Undergraduate Application Requirements
Freshman Students
Applicants applying for admission as a full or part-time degree-seeking student who have not previously attended college or attempted fewer than 12 college credits post-high school must provide the following to the Admissions Office:
- Online application.
- Non-refundable application fee.
- Affirm to be a Christian and agree with CIU’s Doctrinal Standard.
- Official SAT, ACT, or CLT test score is required unless the applicant is 24 years of age or older or meets the criteria for a transfer or international student who completed high school outside of the United States. Super scores are evaluated to meet admission standard.
- Official high school transcript is required. Successful completion of the General Educational Development (GED) Testing Program may be submitted in lieu of a high school transcript.
- Minimum high school grade point average (GPA):
- 2.0 on a 4.0 scale (unweighted)
- Official college transcripts of all coursework completed.
- Final official transcripts.
- Complete additional requirements on specific program page.
Transfer Students
Applicants applying for admission as a full or part-time degree-seeking student who have attempted 12 or more college credits post-high school must provide the following to the Admissions Office:
- Online application.
- Non-refundable application fee.
- Affirm to be a Christian and agree with CIU’s Doctrinal Standard.
- Official college transcript of all work completed or in progress.
- Minimum grade point average (GPA):
- South Carolina residents are required to submit final official high school transcripts or successful completion of General Educational Development (GED) Testing Program in lieu of a high school transcript.
- Final official transcripts.
- Complete additional requirements on specific program page.
International Students
Applicants who are not United States citizens applying for admission as a full or part-time degree-seeking must provide the following to the Admissions Office:
- Online application.
- Non-refundable application fee.
- Affirm to be a Christian and agree with CIU’s Doctrinal Standard.
- Official Transcript(s):
- Freshman: Official high school transcript is required for students who have attempted 12 or fewer college credits post-high school and official college transcripts of all coursework completed.
- Transfer: Official college transcripts for all coursework completed.
- For schools attended outside the United States, an Official International Credential Advancement Package (ICAP) evaluation performed by World Education Services (WES) or an evaluation by InCred must be obtained for required transcripts. Academic records not written in English must be accompanied by a certified translation.
- Student athletes must have an evaluation performed by InCred and submitted to the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) for eligibility.
- Special consideration is given for applicants having studied in China:
- Not seeking transfer credit: Applicant may submit official transcripts in Chinese, official graduation certificate and degree certificate in Chinese to CHESICC (China Higher Education Student Information & Career Center). CHESICC will provide CIU with the official academic transcript and English verification report to determine highest post-secondary degree earned.
- Seeking transfer credit: Applicants submit their Chinese documents to CHESICC (China Higher Education Student Information & Career Center) and have CHESICC provide WES with the official academic transcript and English verification report and obtain a course-by-course evaluation.
- Final official transcripts.
- Official test score from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) if English is not the applicant’s first language.
- TOEFL score minimum:
- Internet-based exam: 70
- Computer-based exam: 195
- Paper-based exam: 525
- International Citizens Financial Certification form or a bank statement certifying the funds listed, must be provided in order to validate proof of funds.
- Following admission to the University, international students are required to submit an enrollment deposit and all necessary documentation for issuance of the student visa.
- Complete additional requirements on specific program page.
High School Dual Enrollment Students
High school sophomores, juniors and seniors may apply to enroll in lower division undergraduate courses as part of CIU’s high school dual enrollment program. Applicants applying for admission into the high school dual enrollment program must provide the following to the admissions office:
- Online Application.
- High school seniors:
- Official high school transcript with minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (unweighted).
- High school juniors:
- Official high school transcript with minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (unweighted).
- High school sophomores:
- Official high school transcript with minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale (unweighted).
Students that do not meet the minimum GPA requirement may be considered for admission with submission of a letter of recommendation from the high school guidance counselor or principal.
CIU will accept high school students to be part of CIU’s high school dual enrollment program independent of their Christian affirmation. It is CIU’s desire that all high school students who may not be Christians when they take courses at CIU, will be introduced to Christ and come to accept Him as Savior.
High school dual enrollment students attending CIU and wanting to enroll at CIU as a Freshman post-high school provide the following to the Admissions Office:
- Online Application.
