About Columbia International University
Columbia International University is a private, not-for-profit institution rooted in Christian faith and service. Take on a biblical worldview, applicable to ministry or the marketplace. Take advantage of degree programs ranging from associate’s to doctorate degrees. Join a faith-oriented community of students developing into leaders at CIU.
Online associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees are available to the nontraditional student. This flexible format connects a global community of learners interested in pursuing professional goals while balancing other life commitments. Online programs vary from human services to business, divinity, and more.
Qualities of learning online with CIU:
- 100% online
- Online library resources
- Learn skills directly applicable to careers
Accreditation & Licensing
Columbia International University is accredited by:
Association for Biblical Higher Education Commission on Accreditation (ABHE)
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Type:
4-year, Private not-for-profitHighest Level Offered:
Doctor's degreeReligious Affiliation:
Not applicableEnrollment:
Undergraduate: 1,303 ; Graduate: 2,354Percent of Fully Online Students:
Undergraduate: 34% ; Graduate: 94%Graduation Rate:
47%Transfer Rate:
3%Median Earnings, 10-Years After Degree Completion:
$38,951Median Debt After Graduation (4-Year Degree):
$20,000Average Undergraduates Receiving Aid:
70%Per Undergraduate Average Aid Award:
$17,570Yellow Ribbon Program:
YesCredit for Military Training:
YesOnline Programs offered by Columbia International University
All Programs
Business
Education
Religion & Philosophy
Filters
Plan your cost early at Columbia International University. Some courses add software and assessment fees beyond tuition. Aid timing can also affect your monthly budget, since credits may post after a few months.
A clear pace and plan can help you finish on time. Students describe strong personal growth in just one year, which shows steady momentum when you stay consistent.
If you bring credits, map them early and confirm your finish timeline. A simple term-by-term plan helps you manage cost, pace, and time to graduation.
Support is a clear strength at Columbia International University. Professors are always ready to answer your questions, and the tone is personal rather than distant. There is also free tutoring for students, which gives learners a direct place to get help when classes get heavy.
The school also offers an excellent student success center to help with tutoring, mentoring, and study skills. That adds a practical layer of guidance beyond class time. Response culture is another plus: feedback is taken seriously, which helps students feel heard. Reliability can feel less smooth around aid-credit timing, but day-to-day academic help is visible and easy to find.
Online classes at CIU can fit working adults. Studying online gave many learners flexibility to continue working. The schedule works for people balancing job and school. One learner was local to Columbia but attended online.
Support still matters in the online format. Instructors take feedback seriously and respond to student needs. The school’s faith-centered tone carries into online classes. This setup fits adults who want structure and purpose.
At Columbia International University, faith is part of every class from day one. A biblical view is woven into daily teaching, not treated as a side topic. This gives each course a clear purpose and a steady classroom tone.
Professors know their subjects well and stay closely involved with students. Classes in the major are small, with no more than 30 students. That size makes discussion easier and help faster when questions come up.
The pace is serious, but the culture stays warm and personal. Students learn through close faculty contact and a mission-centered approach.
Columbia International University is mission-first and personal. Faith is built into classes. It is not just branding. Professors answer questions and stay engaged.
Academic help is visible and practical. Free tutoring is available. The student success center adds mentoring and study-skills help. Online classes can fit working adults.
Some learners keep working while enrolled. That flexibility is a real plus. Cost is the main pressure point. Some courses add software and assessment charges.
Aid credits can post months later. Out-of-pocket strain can rise during that gap. Value feels mixed across students. CIU fits best for students who want Christian teaching and close support.
Columbia International University is mission-first and personal. Faith is built into classes. It is not just branding. Professors answer questions and stay engaged.
Academic help is visible and practical. Free tutoring is available. The student success center adds mentoring and study-skills help. Online classes can fit working adults.
Some learners keep working while enrolled. That flexibility is a real plus. Cost is the main pressure point. Some courses add software and assessment charges.
Aid credits can post months later. Out-of-pocket strain can rise during that gap. Value feels mixed across students. CIU fits best for students who want Christian teaching and close support.
