Columbia International University
A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and students who want small classes and close faculty access. freshman retention is below 65%. a private nonprofit school with 716 students.
About This School
Columbia International University is a private nonprofit institution located in Columbia, South Carolina with approximately 716 undergraduate students enrolled. Columbia International University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 94%. The average net price after financial aid is $26,036 per year. The graduation rate is 47%, 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.
Popular Programs
Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.
Notable Alumni
Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.
Admissions
SAT Scores
ACT Scores
Cost & Financial Aid
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual cost after grants/scholarships, by household income. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Financial Aid
Full Cost
After Graduation
Earnings 6 Years After Enrollment, by Gender
Gap: 33% less for female graduates. National avg ~16%.
Will This School Pay Off?
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
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (716 undergraduates).
Contact & Location
Address
Columbia International University
7435 Monticello Rd
Columbia, SC 29203-1513
Official Links
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Coastal Carolina University
Conway, SC · Public
Greenville Technical College
Greenville, SC · Public
Sources & Methodology
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.
School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.
- 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.
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