Well-known evangelical Columbia International University (CIU), a charter member of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA), has resigned its membership in the organization that was created to “enhance trust” in Christian ministries.
Video screenshot @Columbia International University
According to the ECFA website, CIU voluntarily resigned its membership on March 25, 2026. It had been a member of the ECFA since 1979.
In response to MinistryWatch’s inquiry about what prompted the university’s decision to resign from the ECFA, it did not give a specific reason.
“Columbia International University has long been committed to financial integrity, accountability, and responsible stewardship of the resources entrusted to us. After careful consideration, we determined that non-renewal with ECFA was the most appropriate step for the university at this time,” wrote Bob Holmes, corporate communications specialist with CIU.
According to the ECFA accreditation fee schedule, based on revenue of about $60 million, CIU would pay about $15,000 a year in fees to maintain its membership.
CIU’s Donor Confidence Score in the MinistryWatch 1000 database dropped 20 points after leaving the ECFA. It now earns 51 out of 100—a score that indicates donors should “exercise caution” in giving to the ministry.
Access to MinistryWatch content is free. However, we hope you will support our work with your prayers and financial gifts. To make a donation, click here.
Holmes explained that CIU undergoes external independent financial audits that it believes “provide strong assurance of our fiscal health and institutional stewardship.”
MinistryWatch is unable to locate any audited financial statements posted on the CIU website, making its transparency grade a D.
It also has 1 Star for financial efficiency, meaning it is in the lowest 20% for Christian colleges and universities in how they use their financial resources.
Holmes noted that CIU is in good standing with several accrediting agencies, such as Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and the Association for Biblical Higher Education. He said each of these agencies require the university to demonstrate “financial stability, sound governance, and operational integrity.”
CIU began in 1921 as the Southern Bible Institute when a group of Christian women began teaching Bible and personal evangelism classes. In 1923, it became Columbia Bible School and classes were offered at the historic Colonia hotel in downtown.
After the South Carolina Board of Education gave the school approval to offer a Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Education in 1929, Columbia Bible College was born. For years it continued its work as a Bible college, until 1994 when it became international. Its Germany campus was accredited through the Association of Theological Schools.
In 1988, the Ben Lippen School, a ministry of the university, moved from Asheville, N.C., to CIU. Ben Lippen School was founded in 1940 as a boarding school for missionary children. Andrew Brunson, a missionary imprisoned in Turkey from 2016 to 2018, is an alumnus.
According to recent data, CIU claims 96% enrollment growth since 2019. In Fall 2025, the university celebrated record enrollment of 3,239 students, a 10% increase from the 2024 enrollment.
TO OUR READERS: The mission of MinistryWatch is to help Christian donors become more faithful stewards of the resources God has entrusted to them. Do you know of a story that will help us fulfill our mission, or do you want to give us feedback about this or any other story? If so, please email us at info@ministrywatch.com.