Complaint Review: AIU Online Aka American Intercontinental Univerity Online - Hoffman Estates Illinois

Danny, the Higher Learning Commision of North Central Association of Colleges and Schools is one of the six regional accrediting bodies just like SACS.  You lost absolutely nothing my friend.  They switched because it made more sense since nost of there courses are now homebased in teh Chicago area of Hoffman Estates.

I am a graduate of AIU in 2006 and back then their school was listed with SACS, which was a requirement for my organization if I wanted reimbursement. Today, I searched SACS database and didn't find AIU in the list for any of it's campuses. I browsed AIU's website and found under their "How is American InterContinental University accredited?", they now show to be accredited by "The Higher Learning Commission". I don't know anything about this other accrediting agency, but I do know that SACS is the agency to belong to for Texas. I feel as though my Masters degree suffered a big blow and doesn't hold the status it once did. There goes $30,000.00.

Is that AIU is a private school for some of you the attend the actually campus. If you look at both GS tuition and AIU's, you'd think AIU done fell and bumped their head. I have read someone say that the Dunwoody campus has laptops. Maybe thats why the AIU-Buckhead campus is shutting down and everyone that attended the Buckhead location will be tranferred to the Dunwoody campus. Some teachers don't know if they'll have a job next week after this quarter is over. When I first started in 2007, I thought AIU was alright. They're....ok now, but they've got to do something about that financial department. I attend the Buckhead location and I must say, I am no longer impressed. They're slow and God forbid FA dont get the paperwork processed in time or guess who'll be paying the $150-$250 dollars late registration fee??? I took this quarter because I have not a clue of what I'm going or which direction Im going to be taking. Overall, they're not that bad..expensive as hell, but not that bad. There are some great teachers there. I went there because it was convenient from work to school and them moving to the Dunwoody location would make me late all the time to get to the Dunwoody campus. I wish they would have taken a student census on that, but who are we? They've alreay been paid with the tuition we give. :)

Is that AIU is a private school for some of you the attend the actually campus. If you look at both GS tuition and AIU's, you'd think AIU done fell and bumped their head. I have read someone say that the Dunwoody campus has laptops. Maybe thats why the AIU-Buckhead campus is shutting down and everyone that attended the Buckhead location will be tranferred to the Dunwoody campus. Some teachers don't know if they'll have a job next week after this quarter is over. When I first started in 2007, I thought AIU was alright. They're....ok now, but they've got to do something about that financial department. I attend the Buckhead location and I must say, I am no longer impressed. They're slow and God forbid FA dont get the paperwork processed in time or guess who'll be paying the $150-$250 dollars late registration fee??? I took this quarter because I have not a clue of what I'm going or which direction Im going to be taking. Overall, they're not that bad..expensive as hell, but not that bad. There are some great teachers there. I went there because it was convenient from work to school and them moving to the Dunwoody location would make me late all the time to get to the Dunwoody campus. I wish they would have taken a student census on that, but who are we? They've alreay been paid with the tuition we give. :)

Is that AIU is a private school for some of you the attend the actually campus. If you look at both GS tuition and AIU's, you'd think AIU done fell and bumped their head. I have read someone say that the Dunwoody campus has laptops. Maybe thats why the AIU-Buckhead campus is shutting down and everyone that attended the Buckhead location will be tranferred to the Dunwoody campus. Some teachers don't know if they'll have a job next week after this quarter is over. When I first started in 2007, I thought AIU was alright. They're....ok now, but they've got to do something about that financial department. I attend the Buckhead location and I must say, I am no longer impressed. They're slow and God forbid FA dont get the paperwork processed in time or guess who'll be paying the $150-$250 dollars late registration fee??? I took this quarter because I have not a clue of what I'm going or which direction Im going to be taking. Overall, they're not that bad..expensive as hell, but not that bad. There are some great teachers there. I went there because it was convenient from work to school and them moving to the Dunwoody location would make me late all the time to get to the Dunwoody campus. I wish they would have taken a student census on that, but who are we? They've alreay been paid with the tuition we give. :)

Is that AIU is a private school for some of you the attend the actually campus. If you look at both GS tuition and AIU's, you'd think AIU done fell and bumped their head. I have read someone say that the Dunwoody campus has laptops. Maybe thats why the AIU-Buckhead campus is shutting down and everyone that attended the Buckhead location will be tranferred to the Dunwoody campus. Some teachers don't know if they'll have a job next week after this quarter is over. When I first started in 2007, I thought AIU was alright. They're....ok now, but they've got to do something about that financial department. I attend the Buckhead location and I must say, I am no longer impressed. They're slow and God forbid FA dont get the paperwork processed in time or guess who'll be paying the $150-$250 dollars late registration fee??? I took this quarter because I have not a clue of what I'm going or which direction Im going to be taking. Overall, they're not that bad..expensive as hell, but not that bad. There are some great teachers there. I went there because it was convenient from work to school and them moving to the Dunwoody location would make me late all the time to get to the Dunwoody campus. I wish they would have taken a student census on that, but who are we? They've alreay been paid with the tuition we give. :)

I enrolled at AIU because I was told that I could do my work when I had time to do my work, when it was convienient for me, as long as it got done by the deadline of course. That is the only reason i enrolled in the school, because i have very limited time being I am a full time parent and work 2 full time jobs. Yes the work is a piece of cake all I had to do for the one class I took, basically was write a 3-5 page paper every week. But then all the sudden after three weeks I find out that we have a group project, which I did know was coming but I was still under the impression that I could do the work when I could and not have to be online at specific times and so forth. I end up finding out that that is not true because If I am only able to do the work on the weekend then the rest of the group may have already completed it and then they would say that I didn't participate. SO I make time to go on and try to do the work with these complete strangers. Not a single person in the group besides me participated. So not only was I lied to but I was expected to do a GROUP project by myself? Then when I asked the instructor about this problem 3 times, I never once got a response. I said to myself why am I even thinking about wasting thousands of dollars and countless hours of my time to go to this school that lies to get people to enroll, and that doesn't even care about a very serious problem like that. Oh did I mention that three weeks is all it takes to owe for the entire class according to their admissions agreement you sign. I withdrew from the school after the third week, after I found out they were a joke. I have always been under the impression that for a contract or agreement to actually be legitimate both parties have to follow through. So when I was lied to and when the instructor didn't get back to me within the 24-48 hrs like they are required to shouldn't that void out the agreement as well. No apparently not they are still saying that I owe them a balance. Did I also mention that I have gotten repeated phone calls sometimes every day, even Sundays, and even during the holidays, repeated emails, and letters in the mail, saying that if I didn't pay it they were going to send it to collections. Well dont threaten me do it already.

TO Debbie- Did you think that these classes are free? if you went to your local college or university they too would charge you for the classes. You are blaming the online school, however, this is your own responsiblilty and fault. The online schools are expensive and for most working adults it is a trade off...pay more for the convenience of attending college in their own home after their work day is completed than having to sacrifice their career and have to attend a traditional college or university. Read and fully understand what you are getting into before you sign up for any service.....

TO Debbie- Did you think that these classes are free? if you went to your local college or university they too would charge you for the classes. You are blaming the online school, however, this is your own responsiblilty and fault. The online schools are expensive and for most working adults it is a trade off...pay more for the convenience of attending college in their own home after their work day is completed than having to sacrifice their career and have to attend a traditional college or university. Read and fully understand what you are getting into before you sign up for any service.....

TO Debbie- Did you think that these classes are free? if you went to your local college or university they too would charge you for the classes. You are blaming the online school, however, this is your own responsiblilty and fault. The online schools are expensive and for most working adults it is a trade off...pay more for the convenience of attending college in their own home after their work day is completed than having to sacrifice their career and have to attend a traditional college or university. Read and fully understand what you are getting into before you sign up for any service.....

TO Debbie- Did you think that these classes are free? if you went to your local college or university they too would charge you for the classes. You are blaming the online school, however, this is your own responsiblilty and fault. The online schools are expensive and for most working adults it is a trade off...pay more for the convenience of attending college in their own home after their work day is completed than having to sacrifice their career and have to attend a traditional college or university. Read and fully understand what you are getting into before you sign up for any service.....

I am a new graduate from AIU Online of their Master's Program. There are several reasons the way they do things can be beneficial for people. Can you remember in undergraduate school getting the list of books needed for the class, and how much you would have to spend for books? I hated that each semester. Having the cost of books included in the price of the school I thought was awesome. It prevented me from having to spend more money up front. Not to mention I completed the entire program faster then if I went elsewhere. Meaning I saved money by working hard taking back to back classes. I do not believe they are a rip off. It was a great place, to learn and cost effective as well and you have the flexibility to review the classes if your schedule prevents you from actually attending it. I would recommend the University to anyone wanted to further their education.

I am a new graduate from AIU Online of their Master's Program. There are several reasons the way they do things can be beneficial for people. Can you remember in undergraduate school getting the list of books needed for the class, and how much you would have to spend for books? I hated that each semester. Having the cost of books included in the price of the school I thought was awesome. It prevented me from having to spend more money up front. Not to mention I completed the entire program faster then if I went elsewhere. Meaning I saved money by working hard taking back to back classes. I do not believe they are a rip off. It was a great place, to learn and cost effective as well and you have the flexibility to review the classes if your schedule prevents you from actually attending it. I would recommend the University to anyone wanted to further their education.

I am a new graduate from AIU Online of their Master's Program. There are several reasons the way they do things can be beneficial for people. Can you remember in undergraduate school getting the list of books needed for the class, and how much you would have to spend for books? I hated that each semester. Having the cost of books included in the price of the school I thought was awesome. It prevented me from having to spend more money up front. Not to mention I completed the entire program faster then if I went elsewhere. Meaning I saved money by working hard taking back to back classes. I do not believe they are a rip off. It was a great place, to learn and cost effective as well and you have the flexibility to review the classes if your schedule prevents you from actually attending it. I would recommend the University to anyone wanted to further their education.

I am a new graduate from AIU Online of their Master's Program. There are several reasons the way they do things can be beneficial for people. Can you remember in undergraduate school getting the list of books needed for the class, and how much you would have to spend for books? I hated that each semester. Having the cost of books included in the price of the school I thought was awesome. It prevented me from having to spend more money up front. Not to mention I completed the entire program faster then if I went elsewhere. Meaning I saved money by working hard taking back to back classes. I do not believe they are a rip off. It was a great place, to learn and cost effective as well and you have the flexibility to review the classes if your schedule prevents you from actually attending it. I would recommend the University to anyone wanted to further their education.

