Columbia International University

Columbia, SC

private nonprofitgraduate

Find Scholarships Here

Quick Facts

“To know Him and to make Him known.”

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: Shaping lives to know Him and make Him known through a distinctive Christian education.

Columbia International University (CIU) stands as a beacon of Christian education, dedicated to its foundational motto: 'To know Him and to make Him known.' Since its establishment in 1923 by the visionary Robert C. McQuilken, CIU has been committed to fostering a transformative learning environment where faith and rigorous academics converge. McQuilken, an influential author and the university’s first president, laid the groundwork for an institution focused on profound spiritual and intellectual development.

For prospective students and their families, CIU offers more than just a degree; it provides a holistic educational journey deeply rooted in an evangelical Christian worldview. The curriculum seamlessly integrates Bible classes into its offerings, ensuring that students not only gain academic prowess but also grow in their understanding of faith. The university emphasizes an intentional community, where obligatory chapel services and a shared commitment to Christian principles enrich the daily experience.

Adding to its unique character, CIU is home to the Ben Lippen School, a private, interdenominational Christian school serving students from elementary through high school. This integration provides a vibrant, multi-generational campus environment and exemplifies CIU's broad educational reach, preparing individuals from a young age to live out their faith. With a dedicated faculty and a clear mission, Columbia International University is an ideal choice for those seeking an education that champions both academic excellence and spiritual formation.

Key Highlights

✦Founded in 1923 by influential author and first president, Robert C. McQuilken.
✦Dedicated to its motto: "To know Him and to make Him known."
✦A thriving private university with a student body of 2,481.
✦Led by President William H. Jones, guiding its distinctive Christian mission.
✦Offers an educational experience rooted in an evangelical Christian worldview, with integrated Bible classes and obligatory chapel.
✦Features the Ben Lippen School, a co-educational K-12 Christian school located directly on the CIU campus, serving nearly 800 students (as of 2013).

Timeline

1923

Columbia Bible College (now CIU) founded by Robert C. McQuilken.

1940

Ben Lippen School for Boys founded as a boarding school in Asheville, North Carolina.

1988

Ben Lippen School moved to the CIU campus, establishing middle and high school programs.

1989

Ben Lippen elementary school program began away from the main CIU campus.

2006

A main elementary school campus for Ben Lippen was completed on CIU grounds.

🏛️

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, providing K-12 education rooted in an evangelical Christian worldview. Features co-educational classes, a mix of commuting and resident students, and obligatory chapel for students and staff.

Leadership

William H. Jones

President

Data from Wikipedia – CC BY-SA 4.0

Find Scholarships at Columbia International University

Start Your Free Search