AIU Online Media Questions and Answers

Course development began in 2000 and the first classes began in April 2001.

Like many universities, AIU Online attracts a wide cross section of students, geographically, demographically and in their career pursuits. They are career-driven adults with working experience and varying levels of postsecondary education. A common thread is that they all aspire to professional careers with solid opportunities for advancement. They are committed to higher education but due to time demands from home, family and job they cannot put their lives on "hold" to attend a traditional brick & mortar institution. They need the flexibility an online education can provide so they can take their classes anytime, anyplace.

There are many differences. First is our focus on students not research or corporate grants. The university is designed with the student at the center and a support system surrounding the student. Second, our unique learning model combined with our course delivery helps learning to become relative to each student and helps them maximize on their unique learning styles. Third, our virtual campus and course delivery platform is first class and was designed totally in-house. This allows AIU Online to provide the finest multimedia learning experience available online. Fourth, the student support system is second to none. We integrate easy access to financial aid, student records, an online library that is open 24/7, and a proactive career planning assistance center that provides resume assistance and coaching. Finally, students appreciate AIU Online's accelerated learning programs. For example, it is possible for a student to complete the MBA degree in as little as ten months.

AIU Online has the advantage of a leading-edge technical infrastructure, which allows us to create dynamic multimedia lessons and courses. We combine the input of experienced academics, instructional designers who are experts in structuring content, and developmental faculty and instructional faculty who are subject-matter experts to prepare the course content and scripts. Our multimedia designers and production specialists then bring the lesson plans to life online. Courses are rigorously tested and reviewed before being offered to students.

Our programs are designed to move students through their academic programs successfully so that they can realize their career aspirations. Each course is created with this focus in mind and leverages rich, multimedia content to help students understand and apply new concepts as they work on real-world projects. This accelerated opportunity facilitates success and motivates students throughout their program of studies.

The student is not alone. The student is at the center. He or she has a team of support professionals ready to provide assistance. That team includes an academic advisor, instructors, a 24/7 tech support team, a library open 24/7, and of course classmates. Our Student Success tools are designed to provide additional support to students at the first indication that they are having issues in their course work. In this way we can intercede and keep the student on track and on course.

Yes. If qualified, AIU Online students may be eligible to participate in a variety of financial assistance programs including university-based scholarship programs; various grant programs including Pell Grants, Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (SEOG), state-based grants; as well as the Veterans Educational Assistance Program (VEAP). 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. Students may be eligible to participate in the federal and private loan programs available to U.S. citizens including Federal Stafford, and alternative loans. Recently, AIU Online was selected by the U.S. Department of Education to be a pioneer in online financial aid applications. The university became the first school authorized to use Federal e-signatures in the Federal aid application process.

Our students are career-driven so career planning assistance is not an option, it is a requirement. The Career Services Department is a key fixture on our online campus. Our career advisors help students with their resumes, interviewing techniques and job search tactics. We even contact potential employers on behalf of our students and have built a database of hiring organizations.

Students can visit AIU Online at http://www.aiuonline.edu/. There they can explore our degree programs, test drive a course, see what other students are saying about the university, and learn about admissions and student financial aid. Students can also call toll-free at 877-701-3800 and speak directly with an Admissions Advisor.

Selection of students is based on an individual assessment of each applicant and includes these steps:

• Submit an application for admission and $50 application fee.
• Complete a personal telephone interview with an Admissions Advisor.
• Submit documentation of high school graduation or equivalent. Students holding an associate's, bachelor's or master's degrees must submit an official transcript.

If the applicant's first language is not English or the applicant graduated from a non-English speaking university, a TOEFL score of 500 for undergraduate programs/550 for graduate programs or other acceptable proof of English proficiency must be submitted.

Yes. AIU Online accepts students from across the country and around the world. Currently, our student body has representatives from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, four U.S. Territories and 39 foreign countries.