AIU online may be somewhat of a joke to someone who hasn't actually taken part of it. At first I thought it was to. The admissions advisor kept calling and calling and calling until I finally gave in and set up a chat time with him. I decided to take up the opportunity, in which I thought was gonna regret. First off, I got all financial aid from the school. The only amount I had to pay out of $50,000 was $150. I started in June of 2005 and finished in April of 2006 with my Associates in Business Admin. I began the next day for my Bachelors program in Accounting and Finance and have just finished last month. From what you are saying about charging you $4,000; I don't seem to understand what you are talking about. If you just fill out information, all they will do is call you. Not charge you. Unless you apply for financial aid and are accepted into the university then they will begin to charge you. And yes, I can see that it is $4,300. Each class is 5 weeks long, at about $300 per credit hour. The associates program is roughly 90 credits, thus it is about $27,000 for the associates program there. Any online class you take will be that much. It is less than ITT. My friend went there for two years, got his associates in Network security and it cost him $38,000. And now he does construction and doesn't want a career in his field. Talk about a waste of money. Anyway, I wouldn't get to jerked up about the cost. If you are enrolled in the school and are taking classes and have financial aid then you have nothing to worry about until you are done with school and an extra 6 months. I did learn so much with this school and learning on your own time is probably the greatest way to go, because you can keep on working and not worry about losing hours. Hopefully everything works out for you.

I am a graduate of AIU's MBA program...here is my brief story: I do not think AIU is a scam, sure it is a for profit school, I knew this and accepted the exaggerated tuition. I had some luck with real estate and could afford it. I did my due diligence and researched many other universities to include my local "traditional" universities all of which I could qualify to attend. I chose AIU for a few reasons, one regionally accredited, two conveniences and three the program fit my needs. I was recently out of the USMC and had a family to support. My wife and I wanted to start a business, I decided that this program would help me advance my American dream of working for myself. I physically could not attend a traditional MBA program due to time restraints and work obligations. The same story or cliche of millions. I also was well aware that my MBA would not be as "valuable" as a traditional university, I was fine with that too. I am a very disciplined person, I also knew what I wanted to get out this educational opportunity. I got a lot out of it. I studied my butt off, I worked much harder that I needed to to make a good grade. I wasn't in it for an A or B grade. I was in it to learn from experienced professors in a structured environment. That is what I got. It was well worth my money, I felt. I made it so. I pushed myself to learn as much as possible. Could I have done this elsewhere for cheaper, sure I could. I wanted a degree, which I received, more importantly I got an education. Once I graduated my wife and I opened our first day spa, I felt more confident and prepared, it took me 14 months of busting my butt studying and preparing essays and research papers, which many I focused on my developing business plan. As a matter of fact my final project in my final MBA course was creating the exact business plan I used to sale my plan to investors. My wife and I have been in business now for over three years doing great. We are weeks from opening our second location. Can I attribute my successes to AIU? Partly, I think I can. I learned more than I imagined from AIU, I made sure I did. Would I have gotten a better education at a "brick and mortar" school, I can't say. I'd worked just as hard as I did at AIU, the difference being that I could very easily STILL be attending a traditional MBA program, still working for someone else. I knew what I was doing when I enrolled, I had personal and professional goals and ambitions to achieve. AIU helped me get closer to accomplishing those goals. I learned a ton, I enjoyed my time, I enjoyed my professors, I enjoyed my classmates and I am proud of my degree. As I would if I went to any university I am sure. If you feel as if you were ripped off by AIU or that AIU is a rip off in and of itself then maybe you should reevaluate your intentions. If you have any doubts then it's a simple answer, don't enroll. I can't bash AIU because I fill accomplished and satisfied with what I got out of it. If you are concerned about the validity of the degree, don't enroll. Will having an MBA from AIU help you advance your career, if you want it too, it will. Sure having an MBA from a state university looks better on a resume, but what really counts is the education you take with you after the fact. I feel I could hold my own against a majority of MBA grads. When I graduated, Feb.2004, there were no accreditation discrepancies, that I knew of. The probation has occurred since my time, I can not speak to that issue. I do not work for AIU, never have. I have no affiliation with AIU, this is simply my experiences and opinion.

All brick & morter colleges and community colleges offer on line classes now at reasonable state tuition rates. If everyone would just stop this Bull$#*& of attending these rip off places of higher education, you would not be getting yourselves in a financial bind, or having these rip off companies trying to ruin your credit. Then UOP, AXIA, STRAYER, CAPELLA, and who ever else Jon Doe for profit schools will close up shop and be gone for good! These on line schools are a 100% rip off. I have taken a few on line classes through one of my local community college's and I am satisfied to know that its 100% accredited and transferable to any 4 year university, no questions asked. Please everyone, stop giving yourself a heartache!

All brick & morter colleges and community colleges offer on line classes now at reasonable state tuition rates. If everyone would just stop this Bull$#*& of attending these rip off places of higher education, you would not be getting yourselves in a financial bind, or having these rip off companies trying to ruin your credit. Then UOP, AXIA, STRAYER, CAPELLA, and who ever else Jon Doe for profit schools will close up shop and be gone for good! These on line schools are a 100% rip off. I have taken a few on line classes through one of my local community college's and I am satisfied to know that its 100% accredited and transferable to any 4 year university, no questions asked. Please everyone, stop giving yourself a heartache!

All brick & morter colleges and community colleges offer on line classes now at reasonable state tuition rates. If everyone would just stop this Bull$#*& of attending these rip off places of higher education, you would not be getting yourselves in a financial bind, or having these rip off companies trying to ruin your credit. Then UOP, AXIA, STRAYER, CAPELLA, and who ever else Jon Doe for profit schools will close up shop and be gone for good! These on line schools are a 100% rip off. I have taken a few on line classes through one of my local community college's and I am satisfied to know that its 100% accredited and transferable to any 4 year university, no questions asked. Please everyone, stop giving yourself a heartache!

All brick & morter colleges and community colleges offer on line classes now at reasonable state tuition rates. If everyone would just stop this Bull$#*& of attending these rip off places of higher education, you would not be getting yourselves in a financial bind, or having these rip off companies trying to ruin your credit. Then UOP, AXIA, STRAYER, CAPELLA, and who ever else Jon Doe for profit schools will close up shop and be gone for good! These on line schools are a 100% rip off. I have taken a few on line classes through one of my local community college's and I am satisfied to know that its 100% accredited and transferable to any 4 year university, no questions asked. Please everyone, stop giving yourself a heartache!

They have locations throughout this country and in the world. Make no doubt, AIU Online is a quality university. Why? Because it remains accredited by SACS. If AIU were not a quality University, the plug would have been pulled already. But it hasn't because AIU continues to grow in the right direction. When you grow, you have growing pains. And you go through growing pains to perfect yourself. None of us were born perfect, and there is no perfect business. But that is why organizations like SACS are in place to ensure it. And AIU Online continues to abide, and not only that making tremendous strides for it. Many of the reasons for concern about AIU Online is due to the size/growth ratio of the University. Before the various locations each operated in their own unique ways. It is now uniform. The process and procedures throughout the entire organization have drastically improved. The culture, and techniques have extremely improved. That is why AIU's probation was extended because of the dramatic changes that have taken place, so that they can be taken off. Every university has gone through some type of probation. It happens in the field of education, when schools are growing. It even happened in 1998 at the University of Illinois, but this isn't exactly what schools like to publicize. And why would they? It does not take from the fact that they are still an accredited university. And it doesn't take away the accreditation of past degrees. Its common place to be on probation, because that is the job of accreditation bodies to continually improve education. As far as price of education goes, you as a student chose interest in school and specifically in online schooling for a reason. The reason is you haven't gotten your degree yet, and now you realize you really need it. You need it because you hate what you're doing, or the situation you're in now. You know that a degree is your ticket out of there. And that is correct. The demographic of students who choose to go online are older people, with jobs, and children, and live busy lives. Too busy to go to a ground school. Students who failed to see the value of an education when they were younger. A degree is what you make the most of it. It provides you the opportunities, and possibilities of obtaining a better job, and life. It doesn't guarantee it. It only opens the doors for you, but you've got to do the work to get through the door. Every person that has a degree and is out there in the real world working right now knows this. You think $30,000 is a lot for an education that will allow you to make $100,000's of dollars in the future? If you don't realize this then go ahead and stay in the position you're at. Find a better alternative. You are not bound to this option. Its up to you find the resources and make it there yourself w/o a degree. A Degree is a safer bet to a safer future.

They have locations throughout this country and in the world. Make no doubt, AIU Online is a quality university. Why? Because it remains accredited by SACS. If AIU were not a quality University, the plug would have been pulled already. But it hasn't because AIU continues to grow in the right direction. When you grow, you have growing pains. And you go through growing pains to perfect yourself. None of us were born perfect, and there is no perfect business. But that is why organizations like SACS are in place to ensure it. And AIU Online continues to abide, and not only that making tremendous strides for it. Many of the reasons for concern about AIU Online is due to the size/growth ratio of the University. Before the various locations each operated in their own unique ways. It is now uniform. The process and procedures throughout the entire organization have drastically improved. The culture, and techniques have extremely improved. That is why AIU's probation was extended because of the dramatic changes that have taken place, so that they can be taken off. Every university has gone through some type of probation. It happens in the field of education, when schools are growing. It even happened in 1998 at the University of Illinois, but this isn't exactly what schools like to publicize. And why would they? It does not take from the fact that they are still an accredited university. And it doesn't take away the accreditation of past degrees. Its common place to be on probation, because that is the job of accreditation bodies to continually improve education. As far as price of education goes, you as a student chose interest in school and specifically in online schooling for a reason. The reason is you haven't gotten your degree yet, and now you realize you really need it. You need it because you hate what you're doing, or the situation you're in now. You know that a degree is your ticket out of there. And that is correct. The demographic of students who choose to go online are older people, with jobs, and children, and live busy lives. Too busy to go to a ground school. Students who failed to see the value of an education when they were younger. A degree is what you make the most of it. It provides you the opportunities, and possibilities of obtaining a better job, and life. It doesn't guarantee it. It only opens the doors for you, but you've got to do the work to get through the door. Every person that has a degree and is out there in the real world working right now knows this. You think $30,000 is a lot for an education that will allow you to make $100,000's of dollars in the future? If you don't realize this then go ahead and stay in the position you're at. Find a better alternative. You are not bound to this option. Its up to you find the resources and make it there yourself w/o a degree. A Degree is a safer bet to a safer future.

