American Intercontinental University (AIU) is a private for-profit university founded in 1970 in Schaumburg, Illinois. AIU mainly offers online programs, and its physical campus is used for administration and physical classes. If you’re curious about how AIU can help you achieve your academic goals, keep reading our American Intercontinental University review to find out.
American Intercontinental University is perfect for students who prioritize location flexibility. AIU has no student housing, and most of your activities and classes will be done in an online environment. Below we include more details about life on campus, including American Intercontinental University cost, American Intercontinental rankings, and American Intercontinental University accreditation.
All About American Intercontinental University
American Intercontinental University is a private-for-profit organization whose mission is to give quality education to students from a wide variety of diverse backgrounds. It offers more than 45 associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degree programs and specializations.
AIU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Even though the school mostly offers online courses, students can also experience in-person classes and career training if they wish to. As a student, you will still have access to all the amenities found in other campuses, including student clubs, career services, financial aid offices, libraries, food assistance programs, and other student benefits.
Where Is American Intercontinental University Located?
American Intercontinental University has its headquarters located in Schaumburg, Illinois. AIU also has two other campuses in Atlanta and Houston.
Is American Intercontinental University Accredited?
American Intercontinental University is fully accredited by The Higher Learning Commission. Some of the degree programs at American Intercontinental University are also accredited. For example, the Bachelor and Master of Business Administration (BBA/MBA) programs at AIU are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs.
Is American Intercontinental University Legit?
Yes, American Intercontinental University is as legitimate as any other accredited university. Even though AIU offers mostly online courses, a degree from AIU is not any less recognized than degrees from other in-person four-year colleges.
American Intercontinental University Student Reviews
American Intercontinental University offers a reviews page on its official website where prospective or current students can read or write reviews. Testimonials from some recent graduates are also included. These testimonials describe AIU’s faculty as being especially helpful and supportive, and their student resources as ample and beneficial.
American Intercontinental University Better Business Bureau Reviews and Complaints
American Intercontinental University has 22 customer reviews on the Better Business Bureau website, with an average customer rating of 1.73/5. It has a number of complaints about fraudulent charges or bills sent to students, but it also has a handful of positive five-star reviews. American Intercontinental University is not accredited by the Better Business Bureau.
American Intercontinental University Rankings
Due to its status as a smaller, mostly-online university, American Intercontinental University is not ranked by US News and World Report or Times Higher Education.
American Intercontinental University Graduation Rate
American Intercontinental University has a graduation rate of 22 percent. After the first year of education, 26 percent of students return to school, which is below the midpoint for a four-year school. Out of 17,494 students, 22 percent graduated, 32 percent transferred, and 45 percent withdrew.
American Intercontinental University Admissions
AIU offers a streamlined admission process with no application fees. You can complete the online application in 15 minutes, and there are student advisors who can guide you through the admission process if you need help. The university does not accept residents of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the state of New York, or the European Union (EU).
American Intercontinental University Acceptance Rate
American Intercontinental University has an open admission policy, so as long as you have proof or a certificate showing that you attended high school, a diploma or a GED, you can get in.
Will You Get Into American Intercontinental University?
You only need the most basic things to be eligible for admission into American Intercontinental University, so, if you closely follow each step of the application process and meet all the requirements, you will get admitted.
How to Apply to American Intercontinental University
- Connect with an AIU Admissions Advisor. The admissions advisor is meant to guide you through the application and admission process. The advisor will ask about your interests and personal goals and answer any questions you have about the university. You can get information on the degree programs at AIU and the next steps to take.
- Complete the online application. The online application was designed to be completed in a few minutes. But if you have any problems, the admission advisors are there to help. The information you will provide while filling out the form includes the high school and/or college you attended and the degree program you’re applying to.
- Submit Required Document. You need to provide certain certifications from the high school you attended or an equivalent program. The certification might include proof of high school graduation, high school transcript or diploma, GED transcript, or certificate of proficiency in English and math.
- Apply for financial aid. There are many options for online students to get financial aid. The help comes from student loans, scholarships, and grants. To be ready by the start of the session, start filling out your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form as soon as possible.
- Learn more about the degree and credits. As you wait for classes to start, you can speak with a learning assessment evaluator to help you review the credits you can put toward your degree requirements.
