What Is Columbia International University (CIU)?

Updated

Columbia International University (CIU) is a Christ-centered university in Columbia, South Carolina, offering more than 75 accredited bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs both online and on campus. It fits students who want a degree program intentionally integrated with Christian faith and spiritual formation, whether they are traditional undergraduates, working adults seeking an online degree, or professionals pursuing a master's or doctorate.

What CIU Offers

CIU describes itself as preparing students "for a life of purpose" through "higher learning and deeper faith." Its academic structure spans four degree levels:

Level Format Who it's for
Campus Undergraduate On campus in Columbia, SC Students who want a residential college experience
Online Online Students anywhere pursuing a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree
Master's Online or on campus Those seeking new professional opportunities
Doctoral Online or on campus Those pursuing expert-level credentials

Programs are organized into these areas of study:

  • Arts & Communication
  • Business & Leadership
  • Education
  • Nursing, Health & Science
  • Psychology & Counseling
  • Seminary & Missions

The seminary and missions category reflects CIU's historical identity: since 1923, the university says it has equipped students for "service, leadership, and ministry worldwide."

Key Facts and Figures

CIU publishes several figures that help set expectations about scale and community:

  • 13:1 student-to-professor ratio
  • 14 average class size
  • Over 75 accredited programs at bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels
  • 24,000 alumni across 160 countries
  • Ranked #1 best online college in SC (per the university's own site)
  • #1 — students report they grow closer to God at CIU (spiritual formation)
  • Athletics: NAIA, competing as the Rams, with a "Champions of Character" designation

What Makes CIU Distinctive

The defining feature is the integration of faith and learning. CIU describes its academics as "Christ-centered programs that equip you for your career and calling," and its community as one where students "experience higher learning and deeper faith." If you are looking for a secular university experience, this is a different model; if you want your education and spiritual formation to be connected, CIU is built around that premise.

Ways to Explore CIU Before Applying

CIU offers several low-commitment ways to learn more:

  • Campus Visit — includes visit events, personal visits, and group visits
  • Virtual Visit — a scheduled Zoom meeting with an Admissions Counselor
  • Preview Event — for example, an October 24th event for future undergraduate students and families

You can also start directly through Apply Now or Request Info on the CIU site.

Cost and Aid

CIU's site points to a Cost & Aid section covering scholarships and financial aid, described as making "a CIU education affordable." Specific tuition figures and aid amounts are not stated in the available page content, so check that section directly for current numbers before making a decision.

Bottom Line

CIU is a faith-based university in Columbia, SC, with a broad catalog of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs available online or on campus, a small-class environment, and a long history in ministry and missions education. It is worth considering if a Christ-centered community and the option to study online are priorities for you.