# Columbia International University

> American Christian College

**Wikidata**: [Q1112489](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1112489)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Columbia_International_University)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/columbia-international-university

## Summary  
Columbia International University (CIU) is a private American Christian college founded in 1923, offering undergraduate and graduate programs rooted in biblical principles. Headquartered in Columbia, South Carolina, it combines academic rigor with religious education, serving over 2,000 students.  

## Key Facts  
- **Founded**: 1923.  
- **Type**: Private not-for-profit Christian educational institution, classified as a seminary and university.  
- **Location**: 7435 Monticello Rd, Columbia, SC 29203-1513, U.S. (coordinates: 34.075768° N, -81.075314° W).  
- **Religious Affiliation**: Evangelical Christian.  
- **Students**: 2,039 (as of 2020).  
- **Employees**: 411 (2020).  
- **Endowment**: $4,729,669 (2020).  
- **Admission Rate**: 51% (2020).  
- **Academic Calendar**: Semester-based.  
- **Carnegie Classifications**: Master’s college/university (medium programs), majority undergraduate, research doctoral (professional-dominant).  
- **Identifiers**:  
  - IPEDS ID: 217925.  
  - ROR ID: 01p2bvc62.  
  - VIAF ID: 307467184.  
  - GRID ID: grid.441004.5.  

## FAQs  
### Q: When was Columbia International University founded?  
A: CIU was established in 1923 as a Christian educational institution.  

### Q: What religious tradition does CIU follow?  
A: The university is affiliated with Evangelical Christianity, integrating biblical teachings into its academic programs.  

### Q: How many students attend CIU?  
A: As of 2020, the university enrolled 2,039 students, with 411 faculty and staff.  

### Q: What academic programs does CIU offer?  
A: CIU provides undergraduate and graduate degrees, including seminary programs, with a focus on biblical studies and professional disciplines.  

### Q: Is CIU accredited?  
A: While accreditation details are not explicitly listed, its Carnegie classifications (e.g., "master’s colleges and universities") reflect recognized academic standards.  

## Why It Matters  
Columbia International University plays a significant role in Christian higher education by training students for ministry, missions, and professional careers through a faith-integrated curriculum. With a growing endowment and diverse academic offerings, CIU contributes to both religious communities and broader societal needs, emphasizing ethical leadership and global engagement. Its historical roots in 1923 and continued expansion, including international subsidiaries like CIU Korntal, underscore its enduring commitment to Evangelical scholarship and service.  

## Notable For  
- **Christian Focus**: Combines academic rigor with biblical training, preparing students for ministry and secular careers.  
- **Carnegie Recognition**: Classified for master’s programs, research, and undergraduate education, reflecting academic diversity.  
- **Global Ties**: Operates subsidiaries such as Columbia International University Korntal, extending its reach beyond the U.S.  
- **Selective Admissions**: Maintains a 51% admission rate (2020), balancing accessibility with academic standards.  

## Body  
### History and Mission  
Columbia International University was founded in 1923 as a Christian educational institution. Originally established to train ministers and missionaries, it has evolved into a comprehensive university offering degrees in theology, liberal arts, and professional fields while maintaining its Evangelical roots.  

### Academics and Classifications  
- **Carnegie Classifications**: CIU is categorized as a "master’s college/university: medium programs," with additional designations for research and undergraduate focus.  
- **Academic Calendar**: Operates on a semester system, aligning with traditional U.S. higher education frameworks.  
- **Curriculum**: Integrates biblical studies across disciplines, emphasizing leadership, ministry, and global engagement.  

### Campus and Operations  
- **Headquarters**: Located at 7435 Monticello Rd, Columbia, SC, with coordinates 34.0758° N, -81.0753° W.  
- **Subsidiaries**: Includes Columbia International University Korntal, reflecting international partnerships.  
- **Facilities**: Supports over 2,000 students with a staff of 411 (2020 data).  

### Financial and Administrative Data  
- **Endowment**: $4,729,669 (2020), supporting scholarships, programs, and institutional growth.  
- **Admissions**: 51% acceptance rate (2020), with a 76% yield rate indicating strong student commitment.  
- **Identifiers**: Recognized by IPEDS (ID 217925), ROR (01p2bvc62), and VIAF (307467184), ensuring transparency in academic and financial reporting.  

### Religious and Cultural Identity  
- **Evangelical Affiliation**: CIU’s mission prioritizes Christian service, reflected in its seminary programs and chapel activities.  
- **Global Engagement**: Prepares students for international ministry and careers, emphasizing cross-cultural competence.  

### Digital Presence  
- **Website**: [https://www.ciu.edu/](https://www.ciu.edu/) (English).  
- **Social Media**: Active on Facebook (@columbiainternationaluniversity).  
- **Web Feed**: RSS updates available at [https://www.ciu.edu/rss.xml](https://www.ciu.edu/rss.xml).  

### Classifications and Memberships  
- **Library of Congress Authority ID**: no2014036797.  
- **Carnegie Classifications**: Includes "professions plus arts & sciences" and "four-year, full-time, selective" designations.  
- **SEVIS School ID**: 6020, facilitating international student enrollment.  

### Geographic and Demographic Reach  
- **Location**: Primarily serves South Carolina but attracts students nationally and internationally.  
- **Languages**: Website and materials available in English, with multilingual Wikipedia entries (Arabic, German, Finnish, etc.).  

### Historical and Regulatory Context  
- **Described By**: Referenced in *The Catholic Encyclopedia* and *Encyclopædia Britannica 11th edition*.  
- **Regulatory Compliance**: Adheres to U.S. higher education standards, including SEVIS and IPEDS reporting.  

### Alumni and Community  
- **Alumni Category**: Notable graduates are grouped under "Category:Columbia International University alumni."  
- **Community Impact**: Engages in local and global outreach through ministry partnerships and service projects.

## References

1. Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System
2. Open ISNI for Organizations
3. Virtual International Authority File
4. Google Knowledge Graph
5. Freebase Data Dumps
6. [Source](https://www.ciu.edu/)
7. [Source](http://km.aifb.kit.edu/services/crunchbase/)
8. GRID Release 2016-05-31
9. Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education
10. Quora
11. Aligned ISNI and Ringgold identifiers for institutions
12. Microsoft Academic Knowledge Graph
13. [OpenAlex](https://docs.openalex.org/download-snapshot/snapshot-data-format)
14. National Center for Education Statistics