UnisHub University Compass

Columbia International University (CIU) : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings

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About Columbia International University

Set on piney hills near the state capital, Columbia International University is known for a Christian learning environment where faith and academics meet. Students dig into leadership, education, counseling, business and theological studies, with faculty who mentor as much as they teach. The campus offers a light-filled library, a welcoming chapel, neighborly residence halls, and a fitness center with room for rec sports. Advising, tutoring, counseling and career coaching are part of the rhythm.

Campus life runs on community. You'll find small groups, service projects, intramurals, coffee fueled study sessions, and quick escapes to rivers and parks. The vibe is purpose-driven yet relaxed. Career prep stays practical, with internships tied to nonprofits, schools, ministries and businesses around the capital. Columbia's arts, food and public service scene adds chances to grow. Traditions center on worship and service with a global outlook, giving the place a steady heartbeat.

Key Institutional Details

Contact & Profile

Location
7435 Monticello Rd, Columbia, South Carolina, 29203, USA
Website
ciu.edu
Unit ID
217925

Academic & Institutional

Control
Private non-profit institution (tuition + donations)
Accreditation
SACSCOC
Length of Study
Programs under 2 years (e.g. certificate or diploma)
Calendar System
Semester system (two main terms per year)
Award Levels
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Post-Master's
Doctorate (R)
Other Award
Campus Setting
Located in a midsize city (population between 100,000 and 249,999)
Carnegie Classification
Master's - Medium programs
Tuition & Fees
In-State
$27,900
Tuition $26,700 + Fee $1,200
Out-of-State
$27,900
Tuition $26,700 + Fee $1,200
Student Profile
Total Students 2,631
Undergraduate 690
Graduate/Other 1,941
Male: 1,192 Female: 1,439
Applications
Total Applicants 372
Admitted 363
Enrolled 116
Acceptance: 97.6% Yield: 32%
Staff
Total Staff 398
Full-time 236
Part-time 162
Full-time: 59.3% Part-time: 40.7%

Academic Programs & Fields of Study

Columbia International University (CIU) offers 32 degree programs across 11 major academic fields, graduating approximately 553 students annually. The most popular fields by graduate volume are Theology (10 programs, 188 graduates), Business (2 programs, 144 graduates), Education (6 programs, 143 graduates), Liberal Arts (2 programs, 20 graduates) and Psychology (2 programs, 20 graduates). Explore program details, award levels, and graduate demographics below.

Theology (10 programs, 188 graduates)
Theological Studies, Ministry Preparation and Religious Leadership
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Missionary Studies 66
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
39.0301
Biblical Studies 31
Associate's
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Post-Master's
39.0201
Theological and Ministerial Studies 31
Master's
39.0699
Theology and Religious Vocations 22
Master's
Doctorate (R)
39.9999
Theological Studies 15
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Bachelor's
Master's
39.0601
Divinity and Ministry 7
Master's
39.0602
Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries 6
Master's
39.0799
Youth Ministry 4
Bachelor's
39.0702
Religious Education 3
Bachelor's
39.0401
Pre-Theology and Pre-Ministerial Studies 3
Bachelor's
39.0604
Business (2 programs, 144 graduates)
Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Organizational Leadership 85
Master's
Doctorate (R)
52.0213
Business Administration and Management 59
Associate's
Bachelor's
Master's
52.0201
Education (6 programs, 143 graduates)
Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Curriculum and Instruction 99
Master's
13.0301
Educational Leadership and Administration 20
Master's
Post-Master's
Doctorate (R)
13.0401
Multiple Level Teacher Education 8
Master's
13.1206
English as a Second Language (ESL) Teaching 8
Master's
13.1401
Elementary Education 7
Bachelor's
13.1202
General Education 1
Bachelor's
13.0101
Liberal Arts (2 programs, 20 graduates)
Liberal Arts Education, General Studies and Humanities
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Liberal Arts and Sciences 18
Associate's
Bachelor's
24.0101
Humanities Studies 2
Bachelor's
24.0103
Psychology (2 programs, 20 graduates)
Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Counseling Psychology 11
Master's
42.2803
General Psychology 9
Bachelor's
42.0101
Kinesiology (1 programs, 11 graduates)
Exercise Science, Sports Medicine and Physical Recreation
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Sport and Fitness Management 11
Bachelor's
31.0504
Health (2 programs, 11 graduates)
Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Registered Nursing 9
Bachelor's
51.3801
Health Services Administration 2
Associate's
Master's
51.2211
Communication (3 programs, 6 graduates)
Media Communications, Journalism and Public Relations
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Digital Media and Multimedia 3
Bachelor's
09.0702
Mass Communication and Media Studies 2
Bachelor's
09.0102
Communication and Media Studies 1
Bachelor's
09.0199
Philosophy (2 programs, 4 graduates)
Philosophical Studies, Ethics and Religious Thought
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Islamic Studies 3
Master's
38.0205
Philosophy and Religious Studies 1
Bachelor's
38.0001
Security & Safety (1 programs, 3 graduates)
Emergency Management, Law Enforcement and Public Safety
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Crisis and Emergency Management 3
Bachelor's
Master's
43.0302

Admission Requirements & Test Scores

Comprehensive overview of admission criteria, standardized test score ranges, and application requirements for prospective students at Columbia International University (CIU).

