Academic Programs & Learning

Columbia International University

What About Academic Quality?

Student-to-Faculty Ratio

13:1

Average students per faculty member

👨‍🏫

Full-Time Retention

66%

Students continuing to second year

📈

Part-Time Retention

10%

Part-time students continuing

📊

Understanding Academic Quality Metrics

Student-Faculty Ratio: A ratio of 13:1 means there are approximately 13 students for every faculty member. This low ratio typically allows for more individualized attention and smaller class sizes.

Retention Rates: These show the percentage of students who return for their second year. Higher retention rates typically indicate student satisfaction, academic support, and program quality.

Graduation Rate Survey Cohort: 31% of entering students are tracked for graduation outcomes.

Who Teaches Here?

Total Teaching Staff
54
Instructional faculty
Student-to-Faculty Ratio
13:1
Students per instructor
Faculty Diversity
4%
Underrepresented minorities

Tenure Status

Tenured (48%) Non-Tenure (48%) Other

Academic Ranks

Professors22
Associate Professors29
Assistant Professors1
Other Instructional Staff2

Understanding Faculty Composition

Columbia International University employs 54 instructional staff members. About 48% hold tenured positions. The mix of ranked faculty and instructors supports diverse learning experiences.

Where Do Online Students Come From?

Geographic distribution of students enrolled exclusively in online courses (Fall 2023 census)

Undergraduate (916 enrolled)
229
exclusively online (25%)
Same state 183 (79.9%)
Other US states 45 (19.7%)
Graduate (1,715 enrolled)
1,580
exclusively online (92.1%)
Same state 169 (10.7%)
Other US states 544 (34.4%)
Outside US 831 (52.6%)
ℹ️

About this data: The geographic breakdown above uses IPEDS Fall Enrollment census data, which captures a single-day snapshot. The enrollment figures in the "How Do Students Learn?" section above use 12-month unduplicated headcount, which typically shows higher numbers as it covers the full academic year. Both are official IPEDS data — they measure different things.

80% of Columbia International University's exclusively online undergraduates are located in SC. At the graduate level, 34% study from other US states, suggesting strong national demand for online graduate programs.

What Is the Academic Load?

Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) Analysis

1,715
Total FTE
741
Undergraduate FTE
974
Graduate FTE

FTE Distribution

Undergraduate FTE
741 (43.2%)
Graduate FTE
974 (56.8%)

FTE Analysis

Study Intensity:65.2% FTE ratio indicates many students attend part-time

Academic Load: FTE represents the equivalent of full-time students based on credit hours, helping compare institutional capacity regardless of part-time enrollment.

Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) measures the total student enrollment adjusted for course load. One FTE represents a student taking a full course load, while two half-time students equal one FTE. This metric helps compare institutional size and resource allocation across different schools.

How Intensively Do Students Study?

Student Enrollment Intensity

The Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) ratio shows the average course load intensity. An FTE ratio of 1.0 means all students attend full-time, while lower values indicate more part-time enrollment.

65.2%
FTE Ratio
Intensity LevelModerate

A mix of full-time and part-time students, offering flexibility for those balancing work, family, and education.

Undergraduate FTE
741
Graduate FTE
974
Total FTE
1,715
Headcount
2,631

FTE represents student enrollment adjusted for course load. Two half-time students equal 1 FTE.

FTE Ratio Scale

< 0.5
Low
0.5-0.65
Mod-Low
0.65-0.8
Moderate
0.8-0.95
High
≥ 0.95
Very High

The enrollment intensity shows how committed students are to their studies. Higher FTE ratios indicate more full-time students and intensive programs, while lower ratios suggest flexible scheduling that accommodates working professionals and students with other responsibilities. This information helps you understand whether the institution caters to traditional full-time students or offers more flexibility for adult learners.

Academic Support & Resources

Academic Advising

Students have access to academic advisors who can help with course selection, degree planning, and career guidance. Contact the admissions office to learn about advising services.

Student Success Services

Many institutions offer tutoring, study groups, and academic success workshops. These resources help students develop study skills and overcome academic challenges.

For detailed information about academic support services, tutoring hours, and learning resources, contact Columbia International University directly at 8007772227 or visit their website .

Key Academic Highlights

  • Student-to-faculty ratio of 13:1 supports personalized learning
  • 54 instructional staff with 48% holding tenured positions
  • Flexible scheduling options accommodate working students and adult learners
  • Online students from SC and beyond (20% out-of-state)

Ready to Learn More About Academics at Columbia International University?

Contact the admissions office to discuss academic programs, support services, and learning options.

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