Columbia International University
Columbia International University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Columbia International University at a Glance
Columbia International University (CIU) is a private Christian university in Columbia, South Carolina, United States. It was founded in 1923.
Is Columbia International University Worth It?
At a value score of 21/100, Columbia International University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $38,951 — 28% below average — while paying $26,036/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
With a 2.7-year payback period, most graduates recoup their total cost of attendance relatively quickly.
A 55% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 6 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
With a 94% acceptance rate, admission is essentially open — the question isn't whether you'll get in, but whether the investment will pay off.
With median debt of $20,000 representing 51% of first-year earnings, loan repayment will be a significant burden for most graduates.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Columbia International University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Columbia International University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in SC
Ranked #42 of 81 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Turtle Mountain College | 100 | $3,428 | $32,079 |
| #2 | College of Biblical Studies-Houston | 100 | $672 | $39,260 |
| #3 | Albizu University-San Juan | 73 | $9,732 | $41,544 |
| #4 | Pillar College | 49 | $8,470 | $45,577 |
| #5 | University of Fort Lauderdale | 48 | $19,965 | $38,062 |
| #6 | Martin Luther College | 46 | $18,463 | $47,491 |
| #42 | Columbia International University | 21 | $26,036 | $38,951 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Columbia International University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 4 in SC.
Best Programs at Columbia International University
The highest-earning program at Columbia International University is Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at $24,700/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Bible/Biblical Studies at $22,900/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities graduate from Columbia International University earns $24,700, while a Bible/Biblical Studies graduate earns $22,900. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities graduates carry $21,500 in median debt vs. $21,500 for Bible/Biblical Studies.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $26,036/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | $24,700 | $24,700 | $21,500 |
| Bible/Biblical Studies | $22,900 | $22,900 | $21,500 |
Similar Colleges in SC
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Columbia, SC
- Student Body
- 716 students
- Admission Rate
- 94%
- Graduation Rate
- 55%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $26,036
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $38,951
- Median Student Debt
- $20,000