FAQ about AIU Online

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, or an AIU Online Alumni 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

Who is AIU Online accredited by?

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.

Will the credits I receive at AIU Online transfer to another college or university?

Transfer of credit is always up to the receiving institution; however, during your discussion with the institution about transferring credits, you can inform the institution that 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.

Admissions Questions

What are the admissions requirements?

To apply for admission, just follow the four steps described here:

Submit an application for admission online now, provide your contact information to have an Admission Advisor contact you or call us toll-free at 1-877-701-3800. If you apply online, your application will be sent electronically to AIU Online. There is a $50 application fee. After you submit your application, AIU Online will contact you to complete the remaining steps.
Conduct a personal telephone interview with one of our Admissions Advisors. All applicants are required to complete a telephone interview. This will give you an opportunity to ask questions about the curriculum and courses that interest you. Interviews are also used to determine whether applicants are qualified to become students at AIU Online. Please feel free to have a parent or spouse present for the interview, if it would make you more comfortable.
Submit appropriate official school documentation. Prospective students must submit documentation of high school graduation or the equivalent. (Students holding associate's, bachelor's or master's degrees must submit an official transcript.)
If your first language is not English (or if you graduated from a non-English-speaking school), a TOEFL score of 500 for undergraduate programs (or 173 or higher on the computer-based TOEFL) and a TOEFL score of 550 (or 213 or higher on the computer-based TOEFL) for graduate programs is required. Other acceptable proof of English proficiency may also be submitted.

How long does the admissions process take?

The entire process can take as little as four to seven days to complete. However, this all depends on how soon you complete the personal telephone interview and return all required application documents to AIU Online. You may also enroll online.

Why should I apply to AIU Online?

If you need more reasons why you should attend AIU Online, then look no further. We've done the research and compiled a list which includes the top reasons you should attend AIU Online. You can even print this list and share it with others helping you make your decision. View the Top Ten Reasons to Attend AIU Online.

Cost-per-credit-hour Billing Structure

What is the change?

AIU Online has changed its current billing structure to a cost per credit hour structure.

Does the new billing structure apply to all degree programs?

Yes. All Associate's, Bachelor's, and Master's degree program cost will reflect this new billing structure. Furthermore, even though your charges will be determined based on credit hours, you will continue to be billed only once per quarter.

Why is AIU Online making this change?

We are listening to your feedback!
This new structure will be consistent with the billing structure of other universities.
This structure will make it easier for military students to participate in the tuition assistance program.
This structure will also be more convenient for our students participating in tuition reimbursement programs.

When does this change take effect?

August 27, 2006 (0604A session)

How will it affect my financial aid?

Program charges will be billed at a per-credit-hour basis, giving students more transparency into the tuition cost breakdown and, in certain cases, helping facilitate tuition reimbursement. A student's federal financial aid eligibility, including federal grants and loans, will not change due to the new billing structure.

Where can I view the new billing structure?

The new billing structure can be found on the Tuition Schedule.

Will I be able to take more classes per session if I have a way to pay for it?

Due to the current lockstep course sequence in our degree programs, course overloads are not allowed. This policy ensures that prerequisites and learning objectives for courses are met prior to taking a more advanced course. Please refer to the AIU Catalog for information regarding course overloads.

Academically, are the courses still the same? Are they worth the same amount of credit hours?

Yes. No changes will be made to classroom content or structure. Students will continue to receive the same quality education that they have come to expect from AIU Online.

Financial Aid & Tuition Questions

What financial aid do you offer?

AIU Online participates in various federal and private financial aid programs. Students who are either enrolled or accepted for enrollment may qualify for financial assistance if their personal financial resources are unable to meet the full cost of their education.

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.

What other ways do you offer for me to fund my education?

Alternative financing options are available to those who qualify. If you are accepted to the university, a Financial Aid Advisor will assist you through the financial aid process. We also have an Education Partners program which includes cost saving grants, on site enrollment and streamlined processes for companies who support and value higher education for their employees. If you are interested in this opportunity for your company, you may contact an Education Partners representative at 877.701.3800 ext. 15182.

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 program of study?

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

Will you accept military tuition benefits?

