American InterContinental University

Jonathan August 24, 2006 at 6:33 p.m.

Great program and a great interactive learning platform. The work is demanding and you will acquire great research skills during the degree program. It is in an accelerated format so the pace is intense. Overall, great programs.

Comment September 15, 2007 at 8 p.m.

American InterContinental University is a "for profit" university.

John L. November 14, 2007 at 7:43 p.m.

AIU is accredited and after much research, it appears to be legit. I am interested in enrolling because of the fast pace online learning environment. I researched the Department of Education and AIU is in good standing and not on probation according to the latest status dated 11/14/2007. I guess some additional research is in order before I apply to AIU but so far everthing is on the up and up. Additionally, AIU is approved for Veteran's benfits such as the GI Bill, Tution Asssitance, and grants which are a rather tough standards by themselves.

In the AABA program and mad January 2, 2008 at 8:53 p.m.

AIU is nothing that my admissions rep promised me. I understand it was her job to get me to sign on but what she promised me was that the school would support me in their program

I had to take college algebra for the program. When I took the class, the live chat did not work with the instructor, I couldn't understand the material. My student advisor just told me to read my book. Oh my goodness, as if I didn't try that. I'm not a complete idiot. Anyway, I failed the course. When I retook it, the live chat did work and I understood the material. I got an A. Now AIU wants to charge me an extra 2108.00 for the course that I had to repeat. I didn't get an extra set of books. I will not pay for a course that I had to retake because of their technology.

I am in a heated dispute with them because I am asking for them to not charge me the extra money. During the first algebra course I emailed my adivisor and anyone else I could including my admissions rep who no longer worked there. Everyone gave me the same answer, "read your book."

DO NOT sign with AIU, you will regret it. I have asked for an appeal and I cannot get my complaint past their dean of students. The student ombudsman is an employee of AIU who will side with the school. My next step is the accrediting board and the BBB. No wonder they were on probation.

AJ January 22, 2008 at 2:07 a.m.

You guys stated AIU has no weight but is that based on Rep? I ran them and they are accreditted by CHEA like all Universities in the southern district. I was comparing AIU and South University for online they offer the same short 5 weeks courses except AIU give you 9 credits that allows you to complete the program a lot sooner.

Kallen S. February 2, 2008 at 5:49 a.m.

I'm currently attending University of Phoenix online, however, I'm now considering transferring over to AIU online. I want to make the right decision as to what college I should attend. I need to know if AIU is a good reputable college?

Happy AIU Student April 9, 2008 at 11:03 p.m.

I would be hard pressed to accept a review from people who can't even spell or use correct grammar (John Dole and Out of luck student). I am currently attending AIU and the course work is comparable to many other schools. FYI Kallen, currently in my Marketing class, we have quite a few students left UOP online and enrolled at AIU and they are very pleased with the program!

To John Dole October 2, 2008 at 5 a.m.

You got to be kidding when you say AIU uses marketing staff to do this... because almost everyone had somethin bad about AIU Online.. So how would that work?

Ms Disappointed October 26, 2008 at 4:29 a.m.

I transferred from UoP to AIU.. In my opinion both schools have their issues.. UoP rates go up by the course you are taking and you don't get very good assistance. AIU was a complete waste a money and time because once you get the degree it isn't worth anything. I wasted 3 yrs of my time obtaining an ABA and BS degrees that are not worth anything. I didn't realize that my degrees didn't mean anything until I went to apply for a Master's Degree and nothing from AIU was taken, so I am starting over from the bottom with my general courses and then on to my real degrees. :-( It was a learning experience for me.... I should have stuck with UoP most of their classes are accepted. In my opinion if you have the time to go take on-campus classes... do so, stay away from online classes unless its dual on/off campus.
Yes I understand its up to the school to transfer the credits, but out of 180 credits something should transfer over.

LessThenZero October 30, 2008 at 5:53 p.m.

I've been attending AIU going on 5 months now, and have to say they so far it's been great. The assignments are challenging especially since you only have a week to turn in 4 lengthy assignments. I've been reading a lot of negative comments about the school, such as harrasment and constantly being called and emailed with useless information etc...
That's just ridiculous, I've never been subjected to any of that. As for people who quit or get fired are always going to try and discredit and bash the person or place.

Chi Chi Lamar January 6, 2009 at 10:16 p.m.

