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Columbia International University

Columbia, SC

private nonprofitgraduate

Quick Facts

To know Him and to make Him known.

Wikipedia
1923
Founded
Private university
Type
690
Total Students
1,001
Undergrad
1,480
Graduate
$11M
Endowment
(2024)
$28K
Tuition (In-State)
$28K
Tuition (Out-State)
$22K
Avg Net Price
98%
Acceptance Rate
66%
Graduation Rate
6-year
66%
Retention Rate
Master's Colleges & Universities
Classification
President: William H. Jones

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Columbia International University

CIU empowers students to know and make Him known through rigorous academics and a vibrant Christian community.

Columbia International University (CIU) stands as a distinctive private institution deeply committed to its inspiring motto: "To know Him and to make Him known." With a vibrant community of 2,481 students, CIU is dedicated to fostering spiritual growth alongside academic excellence, integrating an evangelical Christian worldview into every aspect of learning and student life.

The university's rich history began in 1923 when visionary leader Robert C. McQuilken founded Columbia Bible College. McQuilken, a prolific author and CIU's first president, laid the foundational principles that continue to guide the institution. His contributions shaped an academic environment where rigorous study is seamlessly intertwined with a profound commitment to Christian faith and service.

Beyond its collegiate offerings, CIU extends its educational mission through the esteemed Ben Lippen School, a private K-12 interdenominational Christian school located right on the university campus. Originating as a boarding school in the 1940s and moving to its current site in 1988, Ben Lippen provides a co-educational experience for nearly 800 students, featuring a curriculum that includes dedicated Bible classes and obligatory chapel, ensuring a holistic spiritual and academic formation. This unique integration allows CIU to cultivate a broad community dedicated to Christian education, serving students from elementary school through university.

Key Highlights

  • Founded in 1923 with the inspiring mission: "To know Him and to make Him known."
  • A thriving private university serving a diverse student body of 2,481.
  • Established by influential author and scholar Robert C. McQuilken, its first president.
  • Dedicated to integrating an evangelical Christian worldview into all academic programs.
  • Home to the Ben Lippen School, a K-12 Christian school with nearly 800 students (as of 2013).
  • Ben Lippen School features a co-educational environment for both commuting and resident students, with mandatory Bible classes and chapel.

Timeline

1923
Robert C. McQuilken founds Columbia Bible College and the Ben Lippen School For Boys.
1940
Ben Lippen School established as a boarding school in Asheville, North Carolina (precise decade: 1940s).
1988
Ben Lippen School moves to the CIU campus, offering middle and high school programs.
1989
Ben Lippen School begins an elementary school program away from the main CIU campus.
2006
Main elementary school campus for Ben Lippen School is completed on CIU grounds and classes begin.
🏛️
103 Years
of Excellence

Schools & Colleges

1 notable schools within Columbia International University

🏫

Ben Lippen School

A private, interdenominational Christian school located on the CIU campus, offering K-12 education with a curriculum centered on an evangelical Christian worldview, Bible classes, and obligatory chapel for its nearly 800 students.

Leadership

via Wikipedia
William H. Jones
President

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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