- Affirm to be a Christian and agree with CIU’s Doctrinal Standard.
- Official SAT, ACT, or CLT test score is required unless the applicant is an international student who completed high school outside of the United States. Super scores are evaluated to meet admission standard.
- Final official high school transcript is required. Successful completion of the General Educational Development (GED) Testing Program may be submitted in lieu of a high school transcript.
- Minimum high school grade point average (GPA):
- 2.0 on a 4.0 scale (unweighted)
- Official college transcripts of all coursework completed excluding courses completed at CIU.
- Complete additional requirements on specific program page.
Gap Year Students
Applicants who have taken a gap year (typically, an academic year) between secondary school and higher education to attend a specialized credit earning program provide the following to the Admissions Office:
- Online application.
- Non-refundable application fee.
- Affirm to be a Christian and agree with CIU’s Doctrinal Standard.
- Official SAT, ACT, or CLT test score is required unless the applicant is an international student who completed high school outside of the United States. Super scores are evaluated to meet admission standard.
- Final official high school transcript.
- Minimum grade point average (GPA):
- 2.0 on a 4.0 scale (unweighted)
- South Carolina residents are required to submit final official high school transcripts or successful completion of General Educational Development (GED) Testing Program in lieu of a high school transcript.
- Official college transcripts of all coursework completed.
- Official transcript if gap year credit is earned.
- Additional materials may be requested to determine transfer credit eligibility.
- Complete additional requirements on specific program page.
Previously Enrolled Students
Students who have been out of attendance for two consecutive regular semesters provide the following to the Admissions Office:
- Online application.
- Official college transcripts of coursework completed post CIU enrollment.
- Minimum grade point average (GPA):
Students who have missed only one regular semester of study contact the Registrar and Financial Aid Offices. Students returning to reside in the residence halls contact Residence Life.
Non-Degree Seeking Students (NDSS)
Students not applying for a specific degree program apply as a non-degree seeking student (NDSS) and must hold a high school diploma. Examples include transient students, consortium students, and students seeking pre-requisites for licensure and certificates must provide the following to the Admissions Office:
- Online application.
- Non-refundable application fee.
- Affirm to be a Christian and agree with CIU’s Doctrinal Standard.
- Transient letter, official or unofficial high school transcript or college transcript if 12 or more college credits were attempted.
- Minimum grade point average (GPA):
Provisional Acceptance
Entering undergraduate students who have a deficiency in their academic qualifications may be admitted on a provisional basis. Provisional minimum:
- Test Score:
- GPA:
- 2.0 on a 4.0 scale (unweighted)
Students who do not meet the provisional minimum may be reviewed by the Admission Review Committee, where the candidate’s performance in previous education, work, or military training along with the student’s plan to be successful will be used to determine if provisional admission is appropriate.
Notification to Undergraduate Applicants
Once all application materials have been received, the completed application will be reviewed by admissions and the applicant notified of the admission decision.
Applications remain active for one year after the initial intended year and term of the application. Students wanting to attend after one year from their original desired year and start term must reapply.
Honors Program
Undergraduate students accepted to CIU who would like to enhance their educational experience may apply to the Honors Program. The Admissions Office will provide the Honors Program application. Minimum entering credential test score and GPA requirements:
- SAT: 1280, ACT: 27, CLT: 84
- 3.25 GPA on a 4.0 scale (unweighted)
Enrollment Deposit
Applicants approved for admission submit an enrollment deposit that is applied toward tuition. Students are required to submit the enrollment deposit to secure their place within the desired start term.
Graduate Application Requirements
General Application Requirements
Applicants applying for admission as a full or part-time degree-seeking must provide the following to the Admissions Office:
- Online application.
- Non-refundable application fee.
- Affirm to be a Christian and agree with CIU’s Doctrinal Standard.
- Complete additional requirements on specific program page.
- Final official transcripts.
International Students
Applicants who are not United States citizens applying for admission as a full or part-time degree-seeking must provide the following to the Admissions Office:
- Online application.
- Non-refundable application fee.
- Affirm to be a Christian and agree with CIU’s Doctrinal Standard.
- Complete additional requirements found on program page.