Frequently Asked Questions About Columbia International University
Is Columbia International University accredited?
Yes. Columbia International University is institutionally accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
How many online programs does Columbia International University offer?
Columbia International University offers 29 online programs currently listed on GetEducated.
What degree levels does Columbia International University offer?
Columbia International University offers programs from associate and bachelor's through master's and doctoral levels.
How should students contact admissions at Columbia International University?
Ready to connect? Check Admission Details to get admissions, tuition, and timeline details directly from the school.
Is Columbia International University expensive, and what are the tuition costs?
Roughly speaking, Columbia International University falls into GetEducated’s $$$ tuition tier, which points to a higher tuition range.
How quickly can I enroll at Columbia International University?
Enrollment at any school can be a quick process; if all required admission requirements are met. This is where students can get hung up and slow down the process by taking too long to gather required documentation.
What should transfer students ask Columbia International University first?
The first thing you must do is order your transcripts from any previous school you attended and have them provided to the new school immediately with the hopes of receiving an unofficial transfer credit evaluation quickly. In an ideal world, students would have an official transfer credit evaluation done prior to committing to enrollment at any school; however with the vast majority of schools, official transfer credit evaluations happen after you are already enrolled, typically in the first semester.
What GPA do most Columbia International University programs require?
GPA requirements typically range from 2.0 to 3.5, and 2.5 appears most often.
Is Columbia International University military friendly?
Columbia International University shows Yellow Ribbon support. Check Yellow Ribbon eligibility before you apply, since program-level benefits can vary.
How can students request information from Columbia International University through GetEducated?
Comparing schools right now? Request Information to get admissions, tuition, and start-date details sent directly to you.
What documents are most commonly required for Columbia International University applications?
Most listed programs ask for Official College Transcript(s), Recommendation/Reference Letter(s), Essay/Writing Sample, and Occupational License. Getting these ready early can keep the application process moving.
Does Columbia International University accept life experience credit?
Columbia International University does not show a school-wide life experience credit policy. Check Transfer Options to confirm transfer-credit options for your specific program.
Are Columbia International University programs fully online or mixed?
Columbia International University includes 100% Online and Mostly Online options, so students should check the format of their specific program before applying.
What kinds of online programs does Columbia International University offer?
Columbia International University has online program options in areas such as Religion & Philosophy, Education, Business, and Art & Liberal Arts; start with the field that best matches your career goal, then compare cost, format, and admissions requirements. Compare Programs to get program, admissions, and cost details before applying.
Do any Columbia International University programs have specialized accreditation?
Program-specific accreditors include Association for Biblical Higher Education Commission on Accreditation (ABHE).
Are any admission tests required for Columbia International University programs?
Some listed programs include GRE requirements, so students should check test expectations before choosing a program.
Do in-state and out-of-state tuition totals differ at Columbia International University?
For programs with both totals published, in-state and out-of-state tuition totals are typically the same.
Do any Columbia International University programs have state authorization limitations?
State authorization restrictions are not prominent across available programs, but students should still confirm eligibility for their state. Check State Eligibility before applying to confirm whether your program is available where you live.
How often can students start at Columbia International University?
Start times per year typically range from 3-6 for most schools. For Columbia International University, students should confirm the next available start date for their specific program before applying.
How should working adults compare Columbia International University programs?
Working adults should compare program format, pacing, total cost, and application requirements before choosing a path.
Featured Ranking Reports
Columbia International University is featured in 11 of our ranking reports!
GetEducated continually compiles custom ranking reports to give you a complete snapshot of schools, degrees, tuition, and a detailed report on thousands of job categories throughout the entire education industry.
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Geographic and Educational Overview
Columbia International University is located in South Carolina
South Carolina at a Glance:
Top Majors in South Carolina:
Top Incentives in South Carolina:
- SC LIFE Scholarship: Up to $5,000 annually
Top Career Pathways in South Carolina:
- Entry Level: Production Engineer ($65,000)
- Mid Level: Plant Manager ($95,000)
- Senior Level: Operations Director ($140,000+)
- Required Education: BS Engineering
- Certifications: Six Sigma, PMP