • Level of Study Undergrad/Graduate

Columbia International University (CIU) is located in South Carolina's capital city of Columbia, occupying a suburban campus along Monticello Road approximately seven miles north of downtown. Founded in 1923 as Columbia Bible School, the private evangelical Christian institution maintains its original mission of biblical training and professional development. The university offers undergraduate and graduate programs with an emphasis on biblical studies, theology, education, and intercultural studies, while also providing degrees in business, healthcare, and other professional fields. CIU requires all students to complete a substantial core curriculum in Bible and theology alongside their chosen major, and the institution maintains a residential campus where undergraduate students typically live in traditional dormitories. The university operates as a teaching-focused institution where classes are structured to integrate biblical principles with professional preparation.

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Ratings

Columbia International University is rated within the lower 36% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 4 out of 10.

  • Overall Rating
    4 out of 10
  • Academics
    4 out of 10
  • Resources
    3 out of 10
  • Outcomes
    5 out of 10
  • Value
    1 out of 10
Learn how ratings are calculated

Rankings

Rankings for Columbia International University within the 2027 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.

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Admissions

Admission Standards

Easy
Columbia International University admission standards
  • SAT (enrolled mid-50) 990/1195
  • ACT (enrolled mid-50) 16/25
  • GPA 3.5

Acceptance Rate

94.5%
Columbia International University applications overview
  • Applications Due Aug 1, 2027
  • Enrollment Rate 35.1%
  • Application Fee $25

Applicant Competition Very Low

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Annual Cost to Attend

Tuition

$27,900
Costs for Columbia International University
Fee Cost
Tuition $27,900
Books and Supplies $1,200
Other Fees $1,200
Room and Board $11,950
Budget for Other Expenses $2,280
Total One Year Cost $44,530
View Tuition & Financial Aid Details

Student Outcomes

Average Salary After 10 Years

$33,400 per year

Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate

57% within 6 years
View Post Graduation Outcomes

Popular Areas of Study

Popular majors at Columbia International University are Theology and Religious Vvocations, Liberal Arts and Humanities, and Psychology. 69% of students major in Theology and Religious Vvocations, 11% in Liberal Arts and Humanities, and 7% in Psychology.

  • Theology and Religious Vvocations 69%
  • Liberal Arts and Humanities 11%
  • Psychology 7%
  • General Studies 6%
  • Communication 3%
View All 12 Majors

More Colleges to Consider

Students considering Columbia International University are frequently interested in these similar colleges.

Data source: NCES / IPEDS https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=217925.

GPA calculator: Columbia International University GPA calculator.

Last updated: August 2026