- Official Transcript(s):
- For schools attended outside the United States, an Official International Credential Advancement Package (ICAP) evaluation performed by World Education Services (WES) or an evaluation by InCred must be obtained for required transcripts. Academic records not written in English must be accompanied by a certified translation.
- Special consideration is given for applicants having studied in China:
- Not seeking transfer credit: Applicant may submit official transcripts in Chinese, official graduation certificate and degree certificate in Chinese to CHESICC(China Higher Education Student Information & Career Center). CHESICC will provide CIU with the official academic transcript and English verification report to determine highest post-secondary degree earned.
- Seeking transfer credit: Applicants submit their Chinese documents to CHESICC (China Higher Education Student Information & Career Center) and have CHESICC provide WES with the official academic transcript and English verification report and obtain a course-by-course evaluation.
- Final official transcripts.
- Applicants to CIU graduate programs who have graduated from a school accredited by Asia Theological Association (ATA) may be considered as having received the equivalent of a U.S. Bachelor or Master degree from an accredited institution, as long as the school’s accreditation with ATA is current at the time of the student’s graduation.
- Official test score from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) if English is not the applicant’s first language.
- TOEFL score minimum:
- Internet-based exam: 79
- Computer-based exam: 213
- Paper-based exam: 550
- International Citizens Certification of Funds form or a bank statement certifying the funds listed must be provided in order to validate proof of funds.
- Following admission to the University, international students are required to submit an enrollment deposit and all necessary documentation for issuance of the student visa.
Chinese Initiative Students
Applicants who are not United States citizens applying for admission into the Chinese Initiative Program as full or part-time degree seeking must provide the following to the Admissions Office:
- Chinese Initiative application.
- Chinese Initiative application essay.
- Minimum highest earned degree must be the equivalent of a U.S. earned bachelor verified through the China Academic Degrees and Graduate Education Development Center (CDGDC) or from the China Higher Education Student Information & Career Center (CHESICC) websites.
- Baccalaureate equivalence: Chinese Initiative applicants with an earned Benke Certificate of Graduation, without the accompanying bachelor’s graduation certificate, may be provisionally accepted as having the equivalent to a bachelor’s degree. The Zhuanke Certificate of Graduation does not indicate U.S. bachelor equivalency.
- Chinese Initiative church leader reference.
- Chinese Initiative education background form.
Non-Baccalaureate Students
Students without an earned baccalaureate degree may still be considered for admission to graduate and seminary programs at Columbia International University. Requirements and availability for non-baccalaureate students is available in the Non-Baccalaureate Admissions Policy available at www.ciu.edu/policy.
Previously Enrolled Students
Students must re-apply and submit all degree-specific admission requirements if out of attendance for two consecutive regular semesters. Students who have missed only one regular semester of study contact the Registrar and Financial Aid Offices.
Non-Degree Seeking Students (NDSS)
Students not applying for a specific degree program apply as a non-degree seeking student (NDSS) and must hold a baccalaureate degree. Examples include transient students, consortium students, and students seeking pre-requisites for licensure and certificates must provide the following to the Admissions Office:
- Online application.
- Non-refundable application fee.
- Affirm to be a Christian and agree with CIU’s Doctrinal Standard.
- Transient letter, official or unofficial college transcript demonstrating earned baccalaureate degree.
- Minimum grade point average (GPA):
A maximum of 12 graduate hours may be taken as a non-degree seeking student.
Non-Accredited Degrees
Students graduating with a bachelor’s degree from an unaccredited institution are generally ineligible for admission to graduate programs at CIU. However, it may be determined that the academic rigor required in the bachelor’s program is sufficient to merit admission. Applicants who have earned a degree in this category must provide the following to the Admissions Office:
- All general application requirements and degree-specific admission requirements.
- Unaccredited Institution Review:
- Unaccredited Institutions - US institutions which are not accredited by an agency officially recognized by the US Department of Education (USDE) or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or non-US institutions not acknowledged by WES as accredited (typically based on the institution’s recognition by the home country’s ministry of education).
Notification to Graduate Applicants
Once all application materials have been received, the completed application will be reviewed and the applicant notified of the admission decision.
Applications remain active for one year after the initial intended year and term of the application. Students wanting to attend after one year from their original desired year and start term must reapply.
