Columbia International University logo

Columbia International University

Columbia, SC

private nonprofitgraduate

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: A private Christian university dedicated to knowing and making Him known since 1923.

Columbia International University (CIU) stands as a beacon of Christian education, dedicated to its inspiring motto: "To know Him and to make Him known." Established in 1923, CIU offers a unique academic journey rooted in an evangelical Christian worldview, preparing students not just for careers, but for lives of purpose and service. With a vibrant community of 2,481 students, CIU fosters an environment where faith and learning are deeply intertwined, shaping future leaders with a strong moral compass.

The university's rich history began with the visionary leadership of Robert C. McQuilken, a prolific author and CIU's first president. McQuilken laid the foundational stones for what was then Columbia Bible College, alongside the Ben Lippen School For Boys. His legacy of scholarly dedication and spiritual commitment continues to influence CIU's educational philosophy, ensuring a curriculum that integrates academic rigor with spiritual formation.

A distinctive feature of the CIU experience is the presence of the Ben Lippen School, a private, interdenominational Christian school located directly on the university campus. Offering programs from elementary through high school, Ben Lippen provides a comprehensive, co-educational learning environment for both commuting and resident students. Its curriculum, mirroring CIU's commitment, teaches subjects from an evangelical Christian perspective, complete with Bible classes and obligatory chapel, creating a truly immersive educational ecosystem for families.

Key Highlights

  • ✦Founded in 1923 by notable author and first president, Robert C. McQuilken.
  • ✦Operates under the inspiring motto: "To know Him and to make Him known."
  • ✦Serves a diverse student body of 2,481 individuals as a private university.
  • ✦Home to the Ben Lippen School, a K-12 Christian school located on the CIU campus, which enrolled nearly 800 students in 2013.
  • ✦The Ben Lippen School offers co-educational programs with a curriculum based on an evangelical Christian worldview, including required Bible classes and chapel.

Timeline

1923
Columbia Bible College (now CIU) and the Ben Lippen School For Boys founded by Robert C. McQuilken.
1940s
Ben Lippen School founded as a boarding school in Asheville, North Carolina.
1988
Ben Lippen School moved to the CIU campus, beginning its middle and high school programs.
1989
An elementary school branch of Ben Lippen was begun away from the main CIU campus.
2006
A main elementary school campus for Ben Lippen was completed on CIU grounds and classes began there.
🏛️
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 elementary, middle, and high school programs for commuting and resident students, with a curriculum taught from an evangelical Christian worldview.

Leadership

William H. Jones
President

Data from Wikipedia – CC BY-SA 4.0

Find Scholarships at Columbia International University

Sign up free to discover grants and scholarships you qualify for at this school and thousands more.

Start Your Free Search