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Finish the Degree You Started: Flexible Online Programs for Adult Transfer Students
CIU helps adult transfer students finish their degree online with flexible programs, scholarships, and multiple start dates.
Federal Student Loan Changes – July 2026
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act brings sweeping changes to federal student loans starting July 1, 2026. New borrowing caps, the elimination of Grad PLUS loans for most new borrowers, and a new repayment plan are among the most significant shifts in decades. CIU’s Financial Aid team is here to help you understand what this means for you.
Forbes Advisor: CIU’s D.B.A. One of the Best in the United States
“CIU separates itself from the other top-ranked schools with its applied doctoral project experience, built-in hands-on training that starts early in the program. Learners also benefit from a low student-to-faculty ratio and personalized mentorship for one of the most immersive learning experiences available.” -Forbes Advisor
Biblical Counseling for Sports Gambling Addiction
“While sports betting and gambling is a root issue, it’s not going to be the problem that cause people to come to counseling. It’s the life falling apart all around that becomes the symptom that brings people in (for counseling.)” – Dr. Seth Scott
A Privilege to Invest in the Next Generation
Academically, I hoped students left equipped for professional success. Spiritually and personally, I hoped they left with deeper faith, stronger character, and a clearer sense of God’s calling on their lives.
Columbia TV Station Selects CIU Alumna Teacher of the Week
Sharon Hanna graduated from CIU in 1987 with a degree in Bible Teaching.
Talented director to lead dynamic 100-voice choir
Bryce E. Thompson A new 100-voice Ambassador Choir is in development at Columbia International University led by a talented and experienced chorale director. Bryce Thompson comes to CIU from Lake Orion High School in Lake Orion, Michigan where he built a choir program that emphasizes music literacy and high-level musicianship.
A busy summer of construction and renovation at CIU
Construction of the William H. Jones Global Business & IT Center moves ahead. There have been 100-plus-degree days and the humidity that the Midlands of South Carolina is famous for has returned. But committed, hard-working construction crews on campus are moving toward completion of important projects before students return in
Dr. Smith returns from two weeks in China
Thank you for your prayers over the last two weeks. Dr. Xu, Dr. Lanpher and I had a great trip to China and your prayers were so important! We just arrived back from a mission to meet with many of the underground church leaders in this country of 1.4 billion
CIU online M.A. in Theological Studies ranks #1; M.Ed. Admin. also ranks high
CIU’s highly-ranked online programs are great for working adults. Columbia International University’s online Master of Arts in Theological Studies is #1 in the nation according to BestColleges.com, while the Master of Education in Educational Administration (M.Ed. Admin.) ranks among the top 15 in the United States. BestColleges.com ranks over 700
An “Excellent” Teacher: Dr. Sandra Young earns award
Dr. Sandra Young Columbia International University English professor Dr. Sandra Young is among the best in South Carolina. Young is CIU’s 2019 recipient of the Excellence in Teaching Award presented each year by South Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (SCICU). Young serves as Chair of CIU’s Liberal Arts division as
Full-Tuition Lausanne Scholar is from Ethiopia
Mehari Korcho (photo provided) By Bob Holmes The 2019 recipient of a full-tuition Columbia International University scholarship desires to mobilize and equip diaspora churches in America so they can increase their engagement in the mission of God beyond their own community. Mehari Korcho is an immigrant from Ethiopia who came
Local celebrities, dignitaries join other CIU supporters for day of golf
The winning foursome included two members of the CIU golf team: Kyle Olenchuk and Jordan Hinson in the CIU polo shirts. Joining them were Joshua Lusk and George Lusk. (Photos by Kierston Smith) By Bob Holmes As Columbia International University President Dr. Mark Smith finished an opening prayer at the
Former Congresswoman Michele Bachmann fires up CIU graduates: “You are God’s handiwork!”
Former Minnesota Congresswoman Michele Bachmann (Photos by Ben Rutkowski) By Naomi Balk CIU Student Writer “Commencement is my favorite day of the year,” said CIU President Dr. Mark Smith as he introduced former Minnesota Congresswoman Michele Bachmann as the CIU commencement speaker to the Class of 2019. Bachmann delivered a
CIU Dining Hall under renovation; delicious menu expansion coming this fall
Renovation of the Dining Hall in the Rossi Student Center is underway. By Bob Holmes A $4 million renovation of the Columbia International University Dining Hall is underway that will feature a traditional serving line plus, a multi-station elliptical, expanding nutritional options to meet the diverse culinary needs of local
Intercultural Studies students minister in the neighborhood
Michelle Raven, PhD International Community Development Program Director By Naomi Balk CIU Student Writer “Education really happens when students are on the field,” said Dr. Ed Smither, dean of CIU’s College of Intercultural Studies (ICS), as he introduced ICS students who have ministered locally over the past school year. These
Talented director to lead dynamic 100-voice choir
A busy summer of construction and renovation at CIU
Dr. Smith returns from two weeks in China
An “Excellent” Teacher: Dr. Sandra Young earns award
Full-Tuition Lausanne Scholar is from Ethiopia
