Columbia International University

Private · Moderately Selective · SC

School data & stats

TypePrivate

LocationSC · South

SettingUrban

Undergrads716

Student:faculty13:1

Outcomes

4-yr grad rate37.4%

6-yr grad rate46.8%

Drop-out rate46.7%

Study abroad—

Cost

In-state tuition$28k

Out-of-state tuition$28k

Application fee—

Community

Racial diversity37.6%

Gender diversity51%

International5.3%

Identity—

Overview

Columbia International University, in Columbia, South Carolina, built its identity on biblical studies, missions, and ministry preparation — fields that remain the institutional core even as the university has added programs in business, education, and other professional fields. It has long trained students headed into cross-cultural missions work and church ministry specifically, not just general Christian higher education.

Academics

Every undergraduate completes a substantial core of biblical and theological coursework alongside their major, and missions preparation is threaded through the curriculum in a way distinct from most Christian colleges. Faculty include career missionaries and ministry practitioners alongside traditional academics.

Campus & student life

Chapel, missions conferences, and organized ministry involvement are central to campus rhythm rather than optional add-ons. The Columbia, South Carolina location gives access to a mid-sized capital city while the campus itself maintains a tight, faith-focused community feel.

Worth knowing

CIU's missions emphasis is unusually deep even among evangelical colleges — many graduates go directly into overseas mission fields, and the university maintains connections with mission agencies that shape both curriculum and career pipelines after graduation.

ciu.edu ↗

Admissions

Acceptance rate94.5%

Enrolled mid-50%1110

Test policyoptional

Rec letters0

Deadlines (2026–27 cycle)

AdmissionRolling

Applying