American Intercontinental University Cost
| Expense | American Intercontinental University Cost |
|---|---|
| American Intercontinental University Undergraduate In-State Tuition and Fees | $12,345 |
| American Intercontinental University Undergraduate Out-of-State Tuition and Fees | $54,321 |
| American Intercontinental University Graduate In-State Tuition and Fees | $20,361 |
| American Intercontinental University Graduate Out-of-State Tuition and Fees | $20,361 |
| American Intercontinental University Books and Supplies | N/A |
| American Intercontinental University On-Campus Room and Board | N/A |
| American Intercontinental University Off-Campus Room and Board | N/A |
American Intercontinental University strives to make tuition affordable for all students, whether on campus or online. So, apart from the different financial aid options, students have a chance to save money by receiving college credit for prior qualifying education, military, or work experience.
As an online student, you can also pay per credit hour. For example, students at AIU Houston pay $317 per credit hour for associate or bachelor’s degree programs and $510 per credit hour for master’s degree programs.
Cost of Living in Schaumburg, Illinois
According to PayScale, the cost of living in Schaumburg, Illinois is 29 percent higher than the national average. The median home price is $665,337, and the average rent is $2,032 a month.
American Intercontinental University Financial Aid
Applying for financial aid is one of the most important steps in the admission process. Financial aid includes grants, student loans, scholarships, and student employment. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, 78 percent of students received some kind of financial aid at American Intercontinental University.
American Intercontinental University Scholarships
- AIU Academic Educational Alliances Grant: This tuition grant is available to students who have previously attended one of AIU’s Academic Alliance institutions, including Belhaven University and Midwestern Career College.
- AIU Advantage Grant: This grant gives between $500 and $1,000 to students who have faced extreme personal and/or financial hardships. It is available to both online students and students at the Atlanta or Houston campuses.
- AIU Corporate Educational Alliances Grant: This tuition grant is for employees of AIU Corporate Alliance companies and their immediate family members. It is available to both online students and students at the Atlanta or Houston campuses.
- AIU International Scholarship: This scholarship offers up to $8,000 for incoming international students whose academic records are considered worthy of recognition. It is available to both online students and students at the Atlanta or Houston campuses.
- AIU Success Grant: This scholarship offers up to $2,000 for new undergraduate students with 36 transfer credits or less who have achieved academic success through their first academic year at AIU.
- Impact Grant: AIU offers the Impact Grant to assist eligible students who work for participating employers. The Impact Grant is available for degree programs specified by the university. Not all programs may be eligible.
American Intercontinental University Graduate Salaries and Outcomes
According to College Scorecard, the median salary for American Intercontinental University graduates is $36,551. Forty-seven percent of AIU graduates earn more than someone with a high school diploma or equivalent.
American Intercontinental University Notable Alumni
Some notable alumni of American Intercontinental University are Florida state representative Ronald Brisé, Mohd Nazifuddin Najib, the son of the former Prime Minister of Malaysia, and reality TV star Porsha Williams from The Real Housewives of Atlanta.
American Intercontinental University Campus Life
AIU offers a balanced college experience where you can get your degree while working, having a family, or being in the military. The flexible education system allows you to take classes anytime and anywhere as long as there is an Internet connection. AIU also offers tutoring and academic advising services, an online writing lab, and a career services department.
American Intercontinental University Academics
American Intercontinental University offers a wide variety of associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degree programs. Some of their most popular majors are business, social sciences, marketing, management, communication, and journalism. AIU offers a total of 52 program options.
American Intercontinental University Colleges and Departments
| School or Department Name | Available Program Examples |
|---|---|
| School of Business | Accounting, Business Administration, Healthcare Management |
| School of Criminal Justice | Criminal Justice |
| School of Design | Audio and Sound Recording, Digital Filmmaking, Fashion Design and Marketing, Media Production |
| School of Education | Master of Education |
| School of Information and Technology | Information Technology (Bachelor’s and Master’s) |
American Intercontinental University Faculty
AIU offers a knowledgeable faculty, each of whom has specialized knowledge and career experience. AIU’s faculty roster includes former executives, entrepreneurs, IT professionals, and intelligence and law enforcement professionals. According to AIU’s Rate My Professors page, the three highest-rated professors at the school have an average rating of 5.0. Most professors on AIU’s page are described as providing a supportive environment for students.
Popular American Intercontinental University Majors
According to datausa.io, the most common majors awarded at American Intercontinental University are General Business Administration & Management with 701 degrees awarded, Organizational Leadership with 166 degrees awarded, and Health Care Administration & Management with 150 degrees awarded.
American Intercontinental University General Business Administration and Management
Students in AIU’s business administration program can pursue a bachelor’s or master’s degree (BBA/MBA). Undergraduate and graduate students take BA courses that combine a core curriculum with an interdisciplinary liberal arts education to prepare students for a diverse range of business careers. AIU’s online BBA program accepts qualifying transfer credits.
