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#5 Best Private Colleges in South Carolina

Columbia International University Admission Requirements

Columbia, South Carolina

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Your chances of getting into Columbia International University

Admission Rate & Difficulty

Percent Admitted 

45.6%
Admission Difficulty for Columbia International University
Measure Difficulty
Admission Standards Very Easy 
Applicant Competition Average 

Acceptance Rate

The acceptance rate at Columbia International University is 45.6%.  Its admission rate is the lowest in South Carolina and the 179th lowest the nation.

Admission Selectivity

How hard is it to get into Columbia International University and can you get accepted?

Columbia International University is a more competitive school to get into. You have a good chance of acceptance if you meet the admission criteria. Last year, 240 out of the 526 who applied were admitted.

The school has very easy admission requirements for SAT and ACT scores, generally admitting students who score in the top 70 percent (SAT 940/1135 ACT 17/24). Columbia International University typically accepts and attracts "B+" average high school students with an average GPA around 3.5. Most incoming freshmen graduate in the top half of their high school class. Of those applicants who were admitted, 73% enrolled. This indicates that the school is a top choice for many students who apply.

Can you get into Columbia International University?

46% are accepted, can you get in? Use the admission calculator to see if you have the grades and test scores needed to get in. See your admission chances based on your extracurriculars, intended major, background, and more.

Calculate your admission chances
Calculate your admission chances

Admission Requirements in Brief

To have the best chance of getting into to Columbia International University you should:

  • Have a high school GPA of 3.5 or better
  • Earn B+ grades in high school
  • Score 1040 on the SAT
  • Score 20 on the ACT
  • Graduate in the top half of your high school class

Columbia International University GPA

GPA Requirements & Average GPA

Avg. High School GPA 

3.5

Typical High School Grades 

B+

What GPA do you need to get into Columbia International University?

GPA Requirements

The GPA requirements for getting into Columbia International University are to have around a 3.5 high school GPA. You are required to have very good grades in high school.

Even with a competitive GPA, admission to Columbia International University will be challenging as the school denies more applicants than it admits.

Average GPA

The average unweighted GPA at Columbia International University is 3.5 on the 4.0 scale. To achieve the average GPA for admission, you need to earn B+ letter grades and regularly score around 87-89 percent on tests and assignments in high school.  The school ranks #20 in South Carolina for highest average GPA.

See additional colleges accepting applicants in the 3.5 GPA range.

Competitiveness by GPA Ranges

The table below outlines the number of admitted freshmen by GPA range as well as how competitive your GPA will be as compared with other applicants.

High School GPA's for admitted Columbia International University students
High School GPA Freshmen Within Range Competitiveness 
4.0 9.68% Good
3.75 to 3.99 16.13% Avg +
3.50 to 3.74 19.68% Avg +
3.25 to 3.49 27.89% Avg -
3.00 to 3.24 17.36% Reach
2.50 to 2.99 6.86% Reach
2.00 to 2.49 2.4% Low
1.00 to 1.99 0% Low
less than 1.00 0% Low

 What do these chances mean?

GPA Data Source, Peterson's Data 2022

Calculate My Chances 

Columbia International University SAT Scores

Testing Requirements

You are required to submit admission test scores with your application. Columbia International University is not a test optional school. Note: Please consult the school directly to confirm the most up to date testing requirements.

SAT Requirements & Average SAT Score

SAT Range 

940-1135

Applicants Submitting SAT 

39%
SAT Scores for Columbia International University
SAT Test 25th Percentile Score
Reading 25th Percentile 480
Math 25th Percentile 460
Composite 25th Percentile 940
SAT Scores for Columbia International University
SAT Test 75th Percentile Score
Reading 75th Percentile 595
Math 75th Percentile 540
Composite 75th Percentile 1135
Average SAT Score 1040

SAT Scores you need to get in

What are the SAT requirements for you to be admitted to Columbia International University?

Average Score & Range

The average SAT score at Columbia International University is 1040 out of 1600 and the range for the middle 50% of accepted students is 940-1135. Students who get into Columbia International University score in the top 71 percent of all SAT test takers..  Columbia International University ranks #20 in the state of South Carolina for highest average SAT composite score.

Score for Acceptance

You should target scoring 1040 or above to be most competitive with other applicants. Columbia International University regularly admits students with SAT scores down to 940 on a 1600 scale. However, three quarter of admitted students score higher. If you score below a 940, admission should be considered a reach. Some students may be accepted with minimum SAT's as low as 840, but scores this low are outside the normal range. 39 percent of applicants submit SAT scores to the school.

View other colleges which accept students in the 1040 SAT score range.

Data Sources, IPEDS for Fall 2021 starting class

Chance of Acceptance by SAT Score

The table below outlines your predicted admission chances based on SAT score alone. If you are an average applicant with a score of 1037, you have around a 46% chance of being admitted. A 1135 places you well ahead of most other applicants and gives you about a 62% chance of getting in.