They have locations throughout this country and in the world. Make no doubt, AIU Online is a quality university. Why? Because it remains accredited by SACS. If AIU were not a quality University, the plug would have been pulled already. But it hasn't because AIU continues to grow in the right direction. When you grow, you have growing pains. And you go through growing pains to perfect yourself. None of us were born perfect, and there is no perfect business. But that is why organizations like SACS are in place to ensure it. And AIU Online continues to abide, and not only that making tremendous strides for it. Many of the reasons for concern about AIU Online is due to the size/growth ratio of the University. Before the various locations each operated in their own unique ways. It is now uniform. The process and procedures throughout the entire organization have drastically improved. The culture, and techniques have extremely improved. That is why AIU's probation was extended because of the dramatic changes that have taken place, so that they can be taken off. Every university has gone through some type of probation. It happens in the field of education, when schools are growing. It even happened in 1998 at the University of Illinois, but this isn't exactly what schools like to publicize. And why would they? It does not take from the fact that they are still an accredited university. And it doesn't take away the accreditation of past degrees. Its common place to be on probation, because that is the job of accreditation bodies to continually improve education. As far as price of education goes, you as a student chose interest in school and specifically in online schooling for a reason. The reason is you haven't gotten your degree yet, and now you realize you really need it. You need it because you hate what you're doing, or the situation you're in now. You know that a degree is your ticket out of there. And that is correct. The demographic of students who choose to go online are older people, with jobs, and children, and live busy lives. Too busy to go to a ground school. Students who failed to see the value of an education when they were younger. A degree is what you make the most of it. It provides you the opportunities, and possibilities of obtaining a better job, and life. It doesn't guarantee it. It only opens the doors for you, but you've got to do the work to get through the door. Every person that has a degree and is out there in the real world working right now knows this. You think $30,000 is a lot for an education that will allow you to make $100,000's of dollars in the future? If you don't realize this then go ahead and stay in the position you're at. Find a better alternative. You are not bound to this option. Its up to you find the resources and make it there yourself w/o a degree. A Degree is a safer bet to a safer future.

They have locations throughout this country and in the world. Make no doubt, AIU Online is a quality university. Why? Because it remains accredited by SACS. If AIU were not a quality University, the plug would have been pulled already. But it hasn't because AIU continues to grow in the right direction. When you grow, you have growing pains. And you go through growing pains to perfect yourself. None of us were born perfect, and there is no perfect business. But that is why organizations like SACS are in place to ensure it. And AIU Online continues to abide, and not only that making tremendous strides for it. Many of the reasons for concern about AIU Online is due to the size/growth ratio of the University. Before the various locations each operated in their own unique ways. It is now uniform. The process and procedures throughout the entire organization have drastically improved. The culture, and techniques have extremely improved. That is why AIU's probation was extended because of the dramatic changes that have taken place, so that they can be taken off. Every university has gone through some type of probation. It happens in the field of education, when schools are growing. It even happened in 1998 at the University of Illinois, but this isn't exactly what schools like to publicize. And why would they? It does not take from the fact that they are still an accredited university. And it doesn't take away the accreditation of past degrees. Its common place to be on probation, because that is the job of accreditation bodies to continually improve education. As far as price of education goes, you as a student chose interest in school and specifically in online schooling for a reason. The reason is you haven't gotten your degree yet, and now you realize you really need it. You need it because you hate what you're doing, or the situation you're in now. You know that a degree is your ticket out of there. And that is correct. The demographic of students who choose to go online are older people, with jobs, and children, and live busy lives. Too busy to go to a ground school. Students who failed to see the value of an education when they were younger. A degree is what you make the most of it. It provides you the opportunities, and possibilities of obtaining a better job, and life. It doesn't guarantee it. It only opens the doors for you, but you've got to do the work to get through the door. Every person that has a degree and is out there in the real world working right now knows this. You think $30,000 is a lot for an education that will allow you to make $100,000's of dollars in the future? If you don't realize this then go ahead and stay in the position you're at. Find a better alternative. You are not bound to this option. Its up to you find the resources and make it there yourself w/o a degree. A Degree is a safer bet to a safer future.

Only thing is I don't feel that you have been ripped off. I feel you received the same contract that I did, as you said so. But the one main difference was that I told her to send me an updated contract that states that if my financial aid was denied or inadequate then my contract would be null and void. I have yet to receive such contract and I have yet to sign anything for this school. I feel you could have done the same thing. For everyone else out there, get a magnifying glass and READ THE FINE PRINT, THAT'S WHAT IT'S THERE FOR! I'm sorry, but you were NOT a victim of a ripoff but of your own ignorance (NOT BEING MEAN, but ignorance as in innocense). Just remember an oral contract means nothing when you have a written one.

First of all, the original poster's complaint is completely biased with not enough detailed points to prove the faults she has mentioned about AIU. Wait,do the faults mentioned here regarding AIU online initiated by Debbie,the original poster,apply to AIU Online or her?? The criticisms and faults against AIU Online do not sound valid for ME. Listen original poster, before YOUR experience with an AIU employee(I'm assuming it was an advisor)communicating with you, DID you WANT to OR did you NOT WANT to get info about AIU Online? DID you have OR did you NOT have some interest in obtaining a degree online??? If you filled out some online form to get info about the school, then YOU must of had some little interest or motivation to get your degree. You're basically complaining about their persuasion and marketing techniques by mentioning this.... "They lure you in by your desire to further or complete your education online. They tell you all this bull about how you can do this with your tuition reimbursement and how they need a $50 fee to process your application." - Hmmm, I'll explain again in different words, YOU must have initiated some interest(to a certain extent) in the online degree by filling out an online form. Gee..before I was a student at AIU online...in fact before I showed any interest in AIU Online and filled out any online form to get info about them, there was NO advisor that bothered me or contacted me. Why?? Because I DID NOT INITIATE any interest in AIU Online. On a side note, when I initiated interest, I did NOT mind their marketing techniques. Profit AND non for-profit businesses use some form of marketing for their organizations. Also, for me PERSONALLY and according to my own traits, I have no problem saying NO in the event that I might have became disinterested in AIU Online before signing or E-Signing any enrollment documents. Becoming a student there DID REQUIRE a signature! Maybe...YOU did not pay enough attention?? I was AWARE and PAID ATTENTION to every detail and was careful about WHAT I was doing and signing. I DID MY READING. It appears that the problem here was YOUR fault. "They process you and then sign you up." - NO, YOU signed up, you just weren't paying attention. "You are supposed to have a financial counseling session, but the next thing you know, you are signed up and ready to go." - OK... I'm assuming you did not speak to the financial aid department or YOU were NOT LISTENING to their instructions?? As a student, my admission advisor always called me and transferred me to the financial aid department to make sure the process was thorough and to make sure all my questions were answered about financial aid. By completing the financial aid application(FAFSA)which is something the financial aid department instructed me on what to do, I received governent loans and grants. In the event that I was NOT going to apply for financial aid or qualify to receive it, they made me AWARE that I would have to pay cash to them out of my pocket and I also asked questions to get any clarifications on that! "They send you books, etc. in the mail that just arrive at your home." - Ummmmm....If you were sent books, then that means...YOU agreed and signed to be enrolled as a student. They do not send me any books until one week before the beginning of each class. (In my experience, I was officialy enrolled one month before my classes were going to begin) "Then, when you think, ok, I'll try this... they hit you with a $4300.00 bill for 2 30 day classes. Yes, I said $4300.00 for 2 30 day classes." - ??????????? OMG. This is the 1st section of your complaint that makes me wonder, 'Do you have any common sense?' You decided to give it a try, BUT, you never looked into the tuition costs beforehand?? You didn't research and read about tuition costs when YOU initiated the info??? You didn't bother to ask about the tuition costs when the AIU representative contacted you?? What were you thinking when you said I'll give it a try? Geez. It's common sense for any motivated individual or an individual who has at least some interest in college, to be aware that there ARE tuition costs and to more detailed there are DIFFERENT tuition costs among many colleges/universities. It's common sense to do some comparisons before making a major decision such as which college to earn your degree from. (According to my experience, currently, if a student is not going to receive financial aid or does not qualify to receive financial aid at AIU Online, the financial aid department informs students of the next tuition payment option, which are monthly cash agreements....and from my experience you have to E-Sign a cash agreement to be able to make smaller payments monthly. Again, it was another detail that I PAID ATTENTION to.) "Then, when you question them about why you were not told that this was the charge prior to sending you books, etc...you are faxed your "application" agreement which in small letters states that you agree to any and all fees!!! Is this not a rip off???" - Okay. You are not being clear at all in this part....You state that you receive books before being faxed your "application" agreement? Um....Do you mean the fax received was an application agreement YOU had already signed and they were faxing it to you to show proof that it stated 'you agree to any and all fees' OR was this an "application" they wanted you to sign for the first time?? Also, WHAT TYPE of application was this?? (In my experience, the shipment of my books was done after I had already signed and E-Signed all agreement forms. I KNEW what was going on and financially my government loans and grants were covering the costs of my books.) "I mean, they lure you in and then hit you with a big bill after you think you are only "applying" to see if you would be approved. Get real." - NO. Again, you probably were not paying attention and didn't notice that you had already applied and AGREED by signing what is called your SIGNATURE. (In my experience, I knew I was accepted for enrollment after a 45 minute interview and my admission advisor contacted me to notify me of the results. Then came the papers to sign.) "I only hope more people do not get lured into this school's(if it really is a school) crap." - NO. The school is not crap and it is indeed a 'real' school. YOU perceive it as crap because You never took it serious enough to get all the important info and asked questions. Any logical person would want to learn and know important info about a college/university if they truly want to earn a college degree. Also, when you tell them you are not paying, they tell you, well you know, you can't get a home loan, etc. because this is like not repaying a student loan. How over the barrel have they got you?? Looks to me like it's no contest..THEY WIN" - THEY WIN?????? NO. Nobody won. YOU initiated the request for info from AIU Online and it is YOUR fault that you did NOT research and ASK questions.If you would have done your research and asked questions you probably would made a final decision that you did not want to enroll and WHEN you were supposed to deny enrollment. Maybe you didn't know HOW to say NO? If the issue was and indeed if the fact was that you could not or did not know how to say NO to the AIU Online, then again, that is YOUR problem. I have to say that the original poster's complaint has alot of unclear information and almost sounds made up. It's believable to think that every occurence and experience she mentioned about AIU Online is caused by her fault and lack of obtaining or paying attention to available information or sources about AIU Online. This is definately an isolated situation because my brother began attending AIU Online at the beginning of 2003 and had no problems. He graduated in 2004 with his bachelor's degree and now holds a steady job. His success if part of the reason I am enrolled with AIU Online. Note: One might think my rebuttal is also biased because I'm currently a student there. I have not had any negative experiences with AIU Online, and If I did to the point where it affected me, I would probably write a negative review and explain my situation. However, I have nothing negative to say based on my experience. I consider the coursework from AIU Online to be challenging with more real-world assignments compared to traditional brick colleges that you attend physically in person. I do have a 4-year degree from a traditional university where I attended classes physically in person. I think I have used my mind more and have had to think in more depth when I've done studying and assignments from AIU Online.

