Overview
Enrollment
| Location | Columbia, South Carolina |
| Online | ciu.edu |
| School Type | Private 4 Year |
| Setting | Midsize City |
| Size | Small |
| Status | Non-profit |
| On Campus 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.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
Columbia International University is rated within the lower 36% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 4 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for Columbia International University within the 2025 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#867 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#535 in Best Private Colleges in the U.S.
#14 in Best Colleges in South Carolina
#7 in Best Private Colleges in South Carolina
#17 in Best Value Colleges in South Carolina
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 990/1195 |
| ACT | 16/25 |
| GPA | 3.5 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | Aug 1, 2025 |
| Applicant Competition | Very Low |
| Application Fee | $25 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $200 |
| Other Fees | $1,200 |
| Room and Board | $11,950 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $3,400 |
| Total One Year Cost | $43,450 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Theology and Religious Vvocations | 69% |
| Liberal Arts and Humanities | 11% |
| Psychology | 7% |
| General Studies | 6% |
| Communication | 3% |
Other Colleges to Consider
Students considering Columbia International University are frequently interested in these similar colleges.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=217925 IPEDS survey data for Columbia International University.
Current students may use the Columbia International University GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2025