I would have to say that after reading all of your entries. I think that AIU is what you make it. If you want a walk-in-the-park degree, that you will not have to work all that hard for, then you will have to pay the price for it. The school is a very expensive "for-profit" school, that cares about one thing, and one thing only. "Money"

The school does NOT care about you. Only thier money. You can tell that by the way they market you on the web and on the television. NEVER give them your number either.

I have a friend that attendeds AIU and he loves it. He goes on-campus and he said that the work is so easy it is a pleasant experience. The bad part that he does not like is the fact that the total cost for his program is $79K. YES THAT IS WHAT I SAID!!!! $79,000.00 I think that the easier the school the mose costs. The less cost, the more work you will do. Just put two and two together kiddies...

Self Experienced January 12, 2009 at 2:44 a.m.

I attended AIU for 2 reasons,.. to get my A.A and to get it fast. It cost me 21,000. That is alot of money so It's like I paid a high cost for a short period degree. When I was in my interview interviewing for this current job that I am now,.. it felt real good to say that I had at least an A.A with AIU. Some of the class work was easy and some of them were challenging like any other Colleges if It wasn't for AIU I would still be in a junior college now. It is a teach your self experience that's what I didn't like but being a strong person that I am,.. I made it.. other than the cost my personal experience with AIU has been great. I'm looking into UOP right now and I'm not to sure about it.

Holly January 27, 2009 at 5:04 p.m.

all the book are online there are no books mailed to you. I graduated from there last year. I dropped them the first I went and then I ended up going right back. If you go there just keep in mine that no matter is if you understand or not turn in your work!!Good or bad you will get a grade and some assignments are graded according to effort. I promise. Take this advise how ever you want too.

AIU Grad February 8, 2009 at 5:22 p.m.

I'm graduating with my BFA in Visual Communications tomorrow. I'm a veteran, have my AS in Business Management from a California College and have had a VERY POSITIVE experience with AIU. I've read people complaining about the price of education at this school; for one thing, the degree program they offer is ACCELERATED and includes the cost of books. I've received books for my design degree that are very useful and that I will continue to use throughout my career.

Next thing, people are complaining about credits not transferring, ALL my credits from my AS transferred over to AIU. Also, the reps for AIU are unbelievably helpful, always keeping up with communications, helping me with professor issues, and by the way, I also had to file an appeal, and the issue was resolved. The website keeps up with their technology, and the staff is incredible understanding and does their best to resolve any issues you might be having.

The course work is challenging, especially when you only have 5 weeks to learn the course, and every week you have assigments to turn in. This program works well with students who can't do a traditional school schedule (like myself) and need the convenience of online.

I love AIU, they've helped me immensely, with my Veteran's benefits and GI Bill, and the accreditation of this school, I don't see how I couldn't have chosen a better online school. I did my research for months before finally applying with AIU, and I am impressed with the institution.

I've spoken with several people who attended University Of Phoenix, and had negative experiences with their school and the communication with professors just wasn't there. It seemed that they had to learn the course work all their own, which at AIU, the professors have AT THE LEAST 2 one hour sessions to go over the lesson for that week, plus an open office conference time, and they respond to emails and phone calls within 48 hours.

I am not a "marketing rep" as some of you claim write these comments. I made the most of my experience with AIU, and got the best out of it; and it was well worth my money. People tend to forget how quickly you can get a degree with this school. Do your research before you start complaining about stuff that could have easily been explained or just read about.

I would recommend this school to those looking to have a wonderful online education experience in a fast-paced, accelerated program.

And one more thing, for those saying that the degree was wortheless or what have you, let's not forget about the economic state the country is in right now. No one is hiring, so take that into consideration...

MEL ENROLLED AT AIU April 14, 2009 at 2:36 a.m.

I have to say from researching and from knowing others doing online schools and have been to traditional schools and tech schools I really feel AIU online is the choice for me. My husband is getting deployed I have a baby coming in a few months and I have two other elementry school children as well as a needy dog. So I think it is the experience of the individual as the outcome you will receive. I also looked into South University and it was okay, but it's more expensive you have to buy your books and tuition was crazy and they don't give you discounts on the application fee or your tuition. AIU online does offer that for the military service memeber as well as the spouse. I think that's very important. I'm majoring Criminal Justice with the concentration in Forensic Science. I was enrolled in the local community college for Diagnostic Medical Sonography. I already have a degree in Medical Billing/Coding that i'm not using I graduated 2nd in my class with a 4.0 and nothing to show for it. I have been out for 2 years now. I've had lots of interviews and I know my stuff, but I don't have experience in the medical field at all. So i'm trying a new approach by going into criminal justice. I'm hoping I have better luck. I know lots of people who attended Universities and local colleges and they have had bad outcomes, experiences regardless what it was you have them every where you go. So it will be your own personal experience. Good Luck with your research as i've just finished mine.

