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Columbia International University

Columbia, SC·Private·www.ciu.edu/

Campus Identity

Lake LifeNAIAGreek LifePhD Programs

Columbia International University is a small private nonprofit university in Columbia, SC. Approximately 716 students are enrolled. Admissions are accessible with a 94% acceptance rate. The campus sits on Lake Murray, just 9 miles from the water. Greek life is active on campus. CollegeCove's campus safety score is 89/100 (Pretty Safe), based on U.S. Department of Education Clery Act data.

At a Glance

Columbia International University is a small private nonprofit university in Columbia, SC. Approximately 716 students are enrolled. Admissions are accessible with a 94% acceptance rate. The campus sits on Lake Murray, just 9 miles from the water. Greek life is active on campus. CollegeCove's campus safety score is 89/100 (Pretty Safe), based on U.S. Department of Education Clery Act data.

94%
Acceptance Rate
416 applications
Test Optional
Test Policy
No test scores required
$27,900
2024-25 Tuition
$26,036
Avg Net Price
What students actually pay
$11,950
Room & Board
20 meals/week
716
Total Enrollment
Undergraduate students
35%
Yield Rate
Admitted students who enrolled
47%
Graduation Rate
Within 150% of normal time
Selectivity94% · Open
Highly SelectiveOpen

This school does not require standardized test scores for admission. SAT and ACT submissions are optional.

Campus Lifestyle

Columbia International University is a 1,000–4,999, urban school with NAIA athletics and a greek life dominant Greek scene. The campus is 134 miles from Sapphire Valley Ski Area.

Athletics

NAIA

AAC

Greek Life

Greek Life Dominant

100% frats · 100% sororities

School Size & Setting

1,000–4,999

Urban setting

Ski Access

134 miles

Sapphire Valley Ski Area

Weather

Warm Climate

61°F avg school-year

Nearby Ski Resorts

Columbia International University students have access to 3 ski resorts within driving distance. The closest is Sapphire Valley Ski Area, 134 miles away with 3 lifts and 8 skiable acres. All are within 149 miles of campus.

134 mi away
8 skiable acres3 lifts
Wolf Ridge Ski Resort

North Carolina

146 mi away
65 skiable acres4 lifts
Sugar Mountain Resort

North Carolina

149 mi away
125 skiable acres8 lifts

Lake Life Campus

Lake Murray is 9 miles from campus, making it a true lake-life school, giving Columbia International University students access to boating, swimming, and waterfront recreation.

Lake Murray

Lake access within 9.0 miles

9 mi away

Average Monthly Temperature

1991–2020 Climate Normals · Columbia, SC

Columbia has a warm climate, with winters averaging 48°F in Jan and summers peaking around 84°F in Jul.

48°Jan52°Feb59°Mar67°Apr75°May81°Jun84°Jul82°Aug77°Sep67°Oct57°Nov50°Dec

Station: COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY OF SC · Source: NOAA NCEI

On Campus Safety Score

2021–2023 U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security data normalized per 1,000 students

Columbia International University in SC earns a composite safety score of 89/100, rated Pretty Safe among U.S. colleges.

89/100
Pretty Safe
PersonalSafetyPropertySafetyParty SceneSafety8110089
81/100
Personal
assault, rape, stalking, dating and domestic violence
100/100
Property
burglary, vehicle theft, arson
89/100
Party Scene
drug, alcohol & weapons enforcement

On Campus Safety data from the U.S. Dept. of Education Clery Act Database, normalized per 1,000 enrolled students. Higher scores indicate a safer environment. Review detailed data on the U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security website.

Cost Breakdown

2024-25 academic year. Tuition: College Scorecard. Fees and room & board: IPEDS/NCES.

Tuition
$27,900
Fees
$1,100
Room & Board
$11,950
Total
$40,950
App Fee: $25
Meal Plan: 20 meals/week
$26,036avg net price / year

What students actually pay after grants and scholarships. Source: College Scorecard.

Calculate your personalized net price

Fields of Study

77 programs offered

Most Popular Programs

Curriculum and InstructionMaster's
112 grads/yr
Business Administration, Management and OperationsMaster's
60 grads/yr
Theological and Ministerial StudiesMaster's
55 grads/yr
Business Administration, Management and OperationsDoctoral
39 grads/yr
Bible/Biblical StudiesBachelor's
35 grads/yr$38,117

Bar width proportional to graduates per year. Earnings = median 4 years after graduation.

Theological and Ministerial Studies
Professional$48,301
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
Bachelor's6 grads$43,210
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
Professional$42,129
Business Administration, Management and Operations
Bachelor's34 grads$40,432
Bible/Biblical Studies
Bachelor's35 grads$38,117
Curriculum and Instruction
Master's112 grads
Business Administration, Management and Operations
Master's60 grads
Theological and Ministerial Studies
Master's55 grads
Business Administration, Management and Operations
Doctoral39 grads
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
Master's29 grads

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect graduates working and not enrolled full-time. Data suppressed (shown as —) for programs with fewer than 30 graduates. Most recent available year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Columbia International University located?

Columbia International University is located in Columbia, SC. The main campus address is 7435 Monticello Rd, Columbia, SC. It is a private institution offering 4-year degree programs.

What is the acceptance rate at Columbia International University?

Columbia International University has an acceptance rate of 94%, making it accessible. Out of 416 applicants, 393 were admitted in the most recent year. 716 students enrolled.

How much does it cost to attend Columbia International University?

For the 2024-25 academic year, Columbia International University charges $27,900/year in tuition. Including room and board ($11,950/year), the total estimated cost is approximately $25,590/year. The average net price after grants and scholarships is $26,036/year — what students actually pay. Use Columbia International University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.

What is the application fee for Columbia International University?

The undergraduate application fee at Columbia International University is $25. Check the admissions website for fee waiver eligibility.

Does Columbia International University have college sports?

Yes — Columbia International University competes at the NAIA level in the AAC. Division III programs emphasize academic achievement alongside athletic competition, without athletic scholarships.

Is Columbia International University the right fit for me?

Whether Columbia International University is right for you depends on your academic goals, budget, lifestyle preferences, and career aspirations. Key factors to consider: admissions selectivity (94% admit rate), avg net price ($26,036/year after aid), campus culture in Columbia, and available programs. Use CollegeCove's compare tool to weigh Columbia International University against similar schools side-by-side.

Tuition: College Scorecard (2024-25). Fees, room & board, and other data: IPEDS/NCES 2024. Always verify with Columbia International University directly for the most current information.

Ready to apply?

Start your application at the official website.

Apply NowVisit Official Website

Quick Facts

Type
Private
Location
Columbia, SC
Size
1,000–4,999
Degrees Offered
Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's, Doctoral, Certificates
NCAA
NAIA
Conference
AAC
School Year Weather
Warm · 61°F avg
App Fee
$25
On Campus Safety Score
89/100
Nearest Airport
Columbia, SC (CUB) · 9 mialso CAE (10 mi), MMT (19 mi)

Location

Columbia, SC

Data Sources: Admissions, cost, and enrollment data sourced from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) (NCES, 2024 survey year). Fields of Study data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. On Campus Safety Score computed from Clery Act data (U.S. Dept. of Education, 3-year average normalized per 1,000 students). Data may not reflect most recent changes. Always verify with the institution directly.