I graduated from AIU in 2004 with a masters degree in Educational Technology. First the Pros: 1. I found the curriculum to be exceptionally well constructed. It was a lot of hard work, with two textbooks every class to cover in 5 weeks, and tough assignments--but I expected an excellerated program to be a challenge. I took the program to learn how to design and write curriculum for both online education and classroom education. I felt, since the courseware I was learning from was so well put together that I had a good example to follow. Was it perfect? No. There were some things that could be improved upon, but that is true of any program anywhere. (I know. I have worked for two colleges). Overall, I would rate the quality of the program as outstanding. 2. As a busy professional, I appreciated that I didn't have to order books. They were always delivered to me ontime, automatically. 3. I have advanced in my career as a result of the education I received from AIU. The promotions I have received at the college where I am employed (NOT AIU) is a direct result of my having applied what I learned from AIU. I am now Director over corporate and community training programs state-wide (my college has multiple campuses). A friend also graduated with the same degree from AIU a year after I did and she was hired as a training director by a large manufacturing firm because of her degree. 4. AIU was no more expensive than any other online college, and less than a lot of them. 5. I loved the convenience of the online format. (But, it is not for everyone. You have to be very dedicated and self-directed to be successful in an online environment. You also had better love to read!) 6. My admissions rep did exactly what admissions reps do at every other for-profit educational institution. He called me on a regular basis until I completed the process. And I took my time about that because I checked the school out with their accreditation board (apparently they weren't on a warning or probation status at that time), with my state's department of education (although they weren't helpful at all), and a few other places. I was not subjected to the tactics a former AIU admissions rep described earlier (maybe they don't do that at the master's level??) and I actually appreciated him staying touch. And, yes, Admissions Representative is a sales posistion and they do have quotas to meet, just as at every private college everywhere--whether non-profit or for-profit. Now the cons: 1. One of the things that attracted me to AIU was that they claimed to provide placement services. I do not consider that sending me emails about every job opening listed with them in the state of Indiana to be helpful in placement. I never received a single lead that was actually in my career field. They were leads such as "data entry clerk" -- and here I am with a masters in education!! 2. The one piece of dishonesty that I saw from AIU was a minor issue for me (a major issue for some of my classmates), but left me with a bad taste in my mouth. It had to do with our graduation. At the time we applied for the program, all of us were told that we could choose, if we desired, to participate in a ceremony at our choice of AIU's brick and mortar campuses. I also recall reading that on one of their websites. Some of us were looking forward to this so we could actually meet a few of our classmates. However, when it came time, AIU decided, for the first time, to offer graduation as an online ceremony only. It wouldn't have been so bad if they had just admitted they decided to change their policy, but instead they simply denied that we had ever been offered to participate at a campus. We were asked to provide 'proof' of what we had been told (as though they weren't aware that they had to change their own advertising websites to take out those statements!) It caused quite a ruckus among my classmates. To me, it was the honesty issue that bothered me most of all. So, even though this was a minor thing, I guess I am not surprised about some of what I have read. I was actually blissfully unaware of any accreditation problems, or lawsuit problems, until I stumbled upon this website. (Which I found because I was doing a search to find out how to reach their registrar to order a transcript). So, before posting this, I checked the website for the Southern Association for Schools and Colleges. Having been the assistant to the Director of Accreditation at a college I worked at previously, and having gone through three major accreditation reviews while there, I know that warnings are common. It is almost impossible to come through an accreditation revue without any write-ups. However, AIU is now listed as on Probation, which means either they didn't fix their problems, or they now have worse problems. So, although I feel my pros outweigh my cons, I would advise any prospective students to hold off until their accreditation issues have been resolved. In fact, I am concerned about what my degree will be worth if they lose their accredited status.

This is in response to the "AIU Unreasonable Cost Shakey Credibility" Steve is the submitters name. He mentions that he will not pay the 28k for the program that a traditional school will offer a 24 - 48 month program at about $1100 per class. ok lets do the math. A traditional brick and morter school generally requires 48 months for each program - AA, BA. their classes are approximately 8 weeks soooo that would be 24 classes at $1100 each - that comes out to $26400. Hmmmm now if you go to AIU you finish in 13 months (generally for Associates) 10 months for BA. You pay approx 28k to 30k. Now lets back up and compare again. 2 yrs - must attend class in person on specefic dates and times - 26,400 10 - 13 months - 24/7 access to class fro the comfort of my own home - $28,000 to $30,000 Ok is there really a problem with the prices AIU is charging??? I have reserched about 20 schools to complete my BA and AIU has competetive pricing. They are no more expensive than any other online school I have reserched. Capella, Phoenix International, Devry online, are just a few and they are not offering the adult advanced programs like AIU. I guess my point is do the research and proper comparisons before judgement is placed.

I am currently a student at AIU. I found that a couple of my classmates did run into some problems with their admission advisors but that is to be expected. Not everyone has good ethics. All my questions have been answered in a timely manner. Every business has some problems. The courses that I take have taught me alot. My education is very important to me. Yes it is expensive but what do you expect if you want your education fast. There are alot of nice students at AIU. I have made alot of new friends and we work together by reading eash other assignments and giving suggestions if there is something missing. Another student found this site and told me about it. At first I was a little scared that I made a mistake in going to AIU but now I know I made the right choice. I was told all about the cost of the course I am taking before I signed up. Not everyone will see things the same way. The decision is up to each individual to decide what is for them. I hope everyone the best in their education and if AIU is not for them then find a college that is. As far I am concerned AIU is for me and I love the flexibility it gives me to study and work. There is alot of reading to do before you decide to go to AIU and suggest that anyone wanting to go there do your reading but I find that for me AIU works great. There are alot of grants out there to help pay for you tution. So the price you pay can be reduced through grants. An education can help you achieve your goals for a better life. I for one will be proud to achieve mine. Good luck to everyone in their dreams.

I will be starting my first week of classes pretty soon with AIU. And thus far my experience has been nothing but positive and motivating. I spoke to the Senior Director of Admissions and asked him to comment on the negative feedback I had read about AIU. He immediately new I was referencing this specific site, which says to me that he is aware of these comments and is on top of them. He also helped me with my personal goal of graduating as soon as humanly possible, without my asking him...he volunteered. Even prior to his involvement I had spoken to three representatives making sure all t's were crossed and all i's dotted. Quite frankly I spoke to my admissions advisor more then my wife in the span of 72 hours. If you are looking at these reports then you are most likely looking into going to AIU or some other online institution. DO NOT LET THESE COMMENTS SWAY YOU FROM APPLYING. There may be truth to all of the aforementioned accentuations, to be honest I don't know and frankly I don't care. Here is what I do know, they are accredited in one of the 6 federally recognized academies, and as of 11/1/2005 they have no sanctions against them. That means if they have done anything dreadful to anyone, they have not been sued for itand in this day and age of sue first and get proof later that is saying something. So here is what I am going to do...I will post quarterly reports on this site, & I will give as accurate an account as I can comment regarding the quality of education as well as the alleged credit "mishaps". Take it for what you will, just remember there are three sides to every story, there is one side, the other side and the truthusually hovering around the middle.

To the last poster about admissions advisors who stop being admissions advisors and start worrying about quotas. The so-called "admissions advisors" are sales people and were never there to help a student make thier best decision in the first place. It would be nice if they were like traditional universities, but they are not. It all starts at the top and trickles down, I think many people who intially work in the "admissions" i.e. sales department intially like to think they are helping someone make the best choice for them, but eventually upper management gets to them, becaue the "admission advisores" i.e. sales people are constantly badgered to pull in more and more enrollments. If these so-called "admissions advisors" were able to actually be real admissions advisors many of them would straight up tell the student to seek a degree elsewhere. I can't wait until this whole company goes under, and it's coming soon. No wonder people smirk about online education, it is because of phony companies like this that do nothing but harm for anyone involved. Student gets a phony degree and spends plenty of money to do so. People who work there compromise thier ethics and integrity, and any sort of possible life outside of work all for the almighty dollar. This company has serious issues. They have no idea to treat employees or thier students, i.e. customers. Well you get what you pay for, AIU will scrape the bottom of the barrel for their upper management, it's no wonder the company lacks ethics and integrity across the board, because it all trickles down from a company lead by complete morons.

I think to be fair, some have had great success with AIU, some have not. I think when people who work for AIU stop being admissions advisors(AA's), is when the school becomes just another business. Not about dealing with people to get degrees but quotas. Like a cop if you will. Acreditations, licensing and so forth is a government formality. I can get a drivers license, but does that make me a good driver? Instead of researching on the school, the schools website wouldn't be so stupid to place negative info about itself on it's website to shoot itself in the foot. But I don't have an college education, but I've seen more ignorant educated people than non educated people.I think certain campuses have real issues but maybe not all of them. hard to say. But those who've had success must understand that some of us have been "reamed" by unscrupulous people out to make their quota. So don't take offense if it worked for you when, someone is writing about AIU here.I think the general consensus is that if someone isn't giving you all the facts and your gut says so...go elsewhere.

I am a current student at AIU taking the Visual Communication Program. I am a returning student after a 14 year break from school. I started in a traditional college then and due to health reasons was forced to drop out. I have longed to finish my degree and AIU is the perfect environment to do so. I am a disabled Mom of 4 so traditional school is virtually impossible for me. The convenience of staying at home and not finding a sitter is one I am glad is available now. I have read almost every post throughout this area. The reason I came here primarily was because I was doing a search for another business and happened upon it. I have had no complaints myself. My only issue would be the expense. This is not even a complaint. Look into colleges elsewhere and you'll see that they all are expensive. Just remember that while you may not like the expense, it is an investment in your own future. My going to school at present is a financial strain for me, but it is also one that will allow me to make a better life for my family and myself in the future. I continue to apply for MANY grants and scholarships and will do so as long as I am in school. You would be surprised as to how many are really out there! As far as the complaints about AIU being run like a business, well technically it is a business. And like very business they need to make money to keep it running. I will gladly pay the tuition to keep my instructors salary and the school running. I have benefited greatly from my classes to date. I have worked very hard and have maintained a 4.0 GPA. A's are not readily given by my experience so far, they are earned. There are students at AIU that do struggle and are not given A's. If you put the time and effort, do your assignments including your reading, you WILL learn. This is like every other school. The best advice I can give is consider different aspects of school you are looking into and then make the decision that is right for you. You wouldn't invest in the stock market without researching your chosen investment,,, why do it with your education? Best of luck to you in whatever you choose.

I am currently enrolled in AUI, and have nothing but good things to say about AIU. There classes are very challenging and I work my a*s off to get them done after working a full time job and taking care of my son. I have always had fast responses to all of my questions and for those who think that AIU is just out for money, what school isnt? You are going to have to pay nomatter where you go.

Sharon is a perfect example of why AIU is a scam. She's 2 months away from graduation and she cannot spell basic english vocabulary. Hey Sharon-go ask for a refund immediately because they forgot to teach you how to spell.

I'll be graduating in two months. I LOVE AIU. For those that said it's too expensice, BOO h*o. It is a private for profit college, may are. No, it's not as cheap as public college. private schools are not. It will cost me about 30,000 for the equilvalent of two years of study. I already had two years worth of school when I enrolled. The equilvalent of $15,000 a year is about right for a private school. If you don't want to pay it, I suggest you go to your local technical college. For me, it was totally worth it to finally get my degree done. The enrollment process was simple. You are aware of EXACTLY how much your degree with cost before you start. It is filled out, and you must look it over as part of the enrollment process. My teachers have been great, many have years and years of experience in the field, and have their PhDs. Anytime I've had a problem, each office was easy to contact (many can be contacted through instant messaging immediatly). I've learned more in these classes than I ever have in the other colleges I've attend. For military and spouses, the application fee is WAIVED, and tuition is discounted. Most colleges require an application fee, so how people can call that a scam is beyond me. It seems to me the only beef these people who are compaining have is the price. You are shown the price and shown how your student loans will be dispersed. So, GET A LIFE, college is expensive. Fot those willing to pay for a quality education with the convience of online learning, it's worth it. If it is not worth it to you, well, pick another school!