Columbia International University admission chances by SAT score
SAT Score (1600 scale) Competitiveness  Admission Chances 
1135 and Above Good >62%
1037 to 1135 Avg + 46%-62%
940 to 1037 Avg - 31%-46%
843 to 940 Reach 19%-31%
Less than 843 Low <19%
Calculate My Chances 

Columbia International University ACT Scores

ACT Requirements & Average ACT Score

ACT Range 

17-24 

Applicants Submitting ACT 

21%
ACT Scores for Columbia International University
ACT Test 25th Percentile Score
Reading 25th Percentile 17
Math 25th Percentile 16
Composite 25th Percentile 17
ACT Scores for Columbia International University
ACT Test 75th Percentile Score
Reading 75th Percentile 24
Math 75th Percentile 23
Composite 75th Percentile 24
Average ACT Score 20

ACT Scores needed to get accepted

What are the ACT requirements for students to get into Columbia International University?

Score Range

The average ACT score for admitted students to Columbia International University is 20, while the middle 50% of students (25th to 75th percentile) score between a 17 and 24.  The school ranks #16 in South Carolina for highest average ACT composite score.

Score for Acceptance

For the best chance of admission, you should have an ACT of 20. This will place you in solid competition against other applicants. At a minimum, you should aim for a 17 and score in the score in the top 69 percent nationally. The lowest ACT score likely to be admitted is a 14.

21 percent of applicants submit ACT scores to Columbia International University.

Find other colleges with similar ACT score requirements

Data Sources, IPEDS for Fall 2021 starting class

Chance of Acceptance by ACT Score

Here are your predicted chances of getting into Columbia International University for different ACT score ranges. A typical applicant with a 20 score has around 46% chance of getting in. Your odds increase to about 64% with a 24 ACT score.

Columbia International University admission chances by ACT score
ACT Score Competitiveness  Admission Chances 
24 and Above Good >64%
20 to 24 Avg + 46%-64%
17 to 20 Avg - 33%-46%
14 to 17 Reach 22%-33%
Less than 14 Low <22%
Calculate My Chances 

High School Class Rank

65% of Columbia International University freshman are in the top half of their high school graduating class and 39% are in the top quarter.

High School Class Rank for admitted Columbia International University students
High School Class Rank Freshmen Within Range
Top 10% of class 15%
Top 25% of class 39%
Top 50% of class 65%
Data Source, Peterson's Data

Applying

Admission Statistics

Admission and enrollment rates by gender are detailed the the table below.

Columbia International University admission statistics
Women Men Total
Applied 268 258 526
Accepted 119 121 240
Acceptance Rate 44% 47% 46%
Enrolled 86 90 176
Percent of Admitted Who Enrolled (Admission Yield) 72% 74% 73%
Data Sources, IPEDS for Fall 2021 starting class

Fall 2024 Application Deadline

Applications Due

Aug 1, 2024

Days left to Apply

242

Applicants have 242 days left until the Fall 2024 term applications are due on Aug 1, 2024.

Application Fee

The cost for prospective students to apply to Columbia International University is $25.

Application Requirements

What are the requirements for admission to Columbia International University and what student information is used for admission decisions?

Columbia International University Application Requirements
Test Scores Required
High School GPA Required
High School Class Rank Neither required nor recommended
Completion of College Preparatory Program Recommended
Recommendations Neither required nor recommended
Demonstration of Competencies Neither required nor recommended

Credits Accepted

High School Credits Accepted at Columbia International University
AP Credit Yes
Dual Credit Yes
Credit for Life Experiences No

Admission Requirements Summary

Because Columbia International University is fairly competitive, you have a decent chance of acceptance with the right GPA and test scores. If you have a 3.5 GPA, you have a good shot at getting in. An SAT score of 1040 will further improve your application. If you can get a 1135 on the SAT you will have a very good chance on getting in. Additionally a 20 on the ACT places you in a strong position.

Other Colleges to Apply To 

Students applying to Columbia International University often consider these colleges

Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=217925 IPEDS survey data for Columbia International University.

FAQs

Does Columbia International University prefer SAT or ACT?

39% of students submit their SAT scores to Columbia International University. 21% of applicants send their ACT scores when applying.

What is my chance of getting into Columbia International University?

46% of those who apply are granted admission to Columbia International University. Admission competition is low and the college has very easy admission standards. See if your grades and scores are good enough for admission.

What SAT score is required for Columbia International University?

The middle 50% of addmitted applicants have SAT scores between 940 and 1135. The average SAT score is 1037. See if your SAT score is good enough for admission.

What ACT score is required for Columbia International University?

The middle 50% of addmitted applicants have ACT scores between 17 and 24. The average ACT score is 20. See if your ACT score is good enough for admission.