Provisional Acceptance
Entering graduate students who do not meet the minimum requirements for their desired degree program may be admitted on a provisional basis. The Admission Review Committee will review the candidate’s performance in previous education, work, or military training and determine if provisional admission is appropriate.
Enrollment Deposit
Applicants approved for admission submit an enrollment deposit that is applied toward tuition (see “International Students” for international enrollment deposit requirement). Students are required to submit the enrollment deposit to secure their place within the desired start term.
Online Undergraduate Non-Ministry Program Application Requirements
Freshman Students
Applicants applying for admission as a full or part-time degree-seeking student who have not previously attended college or attempted fewer than 12 college credits post-high school must provide the following to the Admissions Office:
- Online application.
- Non-refundable application fee.
- Official high school transcript is required. Successful completion of General Educational Development (GED) Testing Program may be submitted in lieu of a high school transcript.
- Minimum high school grade point average (GPA) recommended:
- 2.0 on a 4.0 scale (those with a GPA under 2.0 may be admitted on a provisional basis)
- Official college transcripts of all coursework completed if the student seeks to transfer credits from previously attended institutions.
- Final official transcripts.
Transfer Students
Applicants applying for admission as a full or part-time degree-seeking student who have attempted 12 or more college credits post-high school must provide the following to the Admissions Office:
- Online application.
- Non-refundable application fee.
- Official college transcript from institution where 12 or more post-high school college credits were attempted. Official transcripts for all additional work completed or in progress if the student seeks to transfer credits from those institutions.
- Minimum college grade point average (GPA) recommended:
- 2.0 on a 4.0 scale (those with a GPA under 2.0 may be admitted on a provisional basis)
- Final official transcripts.
International Students
Applicants who are not United States citizens applying for admission as a full or part-time degree-seeking must provide the following to the Admissions Office:
- Online application.
- Non-refundable application fee.
- Official Transcript(s):
- Freshman: Official high school transcript is required for students who have attempted 12 or fewer college credits post-high school and official college transcripts of all coursework completed if the student seeks to transfer credits from those institutions.
- Transfer: Official college transcript from institution where 12 or more post-high school college credits were attempted. Official transcripts for all additional work completed or in progress if the student seeks to transfer credits from those institutions.
- For schools attended outside the United States, an Official International Credential Advancement Package (ICAP) evaluation performed by World Education Services (WES) or an evaluation by InCred must be obtained for required transcripts. Academic records not written in English must be accompanied by a certified translation.
- Special consideration is given for applicants having studied in China:
- Not seeking transfer credit: Applicant may submit official transcripts in Chinese, official graduation certificate and degree certificate in Chinese to CHESICC (China Higher Education Student Information & Career Center). CHESICC will provide CIU with the official academic transcript and English verification report to determine highest post-secondary degree earned.
- Seeking transfer credit: Applicants submit their Chinese documents to CHESICC (China Higher Education Student Information & Career Center) and have CHESICC provide WES with the official academic transcript and English verification report and obtain a course-by-course evaluation.
- Final official transcripts.
- Official test score from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) if English is not the applicant’s first language.
- TOEFL score minimum:
- Internet-based exam: 70
- Computer-based exam: 195
- Paper-based exam: 525
Non-Degree Seeking Students (NDSS)
Students not applying for a specific degree program apply as a non-degree seeking student (NDSS) and must hold a high school diploma. Examples include transient students, consortium students, and students seeking pre-requisites for licensure and certificates must provide the following to the Admissions Office:
- Online application.
- Non-refundable application fee.
- Transient letter, official or unofficial high school transcript or college transcript if 12 or more college credits were attempted.
- Minimum grade point average (GPA) recommended:
Previously Enrolled Students
Students must re-apply and submit all degree-specific admission requirements if out of attendance for two consecutive regular semesters. Students who have missed only one regular semester of study contact the Registrar and Financial Aid Offices.
Notification to Undergraduate Applicants
Once all application materials have been received, the completed application will be reviewed by admissions and the applicant notified of the admission decision.
Applications remain active for one year after the initial intended year and term of the application. Students wanting to attend after one year from their original desired year and start term must reapply.
Online Graduate Non-Ministry Program Application Requirements
Applicants applying for admission as a full or part-time degree-seeking must provide the following to the Admissions Office:
- Online application.