I graduated from AIU with a Master's. Was it easy, hell no! I busted my rear-end to get the grades that I did. I had some of the best instructors I have ever had. Is AIU a for profit business. Yep, sure Is. Does AIU provide a service, Yep, they sure do. Does anyone force you to request information on AIU, No.. Is a for profit business allowed to advertise..yes, its the American way. Once enrolled at AIU do they have a drop/add period..Yes and can you withdrawl from a course or AIU altogether if you want, yes.. I got an awsome education which has enhanced my career, enhanced my income, and enriched my life. As for the person that says they"Hit you with a bill" Didnt you ask how much your tuition was going to cost before you started taking a class. You could have applied for a student loan, duh

I read a bunch of the pros and cons listed above. Some of the Advisors who have posted as an AIU Online Advocate seem clueless. I was an advisor there for almost three months before I had to quit. I could not keep trying to force people to go to school because it was for their own good or they needed to be pushed or they were afraid to make such a big commitment. I did all of the "hard sell" stuff to gauge people's commitment; put 'em on hold while I went and got a Mountain Dew, make 'em write a paragraph stating why they were late with their contract when it didn't even matter. What a bunch of B.S. The fact is - The people who really wanted to go to AIU Online would do everything they were asked. Everyone else should not have even been admitted to the school. They wanted the degree, but would not take the initial steps to get there. BIG RED FLAG - But not to AIU. They decide to make those people who were not committed jump through a bunch of hoops to get you admitted. And those were always the people who dropped out in the first two weeks. I know that AIU's Online's bottom line is all about dollars (For lotsa Profit), but they should not do it at the expense of people they conned into going to school. I cannot tell you how many students I enrolled, knowing they would not succeed, only to see them drop out in the first couple weeks. Out of the 20 people I enrolled in my second month there, I knew five of them would be legitimate students. But I knew I couldn't keep a job with low enrollment numbers like that. I would be fired. This is why I had to quit. It was such a BIG relief. The school seemed like it had great programs. It's just too bad they were all about enrollment numbers, which is a big reason they (Career Education Corp - Parent company) were/are on probation with their accredidation. Inflating enrollment numbers just to cash out on stocks? The apple didn't fall too far from the Career Education Corp. Tree when it trickled down to the advisors trying to hold on to their jobs by enrolling anyone and everyone. I wonder if they offer courses on ethics over there???

I'm a graduate from AIU and I have encountered the same problems some of the people reported here. Just read the article I found on the net and draw your own conclusion. http://edworkforce.house.gov/hearings/109th/fc/60minutes030105/waters.htm Regards to all who got ripped off.

I'm a graduate from AIU and I have encountered the same problems some of the people reported here. Just read the article I found on the net and draw your own conclusion. http://edworkforce.house.gov/hearings/109th/fc/60minutes030105/waters.htm Regards to all who got ripped off.

I'm a graduate from AIU and I have encountered the same problems some of the people reported here. Just read the article I found on the net and draw your own conclusion. http://edworkforce.house.gov/hearings/109th/fc/60minutes030105/waters.htm Regards to all who got ripped off.

AIU and all institutions, ESPECIALLY PRIVATE FOR PROFIT, use admission folks to SELL their programs to prospective students. This is nothing new. I almost enrolled in AIU but I was very careful because the cost was too much even given what I would get in loans through financial aid. The enrollment specialist, being the consummate sales professional, tried to get me to do a cheaper program but I didn't bite. So I simply moved on to a cheaper program. Also AIU is NOT the cheapest online instiution. I personally have found CAPELLA to be helpful. I also work in higher education and am very familiar with the financial aid process so that part of being a student never stresses me or baffles me plus I have two degrees. So, I can understand why people JUST beginning this process for the first time feel even MORE suspicious of the school but that really doesn't speak to the school's ethics as it does a student's befuddleness of the convoluted financial aid maze. I believe AIU is legitimate but ALL schools have good and bad points. I've worked in three colleges/universities and attended a few so I know the culture and beaurocracy well. Again, for me it was about convenience but mostly PRICE for an accelerated online program and I found what I could manage and I'm happy. It takes doing some SERIOUS research and inquiring before comitting. Good luck!

I am a National Admissions Advisor of AIU Online, and I am completely disgusted by a lot of the posts I have seen on this website. Obviously, it sounds as if we have a lot of misinformed, uneducated individuals with nasty, inaccurate information about this University. First and foremost; American Continental University Online is a vastly growing and operating company...As any other University, College, or Company at that matter, it has employees to pay in order to offer this education to students. So those of you who are saying that the company is only for profit -- You have half of the picture...The company DOES NEED TO MAKE MONEY IN ORDER TO OFFER THE SERVICES IT OFFERS AND IN ORDER TO BE ABLE TO HOLD OVER 20,000 ONLINE STUDENTS FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD IN THEIR DEGREE PROGRAMS. However, OUR ADVISORS DO CARE...WE WILL NOT RECOMMEND YOU FOR A DEGREE IF IT IS NOT IN YOUR BEST INTEREST. ALTHOUGH WE DO WANT TO COMPLETE OUR JOB GOALS, WE TAKE MORE PRIDE IN THE FACT THAT WE HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO CHANGE PEOPLES LIVES EVERY SINGLE DAY AND WE ARE DEFINATELY ALWAYS FIRSTLY AND FOREMOSTLY DEALING WITH A HUMAN BEING...AN INDIVIDUAL....A STORY....NOT A NUMBER! American Continental University Online does not just want your money....If you have a problem with the $50 application fee, maybe you'd like a ballpark figure of what the ACTUAL COST is for enrolling a student. Taking into account the wages for the admissions advisors, financial aide advisors, academic advisors, the actual cost of obtaining the students' leads and information, and the technical costs such as the computer services and telephone charges, it costs on average $650 DOLLARS TO ENROLL A STUDENT. Maybe you complainers would like to apply to Purdue University, where you'll be paying a $200 dollar application fee and a definite risk of not being accepted. AIU accepts most of the students that apply because it is a 2nd Chance University...Believing in the students and BELIEVING IN SECOND CHANCES FOR THOSE WHO NEVER HAD THE OPPORTUNITY. AIU does not accept students based on their transcripts....we are based on their desire and motivation to start and complete their education; thus their determination in reaching their career and personal goals. Those of you who are complaining about the high-acceptance rate...If AIU does not give some individuals who have been more unfortunate a chance to better themselves by furthering their education, WHO IS GOING TO? Unlike the perspective you are thinking of, which should be FOR THE STUDENTS, we are thinking of the best interests of more than half the population of the United States that DON'T have that college education....That DIDN'T necessarily get good grades in high school or take good standardized tests....That DIDN'T have the opportunity to learn in their first level of education how to write an effective entrance essay....THESE THINGS ARE IRRELEVANT TO US....We want to see results in people...We want to see them help themselves and better their lives by higher education....To see them EARN THAT DEGREE and start being able to save for their child's education fund that might have not ever been able to be available....AGAIN...THE STUDENTS LIVES ARE OUR BIGGEST CONCERN! EVERYONE...WE ALL KNOW EDUCATION IS EXPENSIVE...And GUESS WHAT?????? Its not getting ANY CHEAPER!!! Tuition has been raising at a rate of 17% each year for the past six years! Do some research people!!! Yes, you may be paying what sounds like to be a large amount of money for your bachelors degree at AIU Online...But what other Online University will lock you into the tuition rate when you enroll? What other university will give you an EXACT figure including all of your software, books, and tuition from start to finish at the beginning of your financial aide process? WHAT OTHER ONLINE UNIVERSITY WILL TELL YOU EXACTLY WHAT DAY YOU ARE GOING TO START, AND WHAT DAY YOU ARE GOING TO GRADUATE? People!! You are graduating with this degree in 13 MONTHS....A BACHELORS DEGREE IN 13 MONTHS....THAT MEANS ITS ACCELLERATED....SO YOU ARE PAYING THE SAME OR MAYBE EVEN A CHEAPER PRICE THAN WHAT YOU WOULD BE PAYING FOR WHAT COULD TAKE YOU 4 YEARS AT ANOTHER COLLEGE!! NOW ADD UP FOUR YEARS AT ANOTHER REGIONALLY ACCREDITED COLLEGE AND COMPARE PRICES... Open MOUTH...Insert FOOT. People...We seem to have no problem investing in deppreciating vehicles, ALCOHOL, CIGARETTES, VACATIONS...Anything that is a want, correct? But when it comes down to our own education, something that WILL NEVER EVER deppreciate in value, that will benefit us for the rest of our careers and life...We want to sit and instead of starting our education NOW and work towards that degree to get a better career and get a RETURN on the investment, WE WANT TO COMPLAIN ABOUT THE PRICE. Can you really put a price on the value of your worth? Your education? Your family's future?? If you think so, you need to start thinking proactively....Many of these comments on this discussion board are from people who are procrastinators and who have a FEAR of bettering themselves...They cannot accept a good thing when its staring them in the face. "Its too good to be true...they lie to you and just want your money" - All three statements withing that sentence are made by people who are in some way or another trying to run away from the committment of bettering themselves and the lives of their family... So I ask you where THOSE people are going to be in 5 years when you've completeled your Bachelors and Masters Degree Online, and have now been promoted within your company making double the salary you were making before ON TOP of the self gratification you have for starting and finishing your education, and excelling at that. AIU Online is not a scam; I would not spend every day of the week trying to motivate people to better their lives if I did NOT believe in this University, and I do...as do the other admissions advisors and departments...THEY BELIEVE IN YOU...Don't let these negative comments convince you to not further your education. Whether it is with AIU Online or another University, don't let these negative personalities limit the potential goals you can set and reach for yourself with higher education.

I graduated from AIU with an AA in business and I have to say that if you feel that you were ripped off from the school then you must not have graduated from there. With that said you should have also been told from the admin that was enrolling you into the courses that you would have to pay for classes that you might not have completed. Within the 6 months that it took me to get my degree I only experienced one class that I might have not completed without the corporation of my instructor, meaning that I was able to redo an assignment that I just totally did wrong and received a zero on. Needless to say that I re-did the assignment and received a C on it; I must admit that I didn't read through all the rebuttals that were posted for this subject, but I will do this shortly and probably post another. Again my experience was worth the extra money that I did end up paying just for the fact that AIU gives you the chance to earn a degree in a short period of time. Remember they are out to make money and spend money on individuals that teach the classes. Besides earning a degree, I use to install high speed internet for a local cable company and I have installed several cable modems for teachers that teach from home for colleges and schools for high schoolers. It does happen.

