Columbia International University serves Christ and His church by inspiring, developing, and equipping people for lifelong pursuit of God and servant leadership in His global cause.

Founded as Columbia Bible School after six women in the mill town of Columbia prayed for a Bible school to train mill workers; in 1923 opened downtown in the Colonia Hotel and offered 2-year certificates in biblical studies; began offering 4-year degrees and became Columbia Bible College in 1929; changed name to Columbia International University in 1994.