Lamar Garrison April 28, 2009 at 3:11 p.m.

I have been enrolled since august 2008 and expect to graduate in march 2010. i work full time, just got married and have a kid on the way. it is a pretty challenging curriculum and will eat up your free time if you want to do well. the classes are not too hard if you put in the work, but you have to put in the work. i have learned a lot, the online interface is easy to use, the books are included with costs, the professors are readily available, and support is extremely helpful...overall it's been a great experience so far... my only complaint is that it's very expensive. most of my core classes from where i attended college earlier transferred over, but i'm still paying $37,000 for roughly two at this college.

maitriya May 7, 2009 at 1:39 p.m.

Hi I wanted to compare MBA in International Business from AIU and Masters in Marketing Management from Boston University. Pls Help

@JW June 9, 2009 at 7:14 p.m.

I agree with some of what you said. For example, you are correct about online programs being much more difficult than many expect. In addition, online education is the future.
I checked out AIU when I was looking into a Master's program. They were one of only five regionally accredited universities with an online master's program in the concentration I was interested in. The program seemed to be fine. The difference was in the tuition. I found only one of the five to have tuition as high as AIU's. Here is what you said:

"AIU's tuition includes needed books & software."

That's great! However, the tuition rate for my program was $23,550 at AIU. I found three programs that were considerably less. In fact, the tuition I paid for my Master's program was $14,300, which included books. So the difference was over $9,000!!!!

As I said, the program seemed fine and I liked the set-up. However, the difference in tuition was huge.

@Justin June 22, 2009 at 3:27 a.m.

What was the total tuition for the MBA at AIU?

Hi jj! July 7, 2009 at 6:03 p.m.

Congratulations on finishing your A.A. degree and your higher pay! Can you give me an estimate on the tuition cost of that A.A.? My guess is around $35,000, is that about right?

jj July 22, 2009 at 3:17 a.m.

The tuition for the A.A. degree at AIU is $22,500, but that's starting from ground zero. If you're a transferring student from another accredited college, they'll generously accept your credits if the credits apply to the degree plan you choose with them. That way the cost can be much less.

More than Happy! August 1, 2009 at 1:21 a.m.

I have completed more than 13 classes at AIU and can honestly say that I am VERY HAPPY! Yes, some of the classes are somewhat "easy" but believe me when I say that some are rather difficult! I'm sure at any school you will have your easy classes and at times you will have your harder classes..... Yes, the school is a bit expensive however, your books get sent to you either online or in the mail and are included in your costs. My admissions advisor made it easy for me to apply both for my associates and bachelors degree programs. I too like most online students have a full time job and a child. Being in the Military, going to school online was really my only choice. The time that you can recieve your degree in versus the time it would take to sit in a actual class room is amazing. Now, there will be long nights but I believe that it is well worth it! I do not have anything bad to say about AIU but that the staff is great help and as for the instructors, some are better than others (but isn't this with every school?). I recommend AIU! And if you are a vet or in the military I can honestly tell you that the staff makes the process more than easy! One more thing, AIU is Accredited by the NCA!

Hi jj August 2, 2009 at 6:28 p.m.

Thanks for the information. They must have a different tuition scale for different cities then??? I am looking at the 2006-07 academic calander catalog from AIU, specifically at the tuition schedule. They list the tuition costs for an AA degree between $27,678 and $32,788 (dependig on the program). That I assume is from "ground zero" to use your term. Strange that the tuition schedule I have from AIU is $5,000-$10,000 more than the tuition you paid for the AA degree. You have to also remember that the tuition schedule I am looking at is almost 3 years old. More likely than not, tuition has increased. Why do you suppose there is such a large difference?

jj August 13, 2009 at 1:41 a.m.

Here's the link to the 2009 academic fee calender hope they'll let me post it. Still $22,950 for the Associate's program. Not sure why but they must've decided to bring the cost down from the 2006-07 scale that you're looking at.

mycampus.aiu-online.com/schools/5/pdf/tuition_schedule.pdf

jj August 15, 2009 at 3:40 a.m.

It took 68 credit hrs. for me to get the Associate's degree in 2003. It may be less now. I was able to transfer 56 credit hrs. from other colleges and only took 12 with AIU to get the degree. They offer challenge exams that give you credit hrs. as well. Those are free hours if you can pass the exams that can also transfer!

