
PO Box 3122 7435 Monticello Road, Columbia, SC 29203, USA


Columbia International University holds regional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), which authorizes it to award associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. This accreditation is a key indicator of the institution's compliance with established standards of academic quality and institutional effectiveness.
Additionally, Columbia International University has obtained specialized accreditation for some of its programs, ensuring that these areas meet specific professional and academic criteria relevant to their fields. Prospective students should consider this as a factor when evaluating program quality and recognition, particularly if they plan to pursue careers that require professional credentials.
Maintaining accreditation through SACSCOC demonstrates Columbia International University's commitment to continuous improvement and adherence to rigorous educational standards. This status supports the transferability of credits and eligibility for federal financial aid, factors that may significantly impact a student's academic and financial planning.
Columbia International University requires applicants to have completed a General Educational Development (GED) or an equivalent high school diploma. The submission of secondary school GPA is mandatory, while providing information about class rank, school records, and college program participation is recommended but not required. Although the university does not demand an admission test score for entry, submitting recommendations, demonstrated competencies, and admission test scores are suggested to strengthen applications.
Applicants must provide TOEFL scores as a measure of English proficiency, reflecting the university's requirement for this language test. The institution does not offer open admission, dual credit, or credit for college courses taken prior to enrollment. However, it does accept Advanced Placement (AP) credits, allowing some prior academic accomplishments to contribute to degree requirements.
The university's acceptance rate is notably high at 98%, indicating it admits nearly all who apply. Despite this, the average standardized test scores of enrolled students remain relatively low, with a mean SAT composite score of 1038 and an average ACT score of 21, both placing them in the lower percentiles nationally. The number of applicants and admissions is also comparatively modest, with around 370 applications annually and about 360 admissions, resulting in an enrolled student body of approximately 116 new students each year.
Columbia International University requires prospective students to pay an application fee when submitting their admission materials. This fee helps cover the administrative costs associated with processing applications. However, the university also offers fee waivers for eligible applicants who demonstrate financial need or meet certain criteria set by the admissions office.
Applicants seeking a waiver must typically submit a formal request along with supporting documentation to verify their circumstances. Fee waivers are intended to reduce financial barriers and encourage a diverse pool of applicants. It is advisable for prospective students to contact the admissions department directly to learn more about the eligibility requirements and the process for obtaining a fee waiver.
Columbia International University hosts an ROTC branch unit on its campus, providing students with opportunities to engage in Reserve Officers' Training Corps programs. This presence enables prospective students interested in military leadership and training to pursue their ROTC commitments directly through the university.
Columbia International University permits transfer students to apply for enrollment during the fall and spring semesters. Applicants interested in transferring credits can expect their previous coursework to be accepted by the institution, facilitating a smoother transition into their chosen programs. The university recognizes credits earned through several standardized exams, including CLEP general and subject tests as well as DANTES exams, which can contribute toward degree requirements.
Additionally, the university considers recommendation letters as part of the transfer admission process. Prospective transfer students should note that the institution welcomes credits from other colleges but should verify specific policies concerning their previous coursework. While certain enrollment and credit transfer details are clearly specified, other factors such as age limits or entrance difficulty have not been disclosed by the university.
Columbia International University offers a selection of study abroad opportunities designed to broaden students' global perspectives while complementing their academic and professional goals. The programs are structured to provide immersive cultural experiences as well as practical learning in international contexts.
Students may participate in short-term mission trips that last a few weeks, allowing them to engage in community service and ministry work alongside global partners. These trips aim to cultivate cross-cultural understanding and spiritual growth outside the traditional classroom setting.
In addition, the university facilitates semester-long or full academic year programs at partner institutions overseas. These longer programs enable students to earn credits toward their degrees while experiencing the academic environment and daily life in another country. The curriculum during these stints is designed to align with the students' major fields of study, ensuring academic continuity.
Some study abroad options emphasize language acquisition, providing students the chance to enhance their proficiency in languages critical to their future careers. These language-focused programs often incorporate living arrangements with host families to deepen students' immersion.
Overall, the study abroad programs at Columbia International University combine educational objectives with cultural engagement, preparing students to navigate and contribute to an increasingly interconnected world.
Median composite SAT score
1038Median composite ACT score
21High school completions
General Educational Development (GED) requiredComputer required
NoComputer purchase/lease plan is available in the institution
NoSecondary school GPA
RequiredSecondary school rank
RecommendedSecondary school record
RecommendedCompletion of college-preparatory program
RecommendedRecommendations
RecommendedFormal demonstration of competencies
RecommendedAdmission test scores
RecommendedTOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language
RequiredOther Test (Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)
Data not availableOpen admission policy
NoDual credit
NoCredit for life experiences
NoAdvanced placement (AP) credits
YesOrientation program
YesDisabilities services
YesOff-campus study
YesROTC-Army
ROTC branch unit on campusROTC-Navy
ROTC branch unit on campusROTC-Air Force
ROTC branch unit on campusStudy abroad
YesWeekend/evening college
YesStudent can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization
YesPreparation at another institution required
NoApproved by the state for initial certification or licensure of teacher
YesEntrance difficulty for transfer students
Data not availableGenerally accepts credits
YesAccept ACE recommendation for credit
YesPossible transfer
Fall, Spring