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General Business Administration and Management Jobs
- Accountant: An accountant prepares and examines financial records. The minimum level of education needed to become an accountant is a bachelor’s degree. Accountants generally have high job security, and their median salary is $77,250.
- Budget Analyst: A budget analyst helps private and public institutions plan their finances. The minimum level of education needed to become a budget analyst is a bachelor’s degree. Their median salary is $79,940.
- Financial Analyst: A financial analyst evaluates a business’s data to help them make better financial decisions. The minimum level of education needed to become an accountant is a bachelor’s degree. Their median salary is $81,410.
American Intercontinental University Healthcare Management
Students at AIU can pursue a Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Healthcare Management. Students in both degree programs study the operation, structure, management, and regulation of the US healthcare system. The program focuses on the administrative roles of healthcare services and prepares students for management-related roles in the field.
American Intercontinental University Healthcare Management Jobs
- Medical and Health Services Manager: Medical and health services managers plan, coordinate, and direct healthcare providers’ business activities. Their median salary is $101,340.
- Health Administrator: Health administrators manage orders of medical supplies and organize the schedules of the practitioners. Their duties and median salary are similar to those of medical and health services managers.
- Clinical Research Manager: Clinical research managers are responsible for monitoring any government aid paid for clinical trials and pointing out any discrepancies. Their median salary is similar to that of health services managers and health administrators.
American Intercontinental University Information Technology
AIU’s online IT degree programs are for students interested in computer science and information systems. There are many specializations available to IT students, including a concentration in digital investigations, a concentration in network administration, and a concentration in software analysis and development.
American Intercontinental University Information Technology Jobs
- Computer Programmer: Computer programmers write, test, and modify code and scripts to ensure the proper functioning of applications and software. Their median salary is $93,000.
- Computer System Analyst: A computer system analyst inspects a company’s computer system and creates ways to improve digital efficiency. Their median salary is $99,270.
- Web Developer: A web developer creates, develops, and tests a website’s interface, functions, and navigation. Their median salary is $77,200.
American Intercontinental University Criminal Justice
Through American Intercontinental University’s criminal justice program, students learn the principles, operations, and history of the US criminal justice system. This program also covers the practical aspects of criminal justice, including crisis management, critical thinking, and forensic science.
American Intercontinental University Criminal Justice Jobs
- Correctional Officer: Correctional officers maintain order in prisons, jails, and holding cells. This is a physically demanding job with a high risk of injury. Their median salary is $47,920.
- Crime Scene Investigator: Crime scene investigators find and collect evidence at crime scenes. They work hand in hand with criminal profilers to determine how the crime happened and what its possible motive is. Their median salary is $61,930.
- Criminal Justice Instructor: Criminal justice instructors usually teach at institutions of higher learning. They give lectures and presentations, grade tests and assignments, and prepare students for careers in criminal justice. Their median salary is $79,640.
American Intercontinental University Media Production & Fashion Design
AIU’s Media Production & Fashion Design degree programs are geared toward students pursuing creative careers. For example, a BFA in Fashion Design from AIU gives students an in-depth understanding of the creation, design, and construction of clothes. BFA students can also study visual communications and digital filmmaking.
American Intercontinental University Fine Arts in Fashion Design & Marketing Jobs
- Fashion Designer: A fashion designer creates and styles, clothes, footwear, and accessories. Their median pay is $77,450.
- Interior Designer: An interior decorator helps make indoor spaces beautiful and functional. They optimize the space and items within to create the best look. Their median salary is $60,340.
- Art Director: Art directors are the creators and organizers of visual images and styles. They work for publishers or film and TV production companies. Their median salary is $100,890.
Is American Intercontinental University Worth It?
American Intercontinental University is worth it for students who know how to effectively use their time and resources. Some who register for the online degree do not put in as much effort as they would with a physical campus. This set of people might end up dropping out, but more disciplined students can get a degree that will serve them well in the working world.
American Intercontinental University Review FAQ
Yes, American Intercontinental University is a real university. Just because they have an online school that does not require undergraduates to be physically present does not make it any less of a university.
No, AIU is not a diploma mill, and it is not a quick fix for getting a degree. It is an accredited institution with many individually accredited programs, and AIU is committed to delivering education that meets a high standard of academic integrity.
If you are unable to repay your American Intercontinental University loans after twenty years, they will be forgiven. You can also apply for debt forgiveness, but if your loans are federally funded, you might not receive a complete discharge of the loans.
No, American Intercontinental University is not closing. But after taking many reviews and pieces of student feedback into consideration, the university is becoming more transparent about how they operate and what they offer students.
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