American InterContinental University Reviews

As of many colleges, online schools are not for everyone. When I looked up about American Intercontinental University (AIU) I had the same hesitations as you do right now when considering to attend this school. I called, spoke with the Student Adviser Team, and after many days of consideration (pacing back and forth in my house), I finally signed up. I looked at it like this: AIU does not promise you a job when you graduate. (You have to interview, present yourself professionally, and support your resume with a job history that is suitable to the position that you are interviewing for) That degree, will only give you the opportunity to interview with that potential employer. Nothing Else. Yes, as many of you wonder, AIU is accredited, and has an A+ rating: Complaints: Well, it is a business, (Every University Is- don't fool yourself- salaries have to be paid even for non-profit institutions: That money, it comes from you, the student among other things) If bills aren't paid to a contract that you signed, aren't they allowed to collect the money that is owed to them? Here is the link to find it for the BBB: http://www.bbb.org/chicago/business-reviews/schools-academic-colleges-and-universities/american-intercontinental-university-online-in-schaumburg-il-1004845 Next: High Tuition. Today? Okay, I'll give you that, however, 10 years from now that BA in your hand is going to pay dividends, and when you look back to the cost of today compared to 10 years in the future, you'll regret that decision you made if you choose not to commit to it. The comments on scams, credits transferring etc: How many of them have graduated with a 4 yr degree from another school? (I'll leave that open to your own interpretation) Look: Here's my personal experience, you post 7 discussions per class over 150 words or more per week, you'll max the points on that discussion commitment. Take the time (Not waiting till Sunday to cram your work on your project) and turn in your Individual Assignment a couple days early, with communication constantly to your instructor. If you follow that guideline: You will do very well in each class you take. If you are not committed from 6 to 15 (for some) hrs a week banging away at the keyboards, then do not even consider signing up for this school or any school that is online. You have to put the effort in, plain and simple. By the way, don't kid yourself thinking you'll just glide by....I am right now scheduled to finish my BA (Emphasis in Marketing) in January of 2014, and there was, and still is a lot of late nights with hard work involved to ensure that I graduate Magna Cum Laude. I have been with AIU for a year now, and it has been very gratifying to accomplish something that I have set myself out to do. The technology is there, I have learned much, and every minute I spend is "that much closer to earning my degree." If you think you might waiver and cannot commit to the time you need that AIU demands of you, (because your personal time, or important commitments take precedence over education) then do not even call because its an extra bill on that coffee table of yours. Its a Federal Loan you will have to take out, and this is one loan, you CANNOT avoid at all. It is stuck to you like a tattoo until you pay it off, so please consider that before you attend your first class online. People are defaulting on their student loans both “brick and mortar” (prestigious , public and private alike) as well as all those online universities as well. For those who still say that the school is closing, “well all universities are a business.” They are all in to make money, and when some colleges are realizing that there is an unproductive part of their organization, they close it down. AIU has been around for over 40 years now, and I don’t see them going away any time soon. Accreditation ? (HLC- Established in 1895) AIU is part of it, and here it is: http://www.ncahlc.org/component/com_directory/Action,ShowBasic/Itemid,/instid,2909/ If you are taking business as your degree, they are on the ACBSP (Founded in 1988) which is widely recognized as a valid accreditation nationwide. AIU is there: http://www.acbsp.org/p/cm/ld/fid=14 I hope this information helps you make a decision. I came here because, attendance on my own time is key. You will run into good and bad instructors as with any school does, and I find that the convenience of obtaining my education where ever I am is the most important factor of why I am currently attending and graduating from AIU. Good Luck!

After receiving 2 degrees from AIU, I believe I speak from an informed perspective. I hold an A.A. in Business Administration, and just completed my B.S. in Criminal Justice, Homeland Security and Crisis Management on June 2nd. I completed both programs with a 4.0 and I can tell you I worked intensively and diligently to obtain my Summa Cum Laude standing. This school provides all the tools one needs to obtain a college education, and the professors and staff are highly supportive. The flexibility of the online format allows many to return to college that would otherwise be unable to do so. The intensity of the programs however may not be for everyone as the programs are not easy. In order to be successful in AIU, you must be willing to devote many hours per week to researching, studying, and preparing assignments. Basically, you are immersed in the course topics to effectively develop assignments, but this ensures the material is truly absorbed and learned. Research skills are critical and if you don't have them, or you are not willing to develop them, and put time into the program, you will not be successful. But, if you apply yourself and remain disciplined throughout the course studies, the education one receives from AIU is excellent. I would and DO recommend this program to anyone willing to commit to their own education!

YES, AIU is accredited. Would I have rather attended a ground campus and gotten a "REAL" college experience, yes; however, since I waited until I was in my 30s to go back to college, I don't think this option would have worked itself into my "family of seven" and "70+ hour a week job" lifestyle, and unless my soon-to-be Bachelors in Information Technology helps me to develop a working time machine to go back to my high school days and start over again, then I am content with the online format.

The accelerated program is not for the faint of heart or those with a schedule like mine; if you are wondering why graduation rates at AIU are low, it's probably because those particular students couldn't hack it. I did not come back to college expecting it to be easy, however; I came back to get my degree because I want a better life for myself and my family, so I deal with the pressure and don't blame the school because I am the one who messes up if I fail to accept my commitment to my education.

As a reward for my perseverance, in just five more courses I expect to graduate with a perfect 4.0 (as long as I don't flub any assignments!!!). I have had a few teachers I personally felt could have done a better job, and I only rated the job placement services low and stated the degree has not helped my career because I have not graduated and had a chance to use them yet, but otherwise the experience has been great.

Maybe your situation is different and this school would not be a good fit for you, but as far as I'm concerned the quality of the education is on par with anywhere else I might have chosen to attend so the experience has been right for me. So if you're on the fence about going back to school and interested in taking online courses that won't interrupt your current lifestyle, take heart in knowing that AIU is definitely worth considering, good luck in your future studies, and God bless!

I have to say that I am reading some very good things on here about the school, and a few not so good. I just graduated in December 2012 with an AABA from AIU Online. I am now enrolled in the Bachelor's program. I will tell you this, although the online school is more expensive than the traditional classroom setting, it is worth every penny. Furthermore, this is a serious school, no scams whatsoever.

It would seem to me that the people that are complaining are the individuals that just could not give 110%. It is not easy, trust me. I work 13 hours a day with swing shifts and I made it with honors. I rated the job placement lower simply because I have not had the opportunity to utilize them so I cannot give a good rating to something I have not utilized.

It is however true, you will see many students that cannot use grammar correctly or formulate a sentence. However, you must remember that many of these students are from other countries and their engish skills are not up to par. It doesn't mean they do not deserve to receive their diplomas. You can graduate quickly by going the accelerated route completing 9.0 credit hours every 5 weeks. You should actually give AIU Online a chance, only if you are serious about your education.

This school has the worst financial aid specialist available. They take 10 weeks to finish your award and at the end the end up screwing it again. Will not recommend this school. Teachers are good though and student adviser try to do their job at their best.