FAQ about AIU

If you don't ask the questions, you'll never know the answers!

We are confident that you will discover many reasons to consider enrolling at AIU. As you begin researching the many benefits of attending the university, you are likely to encounter questions about our degree programs, the learning experience you should expect from the university and the processes involved in enrolling in and attending classes.

Many of the answers to these questions can be found on this page. If you are in the military, an international student who is not a permanent resident of the United States, please click on the links below to visit a separate page addressing questions specific to your situation.

If your questions about AIU are not answered here, we invite you to contact us for additional information at any time.

Accreditation Questions

How is American InterContinental University accredited?

Major universities in the United States can seek accreditation by six regional accrediting organizations. The regions are set up geographically, and colleges and universities are required to adhere to high-quality standards to maintain accreditation.

American InterContinental University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association. Additional information is available at 312-263-0456 or www.ncahigherlearningcommission.org.

Does AIU support transfer of credit to and from other colleges or universities?

AIU seeks students who can build on their previous collegiate, educational or employment experiences and move successfully to complete degree programs of study. In applicable academic programs, transfer credit may be accepted by AIU from any United States institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education. In addition, AIU will review requests for transfer credits from international institutions.

Courses accepted for transfer must be relevant to the program of study, and the content and outcomes must be considered as the equivalent of the courses and outcomes of the AIU degree program. Please contact the Admissions department for full details.

Admissions Questions

What is the admissions process?

We invite you to visit our campuses to meet with one of our Admissions Advisors. The AIU Admissions team is dedicated to helping you feel comfortable about your academic choices. We'll be with you every step of the way to help you make the program choice that fits your educational and career goals.

At AIU, you'll discover a diverse student body and a dynamic learning environment. During your campus visit, your Admissions Advisor will take you for a tour of university facilities, including classrooms, computer labs and library. The goal of the admissions process is to help you make the right choice.

If you are like most students, you will have many questions about getting started in college. Your Admissions Advisor will be there to answer all your questions and concerns. If you have questions before your campus visit, you may also contact us at any time. We also encourage all prospective students to download our current catalog, which includes additional information about our campuses and our admissions process.

It is also possible for students living far away from one of our campuses to complete an online application for admission.

Why do students choose AIU?

One major difference between AIU and many other colleges and universities is our culturally diverse student population. AIU students come from many different countries and backgrounds and bring a wide range of viewpoints, special interests and talents to enrich the learning community.

For every student, choosing a university that meets their goals often involves numerous criteria. We have compiled many of the major contributing factors that most students agree were instrumental in their choosing AIU to acquire their industry-current, real-world education. We encourage all prospective students to read these Top 10 Reasons to Attend AIU.

Academic Program Questions

What academic programs are offered at AIU?

American InterContinental University offers a wide range of career-focused undergraduate (Associate and Baccalaureate) degree programs in many of today's in-demand professional fields, including: Business, Criminal Justice, Design and Media Arts, Engineering and Information Technology.

Our university also offers graduate (Master's) degrees in Business, Education and Information Technology.

Specific degree programs differ from campus to campus. Students are encouraged to visit the campus links to learn more about available degree programs at each location.

What's different about AIU degree programs?

American InterContinental University's goal is to prepare students academically, personally and professionally for successful careers. Programs, policies and activities have been designed to implement this philosophy and are evaluated periodically and changed, as necessary, to meet the needs of our students and the changing needs of the world around us.

AIU's career-focused degree programs are industry-current, offering students the opportunity to acquire real-world knowledge and skills that can be applied in many of today's most in-demand professional fields.

Does AIU offer an exchange program between campuses?

The opportunity for an international education is enhanced by the option for students to transfer among the campuses in Atlanta, South Florida, Houston, London and Los Angeles. Students who take advantage of this exchange program are provided a variety of multicultural experiences and self-development options to meet the challenges and requirements of today's rapidly changing world.

To transfer to another AIU campus to take courses that are in academic programs equal to the program the student was admitted to, a student must:

Be in good academic standing with the institution (CGPA of 2.0 for undergraduate programs and CGPA of 3.0 in graduate programs).
Be in good standing with the Housing Department from the campus from which they are transferring (if applicable).
Have met all financial obligations at the campus location from which they plan to transfer.

Students should contact the Student Affairs Department to obtain further information on transfer among all AIU campuses.

Financial Aid Questions

What financial aid is offered by AIU?

Many AIU students take advantage of the financial aid options available to assist with their educational costs. The university participates in a variety of financial aid programs for the benefit of students. Financial Aid is available for those who qualify.

Our Financial Aid Office welcomes the opportunity to assist students with their pursuit of the financial aid for which they qualify. If you encounter questions about the financial aid process, or if you would like to learn more about various grants, scholarships, loans and earned assistance available through AIU, please contact us or download the AIU Catalog.

University grants or scholarships are based on established criteria as published in the University's catalog and are awarded after verification that the conditions of eligibility have been met.

Can I use tuition reimbursement to pay for my education?

Yes. If you are accepted to AIU, a Financial Aid Advisor will explain to you how this process works and will assist you with other items pertaining to financial aid.

All students are encouraged to research outside assistance that may be offered through other organizations, such as your company's human resources department.

Most public libraries provide publications listing educational benefits offered by agencies throughout the United States. The AIU Catalog also provides a significant amount of information regarding grants, scholarships and loans available to students who qualify.

University grants or scholarships are based on established criteria as published in the University's catalog and are awarded after verification that the conditions of eligibility have been met.

Learning Experience Questions

What is the learning experience like at AIU?

As an institution of higher learning, AIU maintains that the ability to communicate, to conceptualize and to demonstrate appropriate behavioral skills are necessary for rewarding and productive careers in today's team-based, high-performance work environments.

The AIU Asynchronous Learning Model is designed to develop these skills and outcomes for students using an integrated delivery system that includes a combination of face-to-face classroom instruction and web-based learning modules.

As a student at AIU, you'll work in teams with your classmates and have an opportunity to learn to develop the techniques and tools utilized by professionals working in your desired career field. Our goal is to maintain small class sizes, thereby enabling students to receive the focused attention they deserve.

At AIU, students can learn in an industry-current environment where classrooms are designed to simulate a corporate setting and computers, software and other learning tools are industry-current and easily accessible.

To ensure that our students are getting the most from their education, all of our programs, policies and activities are reviewed and updated to keep up with changing business environments.

Who teaches the classes?

At AIU, classes are led by instructors with real-world experience in the fields they teach, providing students with inside knowledge of what it takes to be successful in today's job market.

Our experienced staff and faculty are dedicated to our students' pursuit of excellence. They are known for their ability to inspire students as well as provide instruction.

Does AIU offer career planning assistance after graduation?

AIU offers full-time Career Services that provide students and alumni the opportunity to receive individualized career guidance and career research assistance. Such assistance is available upon graduation as well as throughout the graduate's career.

While AIU makes no guarantee relative to securing employment, the Career Services Department can provide assistance related to the job search process.