1.) Contact the Department of Education For Post Secondary Education For Your State 2.) Contact the United States Department of Education Office of the Inspector General 3.) Internal Revenue for Criminal Activity and file your report at the 800 number for fraud. You may recieve a Reward if they find improprieties. Also fbi.gov/submit a tip 4.) Contact Federal Trade Commission 5.) Obtain an attorney and sue the daylights on them. There are enough of you to start a class action against them. 6.) Continue to place updates and responses on The Rip Off Report That's what I'm doing for Bethany College that is also on the Rip off report. Good luck in your endeavors.

Do exactly what I did with Bethany College (also on the Rip Off Report). Go to the United States Department of Education Office of the Inspector General and sumbit a complaint. Then there is the Internal Revenue Service, they love bums that are committing fraud and you may even recieve a Reward. There is also The Office of Post Secondary Schools that love to eat the lunch of Scam Artists. Finally hire an attorney and Sue the daylights out of them. There are enough of you with complaints for a Class Action Law Suit. Good Luck.

Heres the truth as I know it. I've attended a state school which charged around $7500 per semester for tuition and dorm. That does NOT include books and programs required. So do the math for 2 years of college with 2 semesters per year. As far as I know 2 x 7500 = $15,000 and since there is 2 years and not one: 15,000 x 2 = $30,000 still with me? Again this does not books and programs so... say an average of $400 for books per semester and lets say your in a digital arts or programming field and don't have Windows XP, or Microsoft office. You can expect the first semester to pay over $1000 in software. Then depending on new versions and new programs another $200-500 dollars there after. So the total comes to: 1000 + (200x3) = $1600 + (400x4) = $3200 Now lets add it all up shall we: 30,000 + 3,200 = $33,200 total for 2 years at that college... though to be honest the state school is SUNY (New Yorks States universities). According to the last check of AIU's degree pricing the highest was $31,000. But remember all books and programs are included. Most of AIU's degree's range from $18,000 - $25,000 with a few 27k and 29k degrees. So as you see in comparison to a state college while living on dorm AIU is CHEAPER! I am also refering to the online AIU not their physical campus. My main point is before you go signing anything or harking about the costs do a cost comparison against your state school with dorm costs. Another thing I think is odd. I live by two private colleges and the cheaper of the two is $15,000 per sermester with dorm which is about average. So how do you guys actually figure these things? Most traditional schools still use the 2 year model while AIU uses the accelerated model so you really can not just compare say 12 months at AIU vs 12 months at a traditional college. You need to compair 24 months at a traditional vs. the degree at AIU (time varies). Do I work for AIU: Nope Am I a student at AIU: Yes Have I attended a traditional college for comparison: Yes Another thing that set me off was the guy saying AIU does not give real degrees. Ask yourself "Is it accredited?" If you answer yes then yes AIU gives real degrees. Hence what makes a "real" degree is the accreditation. The state school I've attended was accredited as well and you know what. The courses are 100% better at AIU then there. Plus you can just as easily get a job with an AIU degree oposed to a traditional degree. I have 3 friends that have graduated from AIU and have sense found jobs making 50,000+ a year. Another two classmates are getting their degree at AIU paid for by their employers (which happen to be large advertising firms). An arguement also about a potential employee from a bigger named school getting a job over a person with an AIU does hold true. But that is the general no matter where you attend. If you went to a community college in Arizona and your up against a guy from Harvard for a job, guess who's going to get it? As to illegal activities by AIU and its mother company, I have no idea. But I have worked for some colleges that do some pretty shady things and I'll tell ya it is a common practice to survive. No business is 100% legit. Flame me for spelling or whatnot and show your incompitence. I've spelled all the facts as I know them out as clear as I can.

I am a student at AIU Online and while I've had a few bad experiences, I've also attended other schools where I've had other bad experiences. I checked the schools accreditation, and the warning placed on it by SACS was lifted, I also checked into the pending investigation of the CEC (the parent company of AIU) and it was also resolved. It is my experience that all schools have problems, some will accept your degree and transcripts, and others won't. I took courses through Running Start, a program where I take college courses while still in high school (college courses, not college level courses) at the local community college. Some of the schools would accept those credits. Some wouldn't accept them, though they would accept non-running start credits from the same school. And still others would only accept them if they were part of an associates degree earned. The only problems that I've had at AIU Online have been with a few instructors, and with Financial Aid. The few instructors that I've had problems with, those problems were worked out and solved. And the problem with Financial Aid is universal, I have yet to hear of a person who hasn't had at least some problem with financial aid, unless they didn't use it. And let me assure you, the classes aren't easy, while I have a 4.0 GPA right now, I am not finding the content easy. I have to read usually between 20 and 80 pages before I can even start on my project, and then the discussion board posts often require additional research. Then there's at least two assignments due each week, often not including at least one required group project per five week class. This is truely nine credits of instruction jammed into a five week course. I helped class mates through hard projects in the past, who can honestly say they would have failed a class if it weren't for my help. AIU Online Student

In the article from the chicago tribune above, it states the AIU online will accept nearly anybody. Truth is, they will accept ANYONE. I worked there for over a year and read students' entrance essays for kicks and giggles all the time. The essays were so horrible, it was comical. "I want to go to AIU cuz i am a convicted felon and have no place else to go." The admissions rep would say "Student shows great ambition." Hysterical (well in reality, not really)

Good day to you Chris, and good luck to you- Your response was appreciated. It sounds like you actually might be the "bitter" one that you are claiming the rest of us are. That saddens me that you are letting this control your life, over a school you don't even supposedly care about. A school, you yourself, told the rest of the world that you "wouldn't recommend anybody going to". On the other hand, you defend it mercifully when somebody agrees with you. Your comments seem to be inconsistant to say the least. Again, if you were so happy with AIU, several people have asked, then why are you on this website? Happy consumers do not go to the negative websites of what they happily purchased to view others problems and make comments. Unless they are an employee trying to keep thier company alive perhaps? It sounds like you're trying to prove a mute point. (Since you copied my "mute" word, I thought I would re-copy it to make you laugh, and realize how un-original it sounds when it's used twice.) You stated: "Steve, if I buy something from you (we'll say a car) you would undoubtedly lay out the terms of payment. Now, let's say that I don't pay and then you turn me over to a collection agency." First of all, an education could never be compared to a car. An education is intangible, and can't ever be taken away from you, it's yours to keep, you earned it. A car can be bought but it is a tangible piece of metal, a thing that can break down and after at least 10 years, it is worthless. So please know that the comparison does not work. On the other hand, what you said sounds familiar. We had the same script you are using, remember? So keep your script Chris, this is exactly what they taught all the 'admissions advisors' to say to students about "taking the plunge into education, just like buying a car and taking out a loan". We were to tell them the same thing. But what you forgot to mention is that these individuals are promised a great education that is valuable and that is not true. Once these single mom's and people who could normally not go to school because of thier grades, or whatever reason, are being dragged through financial aid and strung along, all the while being lied to about how much they owe from AIU. Once they do reach graduation they get this response: "wow, woops, you now owe 6K more, because we forgot to tell you that the price changed, or your cash agreement wasn't approved, but it's not our fault". There is so much more to it than just 'reading the bottom line'. People are really not that dumb to NOT read a cash agreement Chris, but if they are, then yes that is thier consequence unfortunatly. Mostly this is an issue of constant lies, which is why they are being sued by the Government, SEC, and so forth. "Ignorance" surely will stand up in a court of law when an institution 'preys on the ignorance of others' and takes advantage of that. Your response: "AIU offers a quick but expensive path to a regionally accredited degree. They are doing it to MAKE MONEY.(how dare they!) That is the bottom line. There is a balance here when the system works. They make money, you get a degree. That's the tradeoff. If someone was LEGITIMATELY screwed, then it WILL hold up in a court of law and they should sue the hell out of AIU. Otherwise, admit the mistake (ignorance or whatever) and shutup." Honestly Chris, you sound so bitter, ease up. This response is so scripted from the management that I cannot even believe you try this as an excuse for fraud. And to tell somebody to shutup? Wow, listen to yourself. Here is your example of perfect inconsistancies: "Sorry if all that sounds harsh (well, not sorry actually)..." If you aren't sorry Chris please don't apologize, we can handle your comments, we are all adults. Here is another one: "I'm not saying AIU is the greatest company out there. There are several indications on here of the opposite." Chris, this speaks for itself, you are almost humorous. Hopefully you will see the light one day on the truth of education, which is very important. The pricetag has nothing to do with the validity of the degree. Nobody is arguing how expensive this is, they are upset because they were lied to. They deserve to know the truth. I was one of them who was forced to lie to them, and it hurts. The accredidation has "warned" AIU several times, and because AIU "complied" with thier rules this time, AIU got thier accredidation back, at least for now. Although you sound bummed and bitter about the positive side of AIU, a school you don't like, (which doesn't make sense), but you are entitled to your opinion as the rest of are too. You were correct about one thing though, "take the time to read the fine print and check out ALL the details". This is what these ex-students and potential students ARE doing. They have been saying this for awhile, and now they have done thier research and found this website, and found that they are not alone, a lot of others have been scammed also. You should at least give them credit for that instead of using insults and rudeness to get your point across. Can't we all just get along? By the way, did you receive your degree from AIU? Or do you just work there? To all of you out there- keep checking and do what your heart says to do. Check out everything including taking the time it may take to do your reseach, and don't be pushed into 'high pressure sales tactics' from any school!! If they tell you that you must make a decision NOW, or you won't be considered again, know that this is just a scam to get your money. We were told to use this scam on you. Read all information you can on the company, check out all the lawsuits and the lies. Make your decision based only on facts. Be Smart, keep reading, and keep your head up. Respectfully-

I just recently paid off my credit cards and tomorrow is supposed to be my orientation at AIU. Eventhough the customer service was great, After reading all the posts here, it scared me since I certainly don't want to get in debt and invest on school that doesn't have great reputation. Now I am confused and I want to cancel my enrollment before anything else happens. Please advise. Confused Student

Steve, if I buy something from you (we'll say a car) you would undoubtedly lay out the terms of payment. Now, let's say that I don't pay and then you turn me over to a collection agency. My next move? Get on this website and write up an article saying you ripped me off because I'm broke and have kids to feed! Is that fair to you? No. Likewise, it is not fair to AIU for people to claim they're getting ripped off and done wrong by AIU as THEY SIGNED THE CASH AGREEMENT. It does not take a college education to understand the terms of a contract, so your argument is mute. What's happening here is that people are getting blindsided because they failed to look into all the details. Sorry, but "ignorance" does not stand up in a court of law. AIU offers a quick but expensive path to a regionally accredited degree. They are doing it to MAKE MONEY.(how dare they!) That is the bottom line. There is a balance here when the system works. They make money, you get a degree. That's the tradeoff. If someone was LEGITIMATELY screwed, then it WILL hold up in a court of law and they should sue the hell out of AIU. Otherwise, admit the mistake (ignorance or whatever) and shutup. Sorry if all that sounds harsh (well, not sorry actually) but I believe in personal accountability. I'm still waiting for someone to show me a legitimate complaint against AIU. It looks like most of the problems revolve around #1 - it costs too much #2 - not being aware of academic requirements #3 - federal aid falling short. I'm not saying AIU is the greatest company out there. There are several indications on here of the opposite. I'm just trying to get people to ask themselves why they're REALLY mad. Is it because you got blindsided by something YOU THINK AIU should have told you about? Or is it because AIU LEGITIMATELY and ILLEGALLY BROKE CONTRACT with you? If it's the former, my friend, you have a long life of 'getting screwed' in front of you that will leave you nothing but bitterness. My advice: take the time to read the fine print and check out ALL the details. This is the last I'll speak on the subject. Good luck in the future...