Application Requirements

Secondary School GPA
Required
Secondary School Rank
Neither required nor recommended
Secondary School Record
Neither required nor recommended
College Preparatory Program
Neither required nor recommended
Recommendations
Neither required nor recommended
Formal Demonstration of Competencies
Neither required nor recommended
Admission Test Scores (SAT/ACT)
Neither required nor recommended
English Proficiency Test (TOEFL)
Required
Personal Statement or Essay
Required

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Test score ranges represent the middle 50% of admitted students (25th-75th percentile). Requirements may vary by program.

Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs

Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students

Estimated Total Cost
(In-state)
$43,450
Estimated Total Cost
(Out-state)
$43,450
In-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$27,900
Tuition and fees for students residing in-state
Out-of-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$27,900
Tuition and fees for non-resident students
Room & Board
$11,950 (on) / $9,020 (off)
Housing and meal plan expenses
Books & Supplies
$200
Average yearly cost of books and study materials
Other Expenses
$3,400 (on) / $4,200 (off)
Miscellaneous personal and institutional expenses
Other Expenses (with family)
$4,200
Estimated cost for students living with family
Graduate In-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$11,640
Graduate tuition rates for in-state students
Graduate Out-of-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$11,640
Graduate tuition rates for non-resident students

Financial Aid & Student Support

Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students

16%
FTFT Aid Recipients
Avg. Grant
$18,883
Avg. Loan
$7,097
Avg. Federal Loan
$5,234
Additional
Students with Any Grant
155
Students who received any type of grant aid
Students with Any Loan
100
Students who received any type of loan-based aid
Students with Federal Grant
60
Students who received a federal grant
Avg. Institutional Grant
$13,242
Average amount of institutional grant awarded

Student Success Metrics

Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.

66%
Graduation Rate
Percentage of students who successfully graduate from the institution
66%
First-Year Retention Rate
Percentage of first-year students who continue for a second year
Median Earnings Over Time
$21,349 – $59,327
Salary Range (25th–75th Percentile, 10 Years)
$21,349 (25th %) $59,327 (75th %)
*Median Salary After 10 Years: $38,951
Median Salary After 6 Years
$33,929
Average annual earnings of former students six years after starting college.
Median Salary After 10 Years
$38,951
Average annual earnings of former students ten years after starting college.

Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes

Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.

3-Year Loan Repayment Rate
66.3%
Share of borrowers who repaid loans within 3 years
Repayment Rate (Graduates Only)
73.8%
Repayment rate among students who completed their program
Median Student Loan Debt
$20,000
Median federal loan debt of undergraduate completers at time of graduation.
Repayment by Income
Low 56.2%
Middle 69.0%
High 81.5%
Repayment by Dependency
Dependent 77.0%
Independent 39.1%

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to the most common questions about Columbia International University (CIU)

How much does it cost to attend Columbia International University (CIU)?

The annual tuition at Columbia International University (CIU) is $27,900 for in-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $43,450 for in-state students. Additional costs include room and board $11,950 (on) / $9,020 (off) and books and supplies $200.

Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.

What academic programs and degree levels does Columbia International University offer?

Columbia International University (CIU) offers 32 academic programs across 11 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Certificate (1-2 yrs), Associate's, Bachelor's, Postbac Cert., Master's, Post-Master's, Doctorate (Research), Other Award.

Most popular program areas include:

  • Theological Studies, Ministry Preparation and Religious Leadership (10 programs)
  • Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship (2 programs)
  • Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy (6 programs)
  • Liberal Arts Education, General Studies and Humanities (2 programs)
  • Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies (2 programs)

Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.

What is the acceptance rate for Columbia International University?

Columbia International University (CIU) has an 97.6% acceptance rate and a 32% yield rate, making it moderately selective.

Admission statistics breakdown:

  • Total applicants: 372
  • Students admitted: 363
  • Students enrolled: 116

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Admission statistics may vary by program and application cycle.

What financial aid and scholarships are available at Columbia International University?

Columbia International University (CIU) provides financial aid to 16% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $18,883 and average loans of $7,097.

Average financial aid amounts by type:

  • Pell grants: $5,141
  • State/Local grants: $6,936
  • Institutional grants: $13,242
  • Federal loans: $5,234

The university supports 155 students with grants and 100 students with loans annually.

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.

What is the average salary for Columbia International University graduates?

Columbia International University (CIU) graduates earn a median salary of $33,929 after 6 years and $38,951 after 10 years.

The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $21,349 (25th percentile) to $59,327 (75th percentile).

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.

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