Columbia International vs Messenger College
Columbia International University and Messenger College, both esteemed institutions of higher learning, offer distinct educational experiences tailored to diverse student aspirations. Columbia International University, rooted in a Christian worldview, fosters a close-knit community with a low acceptance rate of 48%, while Messenger College embraces a more open admissions policy with an acceptance rate of 100%. While Columbia International University excels in the fields of Bible and Theological Studies, Messenger College shines in Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services. Explore the detailed comparison table to delve into further distinctions, including student body demographics, graduation rates, and additional program offerings, to make an informed decision that aligns with your academic goals and personal preferences.
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![]() Columbia International University |
![]() Messenger College |
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Overview |
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Location | Columbia, South Carolina | Bedford, Texas |
Campus setting | City: Midsize | Suburb: Large |
College type | 4 year | 4 year |
Control/business model | Private (Non Profit) | Private (Non Profit) |
Calendar system | Semester | Semester |
Degrees offered | Undergraduate and Graduate | Undergraduate |
Students retention rate | 64.0% | 50.0% |
![]() |
No | No |
Religious affiliation | Protestant | |
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Admission |
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Acceptance rate | 45.6% | 100.0% |
Application fees |
Undergraduate:
$25
Graduate:
$25
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$35 |
SAT range | 940 - 1135 | N/A |
ACT range | 17 - 24 | N/A |
Students submitting SAT score | 39.0% | |
Students submitting ACT score | 21.0% | |
Total number of applicants | 526 | 8 |
Total number of admissions given out | 240 | 8 |
Admitted students who chose to enroll | 176 | 7 |
Yield rate | 73.3% | 87.5% |
Test scores (SAT/ACT) | N/A | N/A |
High school GPA | Required | Required |
Recommendation letters | Not required | Required |
High school transcript | Not required | Not required |
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) | Required | Required |
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Tuition and Fees |
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Sticker price | $38,700 | $26,341 |
Average net price | $20,088 | $14,115 |
Tuition | $24,490 | $8,400 |
Room & board | $8,950 | |
Available payment plans |
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Financial Aid |
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Students receiving financial aid
(Grants & scholarships) |
96.0%
Average amount $17,706 |
100.0%
Average amount $8,310 |
Students receiving federal student loan |
66.0%
Average amount $5,128 |
100.0%
Average amount $5,500 |
Students taking out private loans |
7.0%
Average amount $9,004 |
0.0%
Average amount $0 |
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Students and Campus |
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Undergraduate students |
905
Men 46.2% Women 53.8% |
31
Men 41.9% Women 58.1% |
Graduate students |
1,433
Men 47.6% Women 52.4% |
N/A |
Racial/ethnic diversity |
Moderate
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Moderate
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Out-of-state students | 47.6% | 75.0% |
International students | 14.2% | N/A |
Campus local/setting | City: Midsize | Suburb: Large |
Dormitory capacity | 400 | 68 |
First year students are required to live on campus? | No | No |
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from | South Carolina Florida North Carolina Georgia Texas | Arkansas Colorado Oklahoma Texas |
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Academics |
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Popular study areas |
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Students to faculty ratio | 16:1 | 10:1 |
Institutional accreditation | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges | Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools |
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Outcome |
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Graduation rate | 62.1% | 46.1% |
Dropout rate | 16.8% | 38.5% |
Transferred out | 19.0% | 7.7% |
Alumni salary by major (Top 10) |
Theology and Religious Vocations, Other (First Professional Degrees)
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (First Professional Degrees)
Bible/Biblical Studies (Bachelor's Degrees)
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (Bachelor's Degrees)
Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
Communication and Media Studies (Bachelor's Degrees)
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (First Professional Degrees)
Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity Studies (Bachelor's Degrees)
Theological and Ministerial Studies (First Professional Degrees)
Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries (Bachelor's Degrees)
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N/A |
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