Columbia International University Admissions

SAT Scores, Acceptance Rate, Financial Aid & More

Columbia International University Logo
Columbia International University Logo. Wikimedia Commons
by Allen Grove
Dr. Allen Grove is an Alfred University English professor and a college admissions expert with 20 years of experience helping students transition to college.
Updated May 23, 2019

Columbia International University Admissions Overview:

CIU is a fairly selective school--only about one-third of those who applied in 2015 were accepted. To apply, interested students can send in a completed application along with a personal essay (applicants can choose from a few prompts), a church leader's recommendation, high school transcripts, and SAT or ACT scores. Admitted students tend to have at least a "B" average and standardized test scores that are at least a little above average. Students are encouraged to visit the campus, and should check out the school's website for more information and detailed application instructions.

Admissions Data (2016):

Columbia International University Description:

Founded in 1923 as Columbia Bible School, Columbia International University maintains its original motto: "to know Him and to make Him known." The college is a private, non-denominational Christian university dedicated to "preparing world Christians to serve God with excellence." All undergraduate students must participate in the campus chapel program and regularly attend a local church. The university is made up of the Undergraduate School, the Graduate School, and the CIU Seminary & School of Missions. The school's educational philosophy centers on CIU's Educational Triad -- the Head, the Heart, and the Hands. Through this model, students gain knowledge, develop spiritually, and gain competence in preparation for ministry. The university's 400-acre campus sits along the Broad River in Columbia, South Carolina. The university has a wide range of student groups and organizations, and CIU will be adding intercollegiate athletics in the fall of 2012. The university plans to field eight teams that will compete in the National Christian College Athletic Association.

Enrollment (2016):

  • Total Enrollment: 966 (497 undergraduates)
  • Gender Breakdown: 52% Male / 48% Female
  • 91% Full-time

Costs (2016 - 17):

  • Tuition and Fees: $21,490
  • Books: $600
  • Room and Board: $7,760
  • Other Expenses: $3,770
  • Total Cost: $33,620

Columbia International University Financial Aid (2015 - 16):

  • Percentage of New Students Receiving Aid: 100%
  • Percentage of New Students Receiving Types of Aid
    • Grants: 100%
    • Loans: 60%
  • Average Amount of Aid
    • Grants: $13,819
    • Loans: $5,395

Academic Programs:

  • Most Popular Majors: Biblical Studies

Transfer, Graduation and Retention Rates:

  • First Year Student Retention (full-time students): 76%
  • Transfer-out Rate: 18%
  • 4-Year Graduation Rate: 62%
  • 6-Year Graduation Rate: 74%

Intercollegiate Athletic Programs:

  • Men's Sports: Soccer, Basketball, Track and Field, Cross Country
  • Women's Sports: Cross Country, Track and Field, Basketball

Data Source:

National Center for Educational Statistics

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