Facts and History
What is now Columbia International University exists because of the power of prayer. Thanks to the prayers of a Sunday school teacher and her friends, CIU has been a catalyst for preparing students for ministry and missions.
The Power of Prayer
Emily Dick — concerned for the spiritual needs of Columbia’s mill workers and their families — attended Moody Bible Institute in 1913 to better learn Scripture. Five years later and now back home; she and her circle of six other “praying women” saw their dream of a local Bible school come true. The man of God who would lead the new work was Robert C. McQuilkin, CIU’s first president.
“What a mighty power for missions and for soul-winning evangelism the school may be!”
When Classes Began
The school began classes in the fall of 1922 in rented rooms at the former Colonia Hotel in downtown Columbia and at the YMCA, and officially became Columbia Bible School in 1923. Two hotel rooms served as the classroom and the office, and the hotel’s sunroom was used for popular Friday evening classes open to the public.
The School’s Name
In 1929, the school’s name changed to Columbia Bible College and six years later, the school began offering graduate courses. The college moved to its current location on Monticello Road in 1960 and the name was changed again in 1994 to Columbia International University.
Quick Facts
The Basics
- Founded: 1923
- Location: Columbia, South Carolina
- Our motto: “To Know Him and to Make Him Known.”
- Religious Affiliation: Multidenominational
- School Colors: Blue & Gold
- Mascot: Ram
Student Body
- 2,651 students
- 51/49 male/female ratio
- Undergraduate students
- 16% African American, 73% White, 4% International
- Seminary/Graduate students
- 29% African American, 52% White, 12% International
- Over 24,000 alumni serving in over 160 countries
Academics
- Over 60 undergraduate programs
- Over 40 graduate programs
- 19 seminary programs
- Over 50 online programs
- 9 Certificate programs
- CIU has received accreditation from
- The Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE)
- Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI)
- The Association of Theological Schools (ATS)
- The Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
- Council for Christian Colleges & Universities (CCCU)
- The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC)
- The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- 16:1 student to professor ratio (14:1 in the seminary)
- Average class size:18
New Programs
- BS in Nursing, Biology and Biomedical Sciences
- Degrees in Healthcare Administration
- PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision
- MA and MDiv in Ministry Studies (New Modality — Competency-Based Theological Education)
Accolades from US News & World Report
- Ranked #5 for Social Mobility among Regional Universities South
- Ranked #14 for Best Value among Regional Universities South
- Among the Top 50 overall (#45) among Regional Universities South