American InterContinental University-Atlanta
American InterContinental University-Atlanta — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
American InterContinental University-Atlanta at a Glance
American InterContinental University (AIU) is a private for-profit university with its headquarters in Chandler, Arizona. It employs open admissions. American InterContinental University is a member of the American InterContinental University System. The System is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The university awards associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees. The System is owned by the for-profit company Perdoceo Education Corporation, publicly traded on the NASDAQ under PRDO an…
Is American InterContinental University-Atlanta Worth It?
At a value score of 11/100, American InterContinental University-Atlanta is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $36,144 — 33% below average — while paying $16,482/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.8 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 21% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 2 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
With median debt of $31,000 representing 86% of first-year earnings, loan repayment will be a significant burden for most graduates.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at American InterContinental University-Atlanta has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How American InterContinental University-Atlanta compares to peer for-profit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #30 of 39 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Strayer University-Florida | 62 | $16,064 | $40,092 |
| #2 | West Virginia Junior College-Morgantown | 34 | $15,520 | $31,912 |
| #3 | InterCoast Colleges-West Covina | 30 | $27,536 | $36,089 |
| #4 | Southeastern College-Boynton Beach | 28 | $28,820 | $41,200 |
| #5 | Platt College-Ontario | 28 | $20,711 | $40,669 |
| #6 | Platt College-Anaheim | 28 | $22,678 | $40,669 |
| #30 | American InterContinental University-Atlanta | 11 | $16,482 | $36,144 |
Peer group: for-profit colleges within ±60% of American InterContinental University-Atlanta's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%).
Best Programs at American InterContinental University-Atlanta
The highest-earning program at American InterContinental University-Atlanta is Computer and Information Sciences, General at $43,100/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Film/Video and Photographic Arts at $18,400/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Computer and Information Sciences, General graduate from American InterContinental University-Atlanta earns $43,100, while a Film/Video and Photographic Arts graduate earns $18,400. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Computer and Information Sciences, General graduates carry $40,139 in median debt vs. $49,579 for Film/Video and Photographic Arts.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $16,482/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, General | $43,100 | $43,100 | $40,139 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $39,800 | $39,800 | $40,319 |
| Accounting and Related Services | $35,400 | $35,400 | $36,909 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $31,200 | $31,200 | $41,290 |
| Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians | $24,300 | $24,300 | N/A |
| Design and Applied Arts | $21,500 | $21,500 | $45,855 |
| Film/Video and Photographic Arts | $18,400 | $18,400 | $49,579 |
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Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- for-profit
- Location
- Atlanta, GA
- Student Body
- 734 students
- Graduation Rate
- 21%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $16,482
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $36,144
- Median Student Debt
- $31,000