AIU Online is committed to assisting veterans and active military personnel obtain the maximum military educational benefits. AIU Online is approved by the Department of Veterans Affairs for Montgomery G.I. Bill benefits. Students interested in veteran's educational benefits should contact the Financial Aid Department. Veterans who are unsure of their eligibility should contact the Veterans Administration. We are a Servicemember's Opportunity College and a DANTES-affiliated University. AIU Online also participates in various other federal and private financial aid programs. Learn more about your financial aid options by visiting the military microsite.

Flexible Scheduling Plan Questions

What is Flexible Scheduling Plan?

AIU Online's Flexible Scheduling Plan is designed to meet the needs of career-focused associate-level students who also have other real-world responsibilities. The university has determined that at certain times during their studies, students may need to take one course at a time. This option, called Take 1, is now available to all students enrolled in an Associate's degree program. AIU Online's Take 2 option is an accelerated approach to learning that enables students to complete their chosen degree program quickly.

What is the difference between the Take 1 and Take 2 options?

AIU Online's Take 2 option is an accelerated approach to learning that enables students to complete their chosen degree program quickly. The Take 1 option is intended for students who wish to take just one course per session.

Are all students eligible for the Flexible Scheduling Plan?

No. Currently, only students enrolled in an Associate's degree program are able to select the Flexible Scheduling Plan.

If I choose the Take 1 option, can I choose the order in which I take my courses?

No. All courses in the Associate's degree program are sequenced to ensure that prerequisites are met. One course builds upon another.

Can I change my status between Take 1 and Take 2?

Yes. You may change your status at any point up to the end of add/drop week. Please contact your Student Advisor to if you want to change your current status.

Can I skip a session and still remain an active student?

No. To be considered an "active" student, you must participate in at least one course per session.

Will I still take the same courses if I select the Take 1 option?

Yes. The only change that will occur is the number of courses you will take in each session. No changes will be made to classroom content or course curriculum. You will continue to receive the same quality education that you have come to expect from AIU Online.

Are tuition rates affected if I switch between the Take 1 and Take 2 options?

No. Tuition rates are determined by the total number of credit hours taken per quarter, not the length of time needed to complete the program.

Will my financial aid be affected if I switch between the Take 1 and Take 2 options?

Your financial aid may be affected. If you are a current student pursuing an Associate's degree and are thinking of switching between the Take 1 and Take 2 options, please contact the Financial Aid department for more details.

Can I still get tuition reimbursement/tuition assistance with the Take 1 option? If so, will I be required to provide new information to my employer/military?

It may be possible to receive these benefits based on the policies determined by your employer. More information may be required, so we encourage you to work with your HR department or Education Service Office for further clarification.

If I select the Take 1 option, will my graduation date be affected?

Yes. Students who select the Take 1 option must complete the same number of courses as those who select the Take 2 option. To accommodate the slower pace of the Take 1 option, additional sessions will be added to your program causing your graduation date to be extended. Please contact your Student Advisor if you have questions regarding your graduation date.

Learning Experience Questions

Will I have to attend classes at a campus?

No. Our degree programs are offered and are accessible completely online via our Virtual Campus, giving you the convenience and flexibility to earn your degree where ever you have Internet access.

What will my classes be like?

Our courses are presented in a rich multimedia format that enables you to interact as often as you like. If you prefer to have a hard copy for notes, you can print the presentation. If during the presentation, you'd like the professor to repeat or move forward with any given concept, that's under your control. You have full rewind and fast forward capabilities. View a sample course now!

Students can also participate in classroom discussions with the instructors and other students. Since our students are employed in a variety of interesting professions, you may also gain insightful knowledge from them and can learn from their experiences as well as share your own insights. It is not uncommon for students to bring real-life situations into the classroom for help and discussion.

How will I access my classes?

You will be able to access your classes via our Virtual Campus which is open 24/7 and is accessible wherever you have an Internet-connected PC.

Who teaches the classes?

Classes are taught using industry-standard technology by faculty members who have advanced degrees and bring situation-specific relevance to every course to ensure that you are prepared for real-life challenges after you graduate.

Do you offer career planning assistance after graduation?

Yes. AIU Online becomes a full partner with each student, helping him or her to succeed at school and in the workplace. The university takes an active role in the student's career development process from career counseling, to help writing resumes, to even contacting potential employers on the student's behalf. AIU students can benefit from Career Services for career planning assistance or career advancement even before graduation. Learn more about career services here.