What you stated is correct Chris: "My advice: if you have the option to go to school elsewhere, do it and avoid this controversy altogether..." In a nutshell, this is true. Although, I think insulting people who are 'single mom's' with or without a lot of children, and insulting the people who are ignorant without an education, (hence the reason they are searching for an education to better thier life..) is absolutely revolting Chris. Do you really think insulting individuals is a correct rebuttal from people who are just trying to inform the public of this business's fraudlent practices? I don't think anybody is disagreeing about the price of AIU's education. Every education is expensive no matter what, and it should be! But this is part of the 'sale' of AIU. The consumer's who see an expensive pricetage may think it is better, therefore this makes the CEO's richer and the student go in debt for a worthless degree. With that being said, education is expensive yes, being ignorant will cost you much more, (we have all heard the cliche). I am a very well educated guy with a lot of student loans from Duke University. I cannot tell you the difference between how I treated my students at AIU, to how I was treated in my own school from a Freshman, all the way through my Masters program. It was priceless, and I was not a number, nor a pricetag. Competetiveness was the game in the classroom. Respect was never mute. I very much enjoyed my experience and would recommend school no matter what to anybody. Just not AIU or CTU. I've done my research and nothing added up with AIU. This is what a lot of people have been saying. I urge you to lend a helping hand to those in need, including the single mothers and the ignorant people of the world who desperatly need an education, not a SCAM. Somebody must look out for them, it is all our responsibility as educated individuals. And before anybody responds to me stating I am insulting people by stating they are "ingorant", let me just state that ignorance is not an insult, it just means "not well informed". Nobody is stupid, nobody is here to hurt anybody, I wish we as employees could seriously help these individuals instead of causing more turmoil and debt in thier lives. I am in HR also Chris. We DO look at the name of the University and because of all the problems with this school, we do not accept the degree, along with a lot of other colleges I have spoken with. I work in a very professional environment which will focus only on accredited schools which have not been on "warning status", reagrdless if they have been dropped. Good Luck to all of you-

I urge all of you (especially those of you who 'hate' AIU or are thinking about attending) to consider the following points: (Note that this post primarily refers to AIU Online as I do not have previous experience with any of AIU's campus-based programs) Point #1 - AIU is owned by Career Education Corporation which is a FOR PROFIT BUSINESS! ***NEWS FLASH - businesses are not in business to promote social welfare.*** Those of you that keep whining that AIU doesn't 'care' about you truly amaze me. OF COURSE they don't care about you! I've read a number of entries saying things like, "woe is me ... I'm a single parent with 5 kids trying to make a better life for myself and AIU had the audacity to try and charge me for classes." ***NEWS FLASH - AIU requires you to sign a "cash agreement" which explicitly states tuition costs BEFORE you're allowed to start classes*** If you accepted the terms of the cash agreement ASSUMING that you would get federal aid, well, maybe you're not ready for college yet anyway. Point #2 - Yes, it's expensive! No lie, it will cost you more to get an associates degree at AIU than it would to get a master's degree at some major universities. Unless your employer is paying your tuition or you're getting TA from the military, you're going to have a hard time paying the full cost. Without some seriously special circumstances, government aid will generally come no where near covering the cost of AIU. If you really want to move up to management level in your McDonald's job, go to another school. You cannot afford this one. Point #3 - AIU is not as attractive to employers as 'brick and mortar' schools. Don't let anyone tell you that accreditation is all that matters. What REALLY matters is what an HR manager thinks when they see "American Intercontinental University" on your resume. Period. Don't think you're going to snatch a job away from someone who graduated from Florida State University just because you graduated c*m Laude, either. Also, you should be wary of the ongoing investigation in to CEC and the fact that AIU had it's accreditation on warning status this past year for failing to comply with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools standards. The warning has now been dropped, however, incidents like this are not good for polishing the school's reputation in the eyes of potential employers. Point #4 - AIU's programs are great for working professionals. I have personally attended several colleges in the past. I have never seen anything quite like the efficiency at AIU. That is one advantage to attending a FOR-PROFIT school: they keep it really streamlined. The programs are set so you never have to register, and books are shipped out automatically. The program (assuming you have no previous college) can be completed in about 2 and a half years which is the best I've seen for a regionally accredited program. The online classroom is very intuitive and the instruction format is virtually identical from one course to the next. This allows you to concentrate on the subjects you should be learning rather than trying to figure out the personal whims of whacked-out college professors who have way too much liberty in deciding how to run a class. Point #5 - The unhappy minority is always more vocal than the content majority. There are about 100,000 people that attend CEC schools, yet only about 20 negative reports on this website. That speaks volumes. That being said, I encourage you to heed the legitimate warnings of many people who have posted here, especially the prior AIU employees. AIU IS A BUSINESS AND THEY DO USE HIGH PRESSURE SALES TACTICS. Anyone who is considering attending AIU should be fairly knowledgeable about admissions, accounts, and finacial aid processes. This is not a good school for "new" college students who don't know what to expect. You will get railroaded. You SHOULD attend AIU if: -Getting a regionally accredited degree as fast as possible is your primary goal. -Cost is not a factor (you have it covered either because you're rich or you're receiving tuition assistance of some kind) -You wish to cut down on extraneous hassles (registering for classes, finding and ordering books) -It doesn't matter WHERE your degree is from.(government employees are an example. In most cases, government institutions don't care where your degree is from, only that you have one and that it's regionally accredited) -You plan on getting your masters degree from an established school. (If this is the case, then where your undergraduate degree came from is of lesser importance. Just make sure the school you wish to attend will accept a degree from AIU -regional accreditation doesn't mean anyone HAS to accept your degree) You SHOULD NOT attend AIU if: -You cannot afford it (don't assume government aid will cover the entire cost and read the cash agreement before you sign it) -You're in a profession that largely considers WHERE you went to school is just as important as the fact that you have a degree at all. -You want a social life. -You're a new student and are unfamiliar with the policies and procedures governing admissions, financial aid, etc. BOTTOM LINE: AIU, just like any other organization, has both positive and negative aspects to be considered. You will get a good education and a regionally accredited degree very quickly, but your wallet will hurt and you may encounter high-pressure sales pitches and potentially unethical business practices. My advice: if you have the option to go to school elsewhere, do it and avoid this controversy altogether. However, if a program like AIU is your only hope of ever finishing school and you have the means to attend, then don't dispair. You aren't getting screwed or anything like that. You will still LEARN (the actual education part of AIU is quite good)and you will have a legitimate degree in a short time. Hope this helps some of you who may be riding the fence on the issue.

I wasn't going to respond with anything after reading these unbelievable comments, but I just feel the public needs to know how fraudulent and misleading AIU is to it's potential and current students. First of all the ex-employees were totally correct of thier findings. AIU is a corrupt business organization that has so many fraudulent activities that there are too many to count. They are currently being investigated by the government, and there are several class- action law suits going against CEC and AIU. Just do your research, please, as we all have told you before. You have been warned of the undeniable, fraudulent, and misleading practices of AIU. As far as the comments of how Nicole and the other ex-employees are disgruntled employees, this is not correct. I too left the company because of the reasons of fraudulent activity, and the fact that I couldn't sleep at night knowing how much we as advisors were told to lie to our potential and actual students. Lying isn't easy, but this is what management preaches. All in all, Nicole (chicago), Steve (chicago), and Steven from Collegville PA, I feel your pain. I wish all of the honest people such as us that worked for AIU could really inform the public about the absolute fraudulent activities of this company. Not only that, but that AIU is politically connected to some Chicago politicians, which was stated on the "60 Minutes" AIU scam a few weeks back. Chicago Tribune has been trying to get into touch with me for awhile, but I just want to go on with my life, I really don't want any part of even talking about AIU anymore. The only reason I am writing is to let you know that you guys (ex-employees) are not alone. What I hope is that somehow (hopefully) the potential AIU students will see it on this website, and realize what a scam and "sales pitch" all of it is. It is NOT a REAL DEGREE, as much as the current students want to beleive it. You cannot use this degree anywhere, it will not transfer. To all the others who continually go on this website to give positive feedback on the negative feedback for AIU....please save your time and go back to doing your homework if you are so "satisfied" with this business (yes business, not a college). On the other hand, why don't all of the current AIU employees who are 'posing' as actual students, stop 'posing' as students and admit you work at AIU and you are trying to rebuttal a negative remark. I am sure you are "senior admissions advisors", and "managers" trying to currently sell potential students by getting on here and stating how happy you are as a paying student with zero problems. Come on. It's so amazing to me that even with all of the negative publicity about this corporation on the news, newspaper, and primetime, that the employees are still trying to hard sell anybody who will hear it. Even going on a negative website to take a chance at any kind of advertising. I wouldn't doubt AIU has hired people just to rebuttal your negative comments to save thier company. As for the people who go to school there, I feel for you too. Get out while you can. Please beware. Check to see if University of Chicago, Northwestern University, Ball state, Vanderbilt, or any of these wonderful schools will except that degree. All of these current AIU employees who are going online and responding to the negative feedback are stating that the ex-employees of AIU are bad workers, and disgruntled employees and we have no credibility. All I wanted to say is that the proof is on paper, the law suits are filed, and they are pooring in like flies from the government, not from the ex-employees; this should speak for itself. I am an honest person, and it's so hard to watch people get scammed for thousands of dollars. If you are really going on here as a student stating you enjoy it, then good for you. I encourage you to keep asking questions and probe until you get descriptive answers, not blanket statements, or vauge information. The bottom line is that every admissions advisor reads from a script. We were told to lie to students about everything from prices, to numbers, to graduation rates, and the people who dropped by the deadline. Those people who dropped are still being charged, and thier enrollment let AIU receive government grants. This was ongoing, and much illegal. We were also told as advisors to lie to students and use reverse psychology on them when they asked about our problems and credibility. We were told to humiliate and degrade the potential student, so they are intimidated enough to see our confidence and pay the 50 dollars, to 'better thier life' with an education. I am a current director of HR. When I see the AIU degree I am dissapointed to say the least. As professionals with professional degrees, we always choose the best candidate with the best education, and yes that means the name of the school means something. I will always choose even a state college degree way over an AIU degree. There are so many ex-employees of AIU in the city of Chicago, that at least 1-10 people I interview has worked there as a temp at some point in thier career. It is the Mcdonalds and Walmart of Education, with an expensive pricetag. I liked what you said Steve from PA, you are so right: "I am not sure in what capacity you work for AIU (certainly not a member of its English Department, I hope), but to berate Amy for being "naive" demonstrates my precise problem with the attitude of some so-called "educators" at CEC-owned schools. How does it help Amy to make fun of her? And why would Amy post more questions in anticipation of your assistance after you publicly humiliated her? Further, to accuse someone from a state university who is (justifiably) skeptical of AIU of being "salesy" is cosmically hilarious. The idea that an employee of a company under criminal investigation for lying to students and investors would accuse someone at a state university of bending the truth to make a sale is laughable. Theresa, your rebuttal is rife with spelling and punctuation errors and presents an attitude not in concert with someone who intends to either assist or inform. It was your response that was ridiculousand perhaps for that reason alone, you should make it a point to learn to spell it. You might consider a state university. Steven - Collegeville, Pennsylvania U.S.A." To everybody, keep checking on here, but know that some of these students are employees pretending to be students that are happy, I am sure. Please be careful.

