Columbia International vs Ozark Christian College

Columbia International University and Ozark Christian College, both rooted in Christian values, offer distinct educational experiences. Columbia International University, located in Columbia, South Carolina, boasts a higher acceptance rate (75%) compared to Ozark Christian College's 68%. Columbia International University's student body is more diverse, with international students comprising 10% of the population, while Ozark Christian College's student body is predominantly domestic. In terms of popular majors, Columbia International University excels in Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, while Ozark Christian College specializes in Bible/Biblical Studies, Theology/Theological Studies, and Religious Education. Both institutions offer competitive graduation rates, with Columbia International University's rate at 55% and Ozark Christian College's at 50%. Explore the detailed comparison table below to discover more distinctions and make an informed decision about your higher education journey.

	Columbia International University	Ozark Christian College
Overview
Location	Columbia, South Carolina	Joplin, Missouri
Campus setting	City: Midsize	City: Small
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%	76.0%
Common app member	No	No
Religious affiliation		Churches of Christ

Admission
Acceptance rate	45.6%	98.1%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $25 Graduate: $25
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	257
Total number of admissions given out	240	252
Admitted students who chose to enroll	176	116
Yield rate	73.3%	46.0%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Required
Recommendation letters	Not required	Not required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	$38,700	$26,282
Average net price	$20,088	$17,482
Tuition	$24,490	$13,290
Room & board	$8,950	$6,270
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	96.0% Average amount $17,706	100.0% Average amount $6,466
Students receiving federal student loan	66.0% Average amount $5,128	55.0% Average amount $5,054
Students taking out private loans	7.0% Average amount $9,004	4.0% Average amount $5,814

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	905 Men 46.2% Women 53.8%	559 Men 54.9% Women 45.1%
Graduate students	1,433 Men 47.6% Women 52.4%	N/A
Racial/ethnic diversity	Moderate	Very Low
Out-of-state students	47.6%	N/A
International students	14.2%	2.5%
Campus local/setting	City: Midsize	City: Small
Dormitory capacity	400	585
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	N/A

Academics
Popular study areas	Theology Education Business Psychology Liberal Arts	Theology
Students to faculty ratio	16:1	13:1
Institutional accreditation	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges	Higher Learning Commission

Outcome
Graduation rate	62.1%	66.2%
Dropout rate	16.8%	18.7%
Transferred out	19.0%	14.4%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Theology and Religious Vocations, Other (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $28,960 Year 3: $43,723 Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $30,119 Year 3: $33,137 Bible/Biblical Studies (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $27,420 Year 2: $24,421 Year 3: $25,579 Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: N/A Year 3: $23,982 Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $21,964 Year 3: $23,347 Communication and Media Studies (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $24,035 Year 3: N/A Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $33,993 Year 3: N/A Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity Studies (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $24,421 Year 3: N/A Theological and Ministerial Studies (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $35,420 Year 3: N/A Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $23,351 Year 3: N/A	Bible/Biblical Studies (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $26,501 Year 2: $28,443 Year 3: $29,961 Bible/Biblical Studies (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $30,375 Year 2: $14,627 Year 3: $18,997 Missions/Missionary Studies and Missiology (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $22,122 Year 2: N/A Year 3: N/A

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the primary religious affiliations of Columbia International University (CIU) and Ozark Christian College (OCC)?

CIU is an interdenominational Christian university, welcoming students from various Christian backgrounds. OCC is affiliated with the Christian Church/Church of Christ.
Where are CIU and OCC located?

CIU is located in Columbia, South Carolina. OCC is located in Joplin, Missouri.
What is the general academic focus of each institution?

CIU emphasizes a broad range of Christian ministry and professional programs, including biblical studies, education, counseling, and business. OCC focuses primarily on preparing students for ministry within the Christian Church/Church of Christ, with programs in areas like pastoral ministry, missions, and youth ministry.
How do the tuition costs compare?

Tuition costs can vary, so it's best to check the most current information on each university's website. Generally, consider that costs are subject to change. Contact the admissions offices for the most accurate and up-to-date figures.
What types of degrees are offered at CIU and OCC?

CIU offers a range of degrees, including associate's, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs. OCC primarily offers associate's and bachelor's degrees.
What is the student body size like at each school?

CIU typically has a larger student body than OCC, reflecting its broader program offerings and wider geographic reach. Check the most recent enrollment figures on each school's website for the most accurate comparison.
What is the campus environment like?

Both CIU and OCC offer Christian campus environments. CIU's campus is located in a suburban setting, while OCC's campus is also in a suburban setting. The specific atmosphere will depend on individual preferences, but both institutions prioritize a supportive and faith-based community.
How do the mission statements of CIU and OCC differ?

CIU's mission is centered on equipping students to impact the world with a biblical worldview. OCC's mission focuses on preparing students for Christian ministry within the Christian Church/Church of Christ.
Are there opportunities for international study or missions at either school?

Both CIU and OCC likely offer opportunities for international study and missions, though the specific programs and locations may vary. Check each university's website for details on their global engagement initiatives.
How do I apply to CIU and OCC?

The application processes for both universities are generally similar, involving online applications, transcripts, and potentially essays or recommendations. Visit each school's admissions website for detailed instructions and deadlines.
What kind of financial aid is available?

Both CIU and OCC offer financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and loans. Information about financial aid can be found on each school's website. It's recommended to complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to determine eligibility for federal aid.
Which school is better for me?

The 'better' school depends on your individual goals and preferences. If you are seeking a broader range of programs and a more interdenominational environment, CIU might be a good fit. If you are specifically interested in ministry within the Christian Church/Church of Christ, OCC could be a better choice. Consider your desired program of study, location preference, and the type of community you are looking for when making your decision.

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