- Non-refundable application fee.
- Complete additional requirements found on program page.
International Students
Applicants who are not United States citizens applying for admission as a full or part-time degree-seeking must provide the following to the Admissions Office:
- Online application.
- Non-refundable application fee.
- Complete additional requirements found on program page.
- Official Transcript(s):
- For schools attended outside the United States, an Official International Credential Advancement Package (ICAP) evaluation performed by World Education Services (WES) or an evaluation by InCred must be obtained for required transcripts. Academic records not written in English must be accompanied by a certified translation.
- Special consideration is given for applicants having studied in China:
- Not seeking transfer credit: Applicant may submit official transcripts in Chinese, official graduation certificate and degree certificate in Chinese to CHESICC (China Higher Education Student Information & Career Center). CHESICC will provide CIU with the official academic transcript and English verification report to determine highest post-secondary degree earned.
- Seeking transfer credit: Applicants submit their Chinese documents to CHESICC (China Higher Education Student Information & Career Center) and have CHESICC provide WES with the official academic transcript and English verification report and obtain a course-by-course evaluation.
- Final official transcripts.
- Official test score from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) if English is not the applicant’s first language.
- TOEFL score minimum:
- Internet-based exam: 79
- Computer-based exam: 213
- Paper-based exam: 550
Non-Degree Seeking Students (NDSS)
Students not applying for a specific degree program apply as a non-degree seeking student (NDSS) and must hold a baccalaureate degree. Examples include transient students, consortium students, and students seeking pre-requisites for licensure and certificates must provide the following to the Admissions Office:
- Online application.
- Non-refundable application fee.
- Affirm to be a Christian and agree with CIU’s Doctrinal Standard.
- Transient letter, official or unofficial college transcript demonstrating earned baccalaureate degree.
- Minimum grade point average (GPA):
A maximum of 12 graduate hours may be taken as a non-degree seeking student.
Previously Enrolled Students
Students must re-apply and submit all degree-specific admission requirements if out of attendance for two consecutive regular semesters. Students who have missed only one regular semester of study contact the Registrar and Financial Aid Offices.
Non-Accredited Degrees
Students graduating with a bachelor’s degree from an unaccredited institution are generally ineligible for admission to graduate programs at CIU. However, it may be determined that the academic rigor required in the bachelor’s program is sufficient to merit admission. Applicants who have earned a degree in this category must provide the following to the Admissions Office:
- All general application requirements and degree-specific admission requirements.
- Unaccredited Institution Review:
- Unaccredited Institutions - US institutions which are not accredited by an agency officially recognized by the US Department of Education (USDE) or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or non-US institutions not acknowledged by WES as accredited (typically based on the institution’s recognition by the home country’s ministry of education).
Notification to Graduate Applicants
Once all application materials have been received, the completed application will be reviewed and the applicant notified of the admission decision.
Applications remain active for one year after the initial intended year and term of the application. Students wanting to attend after one year from their original desired year and start term must reapply.
Provisional Acceptance
Entering graduate students who do not meet the minimum requirements for their desired degree program may be admitted on a provisional basis. The Admission Review Committee will review the candidate’s performance in previous education, work, or military training and determine if provisional admission is appropriate.
General Admission Policies
Official Transcript
An official transcript is a comprehensive record of academic progress, including transfer courses, credit earned by exam, and earned degrees. High school, homeschool, and college transcripts must list the following:
- Dates the student attended the institution.
- Titles of courses and examinations completed.
- Grades (marks) received.
- Credit, hours or units earned.
- Any degree or diploma received with date of graduation or conferral.
- Transcript must be received directly from the institution in a sealed envelope or in an electronic format by the prior school sending the transcript through an approved third-party vendor.
Official Test Score
Test score results that are sent directly from the testing agency or provided on official transcripts.
Transfer Credit
For transferable credits, see the Academic Policy section.
Auditors
Persons desiring to audit classes may do so by contacting and obtaining the approval of the Registrar Office and the instructor of the course. The University reserves the right to refuse to allow an individual to register as an auditor in any course. Auditors do not take examinations or receive credit and may participate in class discussions with the approval of the instructor.
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