FindU
Find Your FitFor CollegesAboutBlog
Sign inGet Started
Home/Colleges/South Carolina/Columbia International University
Columbia International University campus photo 1
Columbia International University campus photo 2
Columbia International University campus photo 3
Columbia International University campus photo 4
Columbia International University campus photo 5
1 / 5
Columbia International University logo

Columbia International University

Columbia, South Carolina · Private (nonprofit)

Ranked #29 US News

FindU Grade

BValue
N/ACampus
BAcademics
C-Admissions
B-Student Life
B-Overall

About

Columbia International University is located in Columbia, South Carolina. It is a private (nonprofit) institution. The university enrolls approximately 690 students.

ciu.edu

Cost and aid

Cost breakdown

In-state tuition$27,900
Out-of-state tuition$27,900
Room & board$11,950
Avg aid package$18,883
Students receiving aid28%
Pell grant recipients28%

Columbia International University's tuition is $27,900 per year, but 97% of students receive financial aid, with the average total aid awarded being $18,883. This makes the net price per year around $21,320. CIU also offers various scholarships, including the Parent in Ministry Scholarship and the Alumni Legacy Grant, to make education more accessible.

What would you actually pay?FindU estimates your real net price for Columbia International University from your family income.
Calculate my net priceFree · 2 min

Admissions

Application info

Acceptance rate98%
Average GPA3.85
Student–faculty ratio13:1
Test optionalYes
Common AppYes
Application fee$25

Columbia International University has a high acceptance rate of 98%, indicating a less selective admissions process. The university requires a high school GPA and may require SAT/ACT scores, though they are neither required nor recommended. CIU looks for students who align with its Christian values and are committed to academic and spiritual growth.

Will you get into Columbia International University?FindU calculates your real admission odds from your stats.
Show me my oddsFree · 2 min

Academics

Graduation rate68%
Retention rate66%
Student–faculty ratio13:1
Full-time faculty26%

Columbia International University provides a Christ-centered academic environment where the Bible is central to all majors. The university emphasizes hands-on experience, particularly in Intercultural Studies, where students spend a semester abroad. Professors are passionate about teaching and invested in student success, fostering engaging conversations and mentorship.

Outcomes

Median earnings (10 yrs)$38,951
Avg starting salary$50,000
Job placement rate91%
Earn more than HS grad57%
Economic mobility14%
Loan default (3 yr)4%
Loan repayment (3 yr)66%

CIU boasts a 91% employment rate for graduates one year after graduation. The university focuses on preparing students for careers in ministry, missions, and the marketplace, with many securing internships during their studies that lead to full-time job offers. Graduates are placed in diverse organizations, including businesses, schools, churches, and nonprofits.

Student life

Demographics

Small School
690Student size

Compared to 5,382 national average

BalancedGender ratio
Female 48%Male 52%
62% WhiteRacial diversity
White 62%Black 20%Asian 2%Hispanic 1%Other 14%
Greek lifeNo
Campus housingYes

CIU offers a welcoming and friendly campus culture with a strong focus on shared Christian values. The community is tight-knit and supportive, creating an environment where students feel valued and encouraged to grow academically and spiritually. Students form close friendships and participate in intramural sports and student-led activities.

Student reviews

Professors

Current Student

CIU has been a great experience. I am local to Columbia, but attending online. New programs and new accreditations mean even more to offer than in the past. There are more opportunities for financial aid, and costs haven't been raised, making it more affordable as well. Having visited campus, improvements and updates to buildings have refreshed the campus. My professors are experts in their fields and truly care about the success of their students.

Student

The Clinical Social Work Masters of Science Program at Columbia University in the City of New York is rigorous yet balanced. I started with a BA in Psychology and I feel like I've grown so much as a person in learning Clinical Social Work. Understanding how the social environment can effect one's life course is paramount in understanding its effects on mental and physical health. The professors and courses will challenge you without attempting to break you.

Student

The faculty are fantastic and supportive. We have small class sizes and great diversity in age and ethnicity, background of students. The classes are challenging, and completely practical towards our future careers. The on-campus housing is great as well.

Student

The graduate program is very informative. I really am impressed with the amount of information being taught. The workload can be difficult to manage, but I am glad that the professors care about teaching.

Student

The Masters Program in Clinical Counseling consistently maintained a personal student to professor ratio. The clinical program focuses intently on preparing students for future licensure as a licensed professional counselor, but the professors show a concerted interest in the personal lives and growth of each student.

Campus and vibes

Student

CIU has a positive environment. The community that can be found at CIU is unmatched. The professor want to get to know you as a student. The professors in the education program are amazing. They have a passion for teaching. The buildings and classrooms at CIU are horrible though.

Student

CIU provides very good facilities for graduate students to live campus life. Even for those who commute on weekdays to campus. Financial aid office is really helpful, however, not as many inside scholarships are available for international students. There are opportunities for campus jobs though, which helps. In terms of tuition, CIU has probably the best cost/value ratio in the market.

Student

Columbia International University (CIU as we all call it) is a smaller college with many international students. I love the fact the staff are truly interested in each student, wanting to help us have a good learning experience and connect with us students. The students are from all over the world whether born in another country or lived in another country with their families.

Student

I’m at an amazing school with great academics and playing soccer for them has been a blast! I love the campus and the safety it brings and everyone is super nice including the professors!

Cost and value

Student

CIU is a con. You realize it after a year or two as a student there. CIU is an embarrassment to higher education. The degrees and programs offered provide little to no value in the actual world. You may think you will go into full-time Christian ministry, but most graduates of CIU do not.

About Columbia International University

Columbia International University maintains a safe and secure campus with a dedicated security office and patrols active 24/7. Students generally feel safe on campus, and health services including an on-campus nurse and visiting doctors are appreciated. The university also has emergency systems in place to ensure student safety.

The CIU Honors Program enhances the college experience through academic enrichment, intellectual growth, and leadership development. It offers unique honors-level classes designed to enhance students' majors and prepare them for rigorous academic situations. The program also emphasizes a deeper integration of faith and learning.

Columbia International University has a diverse community with international students from various countries. The university provides support for international students, though specific details on visa support and ESL programs are not readily available. The presence of international students enriches the campus community and fosters a global perspective.

Endowment$4,524,892
Avg faculty salary$73,176

Columbia International University FAQ

See if Columbia International University is right for you

Answer a few quick questions and FindU shows your match score, your admission chances, and the scholarships you qualify for.

Show me my matchesFree · takes 2 minutes · no account needed to start
FindU Match
Free

Will you get into Columbia International University?

Columbia International University admits about 98% of applicants. But your real odds are personal. They depend on your grades, scores, and story. Answer a few quick questions and FindU calculates your match.

76%Your chances
Match
Your SAT 1380Admit range 1230–1480
See your real result
Show me my chancesFree · takes 2 minutes · no account needed to start

More colleges in South Carolina

Bob Jones University

Greenville, South Carolina

BOverall

Clemson University

Clemson, South Carolina

A-Overall38% admit

University of South Carolina-Columbia

Columbia, South Carolina

B+Overall61% admit

Claflin University

Orangeburg, South Carolina

BOverall73% admit

Allen University

Columbia, South Carolina

COverall32% admit

University of South Carolina Aiken

Aiken, South Carolina

B-Overall80% admit
All colleges in South Carolina
Is Columbia International University your match?Get my match
FindU

Find Your Fit

  • Take college quiz
  • Scholarship search
  • College Search
  • Browse all tools

Company

  • About
  • Blog
  • Careers

For Partners

  • For Colleges
  • For Counselors
  • Contact Us

Legal

  • Privacy
  • Terms

Join our newsletter