Pros/Cons about AIU August 22, 2009 at 8:30 p.m.

I have been with AIU since March 2009 and will graduate with a AAS in Business Administrative in March 2010 but deciding if i want to continue with the bachelors. My career path i choose is graphic design. I simply was attracted to the AIU because they offered a digtal design program, which is the same thing as graphic design and it seems pretty affordable for an online school. Now that im in a couple of months at AIU im having second thoughts about my decision just because i don't think its going in the direction of my career path.

Pros: great technology, love how they have 24/7 support, teachers reply back very quickly, course work is graded very well and with lots of comments, they provide lots of information and tools to help learn the material such as; chatting with instructor, listening and watching instructors perform problems or work, videos about the assignments, and of course a book, and an online library.

Cons: very repetitive in each class you take, every class is 5 weeks, work due on sunday, group project, 1-2 independent work assignments, 1 discussion board topic. I also noted that the the past 8 classes i have taken do not change their course material!! if you type in a question from a biology/math homework into an answering website such as yahoo answers you will see tons of people who ask for the answers and if you noticed some are from 2 years ago!! I do not like that makes me fill like the assignments are not original and they are lazy to change numbers or different works, something at least! Another thing im not liking is the e-books (books on the computer) sure it saves paper but i wish there was an option to have the actual book, i sometimes forget i have them and i have not looked once at my college algebra book! Some classes don't really teach out of the book the teachers give there input and summarize the chapters (even upload a lecture or outline) so you really don't have to look at the book. and as far as work load goes...its not really that much each week (a paper that is about 1-3 pages, a discussion topic about 1-3 paragraphs, and comment on other students posting), i wish they would give out more assignments.

I feel that AIU is great for business and education degrees but i don't think it is suiting up to my expectations for a visual degree, they keep telling me "the fun stuff" starts when you get to the bachelors program...well dear im ready to have fun now and get something out of the degree that im paying 12k for!

Crystal Ball August 25, 2009 at 9:41 p.m.

I find it hard to believe that you were just kicked out of this university for no reason. Use you Crystal ball and tell us what really happened.

Maximum Transfer Units? August 27, 2009 at 3:20 p.m.

What is the maximum number of transfer units that AIU will allow for the A.S. degree?

@Emy September 12, 2009 at 12:47 a.m.

Thanks for all that info. One final question:

What is the maximum number of transfer units that AIU will allow for the A.S. degree?

Garnett September 26, 2009 at 12:16 a.m.

Reading all of these complaints I find myself realizing how rediculous people really are. I researched a lot of schools before deciding on AIU to continue my education simply due to the fact that I had been burned by a local brick and mortor school in the past. One thing that comes to mind are the number of people complaining about the degrees received within the IT field, stating it is useless and they can not find jobs. Do you realize in an IT field, your education provides you with a base knowledge to build upon? Most employers are looking for people with certifications in specific areas (A+, VB, C#, C++, Network+, etc...). Now if the employers are looking for these qualifications and you simply walk in with your "Degree", are you really qualified? NO! You're not. It would be like a Harvard Law student complaining they can't find a job as an attorney when they haven't taken a bar exam. Would that be the school's fault too? NO! Get your certifications in the specific areas you are seeking employment in, and you will find yourself qualified. I will graduate from AIU with my Bachelor's in IT Programming in February. Do I expect to run right out and get a job at a international corporation, programming? No... I expect that I will continue working while I study the specifics of many certifications, to become qualified to be a candidate for the position I want. If you are so slow or lazy that you are not willing to put in the effort to obtain what is needed, you shouldn't be in the field anyway... Any degree program can put you in a position, but it is up to you to keep updated on current trends, practices, and advancements. If you're not willing to make the effort, you are already right where you belong.

Bram October 13, 2009 at 9:36 p.m.

Marty you said:
"Now AIU wants to charge me an extra 2108.00 for the course that I had to repeat. I didn't get an extra set of books. I will not pay for a course that I had to retake because of their technology."

MAKES SURPISED AND SHOCKED FACE!

How in the world would they charge that for one course??!!! The entire year is 11K. Please help me understand.

Ray November 8, 2009 at 4:05 p.m.

I am looking at enrolling at AIU. I will probably start with the AA and go through the MBA in accounting. I did the online chat thing with someone named Terry and they said that even though I complete an MBA degree with AIU I would have to take other courses at some other college to be eligible to take the CPA exam. Does anyone know how many courses you would have to take on top of this expensive degree?