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Columbia International University

Columbia, South Carolina, United States

  • Cost of Living$ 16,980
  • Tuition Fee From$ 10,500
  • Country Rank#857
  • Batch Strength2,039
  • Global Diversity-
  • Gender Ratio-

Overview

About

Columbia International University (CIU) is a private, Christian university located in Columbia, South Carolina. It was founded in 1923 as Columbia Bible School and has since grown to become a comprehensive university offering undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees.

 

CIU offers a wide range of programmes in areas such as Bible and ministry, education, business, and counselling. The college's mission is to prepare students to "know Christ and make Him known" by providing a Christ-centered education that emphasizes the integration of faith and learning.

 

One of the unique features of CIU is its emphasis on international missions and cross-cultural ministry. The college has established partnerships with over 20 countries and offers several programmes that allow students to gain hands-on experience in cross-cultural ministry, including a Global Church Planting concentration and a Master of Arts in Intercultural Studies.

 

In addition to its academic programmes, CIU is also known for its vibrant campus community and commitment to spiritual growth. The college offers a variety of opportunities for students to get involved in campus life, including clubs and organizations, athletics, and chapel services.

 

Overall, CIU is an excellent choice for students who are seeking a Christ-centered education that emphasizes international missions and cross-cultural ministry. Its commitment to spiritual growth, hands-on experience, and academic excellence make it a unique and exciting place to learn and grow.

Ranking

Columbia International University (CIU) has received recognition for its academic programmes and commitment to faith-based education. While the college has not been ranked in traditional college and university rankings such as U.S. News & World Report, it has received recognition from Christian organizations and publications.

  • In 2020, CIU was ranked as the #1 Best Christian College in South Carolina by Niche.com, based on factors such as academic quality, student life, and campus diversity. The college was also ranked as the #11 Best Online College in South Carolina and the #20 Best Christian College in America.

 

In addition to these rankings, CIU has received recognition for its Bible and ministry programmes. The college's undergraduate Bible programme has been accredited by the Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE) and its graduate programme in Christian ministry has been accredited by the Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools (ATS).

 

CIU is also a member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU), a network of over 180 Christian colleges and universities in North America. The college's commitment to faith-based education and international missions aligns with the CCCU's mission to advance Christ-centered higher education and promote global engagement.

Year

QS Ranks

US News Ranks

2023

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Facilities

Columbia International University (CIU) is a private Christian university located in Columbia, South Carolina, that offers undergraduate, graduate, and seminary programmes. CIU has a range of facilities to support its students' academic, spiritual, and social development, including

 

Campus Library: CIU's library is a spacious facility that houses over 200,000 volumes of books, periodicals, and electronic resources. The library also features study rooms, a computer lab, and a media centre with audio and video recording equipment.

 

Classroom and Meeting Spaces: CIU has multiple classrooms and meeting spaces equipped with the latest audio-visual technologies, including projectors, smartboards, and video conferencing equipment. The spaces are designed to facilitate interactive and collaborative learning experiences.

 

Chapel: CIU's chapel is a central gathering place for the campus community, where students, faculty, and staff come together for worship and prayer. The chapel features a large stage, a sound system, and seating for over 1,000 people.

 

Athletic Facilities: CIU has a range of athletic facilities, including a gymnasium, soccer field, baseball field, and tennis courts. The facilities are open to all students and provide opportunities for intramural sports and other physical activities.

 

Dining Hall: CIU's dining hall is a spacious facility that provides students with a variety of meal options, including hot meals, grab-and-go items, and vegetarian and gluten-free options.

Notable Alumni

Travis Greene
Travis Greene
American gospel musician
Chad Prather
Chad Prather
American conservative political commentator
Philip Yancey
Philip Yancey
American author

Courses

Admission

Columbia International University Entry Requirements

Columbia International University is known for its Christ-centered courses. Since this is a specialized field, the institution expects students to meet all the criteria before applying. CIU also requires applicants to affirm a statement of faith and Christian commitment, as the university is committed to integrating faith and learning in all its programmes. Below are the supporting documents required for admission:

  • Academic transcripts
  • SAT/ACT scores
  • Visa
  • Passport
  • Proof of funds
  • ELP score
  • Affirm to be a Christian and agree with the university’s Doctrinal Standards.

 

Accepted English proficiency test scores

  • TOEFL PBT - 500 (UG); 550 (PG)
  • TOEFL CBT - 178 (UG); 213 (PG)
  • TOEFL IBT - 70 (UG); 79 (PG)

 

Columbia International University Fees

The institution offers several programmes at different levels. Listed below are the Columbia International University fees based on different courses

  • Bachelor of Arts in Advanced Biblical and Theological Studies - $23,690 /Year
  • Bachelor of Science in Business Administration - $23,690 /Year
  • Master of Arts in Global Studies - $10,500 /Year

 

Placements

Columbia International University (CIU) has a dedicated career services department that offers a range of resources and support to help students and alumni achieve their career goals. CIU's career counsellors are available to meet with students and alumni one-on-one to discuss their career goals and provide guidance on job search strategies, resume and cover letter writing, and interview preparation. The university’s alumni network includes many successful professionals who are committed to mentoring and supporting current students and recent graduates. The career services department can connect students and alumni with mentors who can provide guidance and advice on navigating the job market.

Scholarship

Regardless of the program you are studying, there are several scholarship opportunities provided by the university as well as other organizations. With so many scholarships available now, overseas students can greatly lower the financial burden of studying in a new country. You can apply for scholarships to study at the Columbia International University through UniScholarz. You can find the following types of scholarships based on your academic performance and financial situation:


  • Merit-based scholarships

  • Need-based scholarships

  • Country-specific scholarships

  • College-specific scholarships

  • Student-specific scholarships

Finances

Most international students are obligated to show proof of sufficient funds to obtain a visa. While some students may have the opportunity to make use of scholarships, not all students cut the eligibility to get a scholarship or a grant. Moreover, not all scholarships cover 100% of your study abroad expenses. At such times, most students resort to acquiring education loans to avoid the financial hassles associated with studying at the Columbia International University. For Indian students, UniCreds is the ideal education loan marketplace if you’re looking for low-interest rates and free consultation services!

Accommodation

There are several student housing options available for students planning to attend the Columbia International University. You may select from a wide choice of affordable yet elegant student flats, halls of residence, studios, en-suites, and more! You have the option of staying on campus in the university halls of residence or a private residence. Because of their proximity to the university, on-campus housing options may be ideal; nevertheless, they tend to fill up fast and are more expensive.


UniAcco simplifies the process of finding student housing and offers a variety of options. As a result, students can select from a wide range of available student accommodations near the university, such as luxury studios, en-suites, and shared apartments that are more inexpensive and student-friendly.

Cost of Living

Richland County is located in the midlands region of South Carolina and is home to several universities and colleges. The cost of living in Richland County can be considered affordable for students. In recent times, the costs of transportation and food have increased by 1.5% but overall the cost of living is close to 15% cheaper when compared to the national average. This makes the city a good option for students planning to study in the USA. Below is a list of the expenses that prospective students should keep in mind

 

Items

Cost

Off-Campus Accommodation 

$711

On-Campus Accommodation

$634

Transportation

$74

Food Cost

$411

Utility Cost

$144

Entertainment

$48

Groceries

$40

Clothes

$127

Health Insurance

$80

Total Cost of Living with Off Campus Accommodation 

$1,634

Total Cost of Living with On Campus Accommodation 

$1,557

Annual Cost of Living

$18,684

FAQs