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Columbia International University

Columbia, SC·Private nonprofit·690 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and students who want small classes and close faculty access. no major red flags in the data. a private nonprofit school with 690 students.

98%
Accept
690
Students
$21,660
Net Price
66%
Grad Rate
$31,400
Earnings
10 yr
$10,500
Debt

About This School

Columbia International University is a private nonprofit institution located in Columbia, South Carolina with approximately 690 undergraduate students enrolled. Columbia International University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 98%. The average net price after financial aid is $21,660 per year. The graduation rate is 66%, and the typical graduate earns $31,400 within 10 years of enrollment.

Columbia International University (CIU) is a private Christian university in Columbia, South Carolina, United States. It was founded in 1923.

Worth considering if you're drawn to a faith-centered education in a small, tight-knit environment — the median debt at graduation is a manageable $10,500, which is well below average. That said, the numbers tell a mixed story: a 66% graduation rate means roughly one in three students doesn't finish, and median earnings of $31,400 a decade out suggest limited financial return, so this fits best for students whose priorities center on ministry, missions, or Christian service rather than high-earning career paths.

Founded
1923
Setting
Midsize city

Popular Programs

Business & Marketing18%
Communications7%
Psychology4%
Education4%
Health Professions2%
English1%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Philip Yancey

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average CompositeN/A

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite21

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$27,900
Out-of-State Tuition
$27,900
Avg Net Price
$21,660
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants28%
Median debt at graduation$10,500

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
66%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
66%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$31,400
after enrollment
Median Debt
$10,500
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$10,500
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$27,900
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$31,400
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 3.0x

Solid return. Earnings outpace debt, though major choice matters.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White62%
Black20%
Hispanic/Latino1%
Asian2%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (690 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Columbia International University

7435 Monticello Rd

Columbia, SC 29203-1513

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in South Carolina

Browse all South Carolina schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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