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    Columbia International University

    ciu.edu Black Arrow Icon
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    Overview

    Columbia International University is a private, non-profit 4-year college located in Columbia, South Carolina. There are currently 775 undergraduates at CIU and the school’s acceptance rate is 48%. The tuition at CIU is $26,840.

    Columbia International University
    University University
    Universities are larger institutions that typically contain multiple different schools for different subjects. Students at these schools will be connected to a large group of peers and have many resources at their fingertips.
    11 City
    Urban institutions typically offer more options when it comes to internships, jobs, community service, research positions, social lives, and more. However, some may find the city distracting, and the cost of living is typically higher.

    Scholarships & Financial Aid

    $40,270

    Sticker Price
    Sticker Price

    $20,235

    Average Annual Aid
    Average Annual Aid

    $20,035

    Average Annual Cost
    Average Annual Cost

    Cost Breakdown

    Tuition
    $26,840
    Books & Supplies
    $200
    Room & Board
    $9,950
    Other
    $3,280

    Estimated Cost:

    $40,270

    for the 2023-2024 Academic Year

    The sticker price at CIU is $40,270. This sticker price includes costs for tuition, books and supplies, room and board, and other miscellaneous expenses.


    It’s also important to note that the cost of attendance can vary from year to year and typically it will rise over your four years in college. With that said, your financial aid will also be recalculated every year to take any price increases, as well as any changes in your financial situation, into account.


    College costs can look different for every student based on their financial situation. To get a more accurate picture of what tuition at CIU would look like for you, try entering your financial information into their Net Price Calculator.

    Columbia International University Financial Aid

    Students who are applying for financial aid at Columbia International University need to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (or FAFSA). The FAFSA uses financial information from the prior, prior year which means that you don’t need to wait for the year to end and can use last year’s financial information.


    The FAFSA code for Columbia International University is 003429.


    If you are looking for more information on how to complete the FAFSA, check out our How to Complete the FAFSA Guide.

    Pell Grants at Columbia International University

    44% of students at Columbia International University receive Pell Grants, which are awarded to undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need (students who have a bachelor’s or professional degree are not eligible). Pell Grants are awarded by the federal government and do not need to be repaid. To apply for a Pell Grant, students will need to submit their FAFSA. If you are awarded a Pell Grant, you’ll see it listed in your financial aid award letter if you are accepted to Columbia International University.


    You can learn more about Pell Grant eligibility here.

    Outside Scholarships

    CIU students can also apply for outside scholarships to fund their education. Outside scholarships are awards that are offered by private and non-profit organizations. If you want to see what outside scholarships you are eligible for, check out these resources:


    Columbia International University Financial Aid Resources

    If you are looking for more information about financial aid and scholarships at CIU or have questions that are specific to your personal situation, we recommend that you reach out directly to the financial aid office!


    Here’s how you can get in touch:


    Admissions

    48%

    Admission Rate

    21

    Average ACT

    1027 is the median SAT score and 21 is the median ACT score for admitted students at CIU. A score that is close to this median value indicates that you have a good chance of admission to the institution. However, it’s important to remember that colleges judge applications holistically. If the rest of your application is strong, it’s possible to make up for lower test scores.

    Is CIU test-optional?

    Columbia International Universityrequires students to submit either an SAT or ACT score. We can help you decide which of these tests to focus on, and if you are not happy with your current score, there are ways to improve both your SAT and ACT scores.

    What SAT/ACT score do you need to get into Columbia International University?

    Colleges use standardized tests like the SAT and ACT as one of many factors to determine their admissions decisions. A high score on one of these tests does not guarantee admission to a college, and a low score does not guarantee rejection. However, the majority of accepted applicants to Columbia International University receive between a 16 and a 25 on their ACT, or a 970 and a 1170 on their SAT.

    Academics

    Student/Faculty Ratio

    Student/Faculty Ratio 13:1

    Graduation Rate

    Graduation Rate 70%

    Popular Majors

    Percent of Students

    Theology & Religious Vocations

    29%

    29% of graduates

    Business, Management, & Marketing

    24%

    24% of graduates

    Liberal Arts & Humanities

    12%

    12% of graduates

    Education

    8%

    8% of graduates

    Psychology

    7%

    7% of graduates

    Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies

    6%

    6% of graduates

    Public Administration & Social Services

    5%

    5% of graduates

    Communications & Journalism

    4%

    4% of graduates

    English Language & Literature

    2%

    2% of graduates

    Philosophy & Religious Studies

    2%

    2% of graduates

    Health Professions & Related Programs

    2%

    2% of graduates

    Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies.

    1%

    1% of graduates

    Show More

    Student Body

    Undergraduate Students

    Undergraduate Students 775

    Pell Grant 32%

    Part-Time Undergrad Students 27%

    Undergrad Students Over 25 18%

    Percent Male / Female 51% / 49%

    Ethnic Diversity at CIU

    60% White

    21% Black

    7% Unknown

    5% International / Non-Citizen

    3% Multiracial

    2% Hispanic

    2% Asian / Pacific Islander

    Student Outcomes


    Graduate Income

    Graduate Income $38,951

    Median Debt $20,000

    Debt 10 years after graduation $212

    Graduation Rate 70%

    What is the graduation rate at Columbia International University?

    70% of students who start at Columbia International University end up finishing their degree within six years of enrolling. This is 12% more than the national median. A higher graduation rate indicates that students have better experiences at an institution.

    How much do graduates of Columbia International University go on to earn?

    10 years after starting school at Columbia International University, the median earnings among students who received federal financial aid was $38,951. This is $11,440 less than the national median.


    Earnings can vary widely based on many factors other than school choice. Your major and career path can cause substantial changes in your income down the line. For more information, check out our article on the average starting salary out of college.

    How much do students at CIU take out in loans?

    Graduates of CIU have to take out a median of $20,000 in federal student loans. This is $6,500 more than the national median. As you make decisions about your college loans, it’s important to inform yourself on the advantages and disadvantages of each loan option. Our guide to navigating these different options is a great place to start.

    Data Sources

    We strive to provide users with the most up-to-date information and source data from publicly available sources, including the College Scorecard and directly from the colleges. College statistics can change throughout the year, but we do our best to update them as quickly as possible. If you see an error, feel free to contact us.

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