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AIU Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

A degree may open the door to a variety of opportunities and diverse career paths. The degree programs offered at AIU will not necessarily lead to the featured careers. This collection of articles is intended to help inform and guide you through the process of determining which level of degree and types of certifications align with your desired career path.

We’ve gathered together some of the most frequently asked questions about American InterContinental University and our degree programs. If you don’t see your question below, you can check out the AIU Admissions FAQs page to see if it’s answered there. If not, you can reach out to an AIU Admissions Advisor or contact us at one of our campuses for more information.

What is American InterContinental University (AIU)?

American InterContinental University is a post-secondary education institution that offers convenient distance learning and on-campus options for busy adult learners. We have been helping students pursue their interests and educational goals since 1970.

Whether you have some college experience or none at all, our flexible online programs are designed to make it easier for you to pursue your educational goals without putting everything else in your life on hold. Our degree programs are taught by knowledgeable faculty, many of whom have professional experience in the fields they teach.

We offer degrees at the associate, bachelor’s and master’s levels. Students can choose from over 50 degree program options in business, criminal justice, design, education, healthcare management and information technology (IT).

Is American InterContinental University accredited?

Yes. We hold both institutional and programmatic accreditation:

  • American InterContinental University is a member of the American InterContinental University System. The System is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
  • AIU is a member in good standing of the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP). The Master of Education program has been awarded full accreditation by AAQEP through June 30, 2026.
  • The business programs at AIU are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).

Visit the AIU Accreditation page for more information on accreditation and licensure.

How long has American InterContinental University been around?

American Intercontinental University (AIU) was founded in Europe over 50 years ago, in 1970. Since then, AIU has offered flexible degree programs to students all around the world. Our mission is to provide for the varying educational needs of a career-oriented, culturally diverse and geographically dispersed student body with the goal of preparing students academically, personally and professionally.

Today, AIU has physical campuses in Houston, Texas, and in Atlanta, Georgia. Our online degree programs are open to both U.S. and international students. Learn more about the history of AIU and its mission and values.

We offer programs at the associate, bachelor’s and master’s levels, as well as select certificate programs at our campus locations, with more than 50 program options in the areas of business, criminal justice, design, education, healthcare management and information technology (IT).

We are also proud to have academic affiliations with the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education, Epsilon Pi Tau International Honor Society for Technology and Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society in Education.

Why should I choose AIU?

By choosing to pursue your degree at AIU, you are joining the ranks of thousands of students who have entrusted their education to our institution. American InterContinental University is a member of the American InterContinental University System. The System is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. This designation confirms that we maintain a certain level of educational standards. Institutional accreditation is important, as it is required to qualify for federal financial aid. Visit the AIU Tuition & Fees page for more information about tuition, financial aid and estimating costs.

American InterContinental University is a member in good standing of the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP). The Master of Education program has been awarded full accreditation by AAQEP through June 30, 2026.

AIU has been named on the Military Times Best for Vets: Colleges 2021 list.

As a military-supportive school, we are proud to have helped thousands of servicemembers pursue their education while balancing other commitments. AIU is a signatory to the Department of Defense Memorandum of Understanding for Post-Secondary Educational Institutions (DoD MoU) and an affiliate of the Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES).

Where is American InterContinental University located?

American InterContinental University has two physical campuses—one on Peachtree–Dunwoody Road in Atlanta, Georgia, and another on Richmond Avenue in Houston, Texas. American InterContinental University Online (AIU Online) has headquarters in Arizona and Illinois.

The majority of AIU’s degree programs are offered in fully online, hybrid campus-online and on-campus formats. Our fully online programs are designed to make it easy for students to take classes from anywhere around the world on an internet-connected device. The hybrid attendance option can be an attractive option for anyone who lives near one of our campuses but wants the flexibility to study when and where it’s most convenient for them.

Are AIU faculty experienced?

Our faculty are knowledgeable and experienced in the subjects they teach. Our accreditations, awards and academic affiliations are a testament to the quality education we provide. You can read about the personal online learning experiences of American InterContinental University alumni by visiting Consumer Affairs, Grad Reports or Online Degree Reviews.


AIU cannot guarantee employment, salary, or career advancement. Not all programs are available to residents of all states.
REQ1890101 12/2022.

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Classes Start October 25, 2023