I wasn't going to respond with anything after reading these unbelievable comments, but I just feel the public needs to know how fraudulent and misleading AIU is to it's potential and current students. First of all the ex-employees were totally correct of thier findings. AIU is a corrupt business organization that has so many fraudulent activities that there are too many to count. They are currently being investigated by the government, and there are several class- action law suits going against CEC and AIU. Just do your research, please, as we all have told you before. You have been warned of the undeniable, fraudulent, and misleading practices of AIU. As far as the comments of how Nicole and the other ex-employees are disgruntled employees, this is not correct. I too left the company because of the reasons of fraudulent activity, and the fact that I couldn't sleep at night knowing how much we as advisors were told to lie to our potential and actual students. Lying isn't easy, but this is what management preaches. All in all, Nicole (chicago), Steve (chicago), and Steven from Collegville PA, I feel your pain. I wish all of the honest people such as us that worked for AIU could really inform the public about the absolute fraudulent activities of this company. Not only that, but that AIU is politically connected to some Chicago politicians, which was stated on the "60 Minutes" AIU scam a few weeks back. Chicago Tribune has been trying to get into touch with me for awhile, but I just want to go on with my life, I really don't want any part of even talking about AIU anymore. The only reason I am writing is to let you know that you guys (ex-employees) are not alone. What I hope is that somehow (hopefully) the potential AIU students will see it on this website, and realize what a scam and "sales pitch" all of it is. It is NOT a REAL DEGREE, as much as the current students want to beleive it. You cannot use this degree anywhere, it will not transfer. To all the others who continually go on this website to give positive feedback on the negative feedback for AIU....please save your time and go back to doing your homework if you are so "satisfied" with this business (yes business, not a college). On the other hand, why don't all of the current AIU employees who are 'posing' as actual students, stop 'posing' as students and admit you work at AIU and you are trying to rebuttal a negative remark. I am sure you are "senior admissions advisors", and "managers" trying to currently sell potential students by getting on here and stating how happy you are as a paying student with zero problems. Come on. It's so amazing to me that even with all of the negative publicity about this corporation on the news, newspaper, and primetime, that the employees are still trying to hard sell anybody who will hear it. Even going on a negative website to take a chance at any kind of advertising. I wouldn't doubt AIU has hired people just to rebuttal your negative comments to save thier company. As for the people who go to school there, I feel for you too. Get out while you can. Please beware. Check to see if University of Chicago, Northwestern University, Ball state, Vanderbilt, or any of these wonderful schools will except that degree. All of these current AIU employees who are going online and responding to the negative feedback are stating that the ex-employees of AIU are bad workers, and disgruntled employees and we have no credibility. All I wanted to say is that the proof is on paper, the law suits are filed, and they are pooring in like flies from the government, not from the ex-employees; this should speak for itself. I am an honest person, and it's so hard to watch people get scammed for thousands of dollars. If you are really going on here as a student stating you enjoy it, then good for you. I encourage you to keep asking questions and probe until you get descriptive answers, not blanket statements, or vauge information. The bottom line is that every admissions advisor reads from a script. We were told to lie to students about everything from prices, to numbers, to graduation rates, and the people who dropped by the deadline. Those people who dropped are still being charged, and thier enrollment let AIU receive government grants. This was ongoing, and much illegal. We were also told as advisors to lie to students and use reverse psychology on them when they asked about our problems and credibility. We were told to humiliate and degrade the potential student, so they are intimidated enough to see our confidence and pay the 50 dollars, to 'better thier life' with an education. I am a current director of HR. When I see the AIU degree I am dissapointed to say the least. As professionals with professional degrees, we always choose the best candidate with the best education, and yes that means the name of the school means something. I will always choose even a state college degree way over an AIU degree. There are so many ex-employees of AIU in the city of Chicago, that at least 1-10 people I interview has worked there as a temp at some point in thier career. It is the Mcdonalds and Walmart of Education, with an expensive pricetag. I liked what you said Steve from PA, you are so right: "I am not sure in what capacity you work for AIU (certainly not a member of its English Department, I hope), but to berate Amy for being "naive" demonstrates my precise problem with the attitude of some so-called "educators" at CEC-owned schools. How does it help Amy to make fun of her? And why would Amy post more questions in anticipation of your assistance after you publicly humiliated her? Further, to accuse someone from a state university who is (justifiably) skeptical of AIU of being "salesy" is cosmically hilarious. The idea that an employee of a company under criminal investigation for lying to students and investors would accuse someone at a state university of bending the truth to make a sale is laughable. Theresa, your rebuttal is rife with spelling and punctuation errors and presents an attitude not in concert with someone who intends to either assist or inform. It was your response that was ridiculousand perhaps for that reason alone, you should make it a point to learn to spell it. You might consider a state university. Steven - Collegeville, Pennsylvania U.S.A." To everybody, keep checking on here, but know that some of these students are employees pretending to be students that are happy, I am sure. Please be careful.

I wasn't going to respond with anything after reading these unbelievable comments, but I just feel the public needs to know how fraudulent and misleading AIU is to it's potential and current students. First of all the ex-employees were totally correct of thier findings. AIU is a corrupt business organization that has so many fraudulent activities that there are too many to count. They are currently being investigated by the government, and there are several class- action law suits going against CEC and AIU. Just do your research, please, as we all have told you before. You have been warned of the undeniable, fraudulent, and misleading practices of AIU. As far as the comments of how Nicole and the other ex-employees are disgruntled employees, this is not correct. I too left the company because of the reasons of fraudulent activity, and the fact that I couldn't sleep at night knowing how much we as advisors were told to lie to our potential and actual students. Lying isn't easy, but this is what management preaches. All in all, Nicole (chicago), Steve (chicago), and Steven from Collegville PA, I feel your pain. I wish all of the honest people such as us that worked for AIU could really inform the public about the absolute fraudulent activities of this company. Not only that, but that AIU is politically connected to some Chicago politicians, which was stated on the "60 Minutes" AIU scam a few weeks back. Chicago Tribune has been trying to get into touch with me for awhile, but I just want to go on with my life, I really don't want any part of even talking about AIU anymore. The only reason I am writing is to let you know that you guys (ex-employees) are not alone. What I hope is that somehow (hopefully) the potential AIU students will see it on this website, and realize what a scam and "sales pitch" all of it is. It is NOT a REAL DEGREE, as much as the current students want to beleive it. You cannot use this degree anywhere, it will not transfer. To all the others who continually go on this website to give positive feedback on the negative feedback for AIU....please save your time and go back to doing your homework if you are so "satisfied" with this business (yes business, not a college). On the other hand, why don't all of the current AIU employees who are 'posing' as actual students, stop 'posing' as students and admit you work at AIU and you are trying to rebuttal a negative remark. I am sure you are "senior admissions advisors", and "managers" trying to currently sell potential students by getting on here and stating how happy you are as a paying student with zero problems. Come on. It's so amazing to me that even with all of the negative publicity about this corporation on the news, newspaper, and primetime, that the employees are still trying to hard sell anybody who will hear it. Even going on a negative website to take a chance at any kind of advertising. I wouldn't doubt AIU has hired people just to rebuttal your negative comments to save thier company. As for the people who go to school there, I feel for you too. Get out while you can. Please beware. Check to see if University of Chicago, Northwestern University, Ball state, Vanderbilt, or any of these wonderful schools will except that degree. All of these current AIU employees who are going online and responding to the negative feedback are stating that the ex-employees of AIU are bad workers, and disgruntled employees and we have no credibility. All I wanted to say is that the proof is on paper, the law suits are filed, and they are pooring in like flies from the government, not from the ex-employees; this should speak for itself. I am an honest person, and it's so hard to watch people get scammed for thousands of dollars. If you are really going on here as a student stating you enjoy it, then good for you. I encourage you to keep asking questions and probe until you get descriptive answers, not blanket statements, or vauge information. The bottom line is that every admissions advisor reads from a script. We were told to lie to students about everything from prices, to numbers, to graduation rates, and the people who dropped by the deadline. Those people who dropped are still being charged, and thier enrollment let AIU receive government grants. This was ongoing, and much illegal. We were also told as advisors to lie to students and use reverse psychology on them when they asked about our problems and credibility. We were told to humiliate and degrade the potential student, so they are intimidated enough to see our confidence and pay the 50 dollars, to 'better thier life' with an education. I am a current director of HR. When I see the AIU degree I am dissapointed to say the least. As professionals with professional degrees, we always choose the best candidate with the best education, and yes that means the name of the school means something. I will always choose even a state college degree way over an AIU degree. There are so many ex-employees of AIU in the city of Chicago, that at least 1-10 people I interview has worked there as a temp at some point in thier career. It is the Mcdonalds and Walmart of Education, with an expensive pricetag. I liked what you said Steve from PA, you are so right: "I am not sure in what capacity you work for AIU (certainly not a member of its English Department, I hope), but to berate Amy for being "naive" demonstrates my precise problem with the attitude of some so-called "educators" at CEC-owned schools. How does it help Amy to make fun of her? And why would Amy post more questions in anticipation of your assistance after you publicly humiliated her? Further, to accuse someone from a state university who is (justifiably) skeptical of AIU of being "salesy" is cosmically hilarious. The idea that an employee of a company under criminal investigation for lying to students and investors would accuse someone at a state university of bending the truth to make a sale is laughable. Theresa, your rebuttal is rife with spelling and punctuation errors and presents an attitude not in concert with someone who intends to either assist or inform. It was your response that was ridiculousand perhaps for that reason alone, you should make it a point to learn to spell it. You might consider a state university. Steven - Collegeville, Pennsylvania U.S.A." To everybody, keep checking on here, but know that some of these students are employees pretending to be students that are happy, I am sure. Please be careful.

I wasn't going to respond with anything after reading these unbelievable comments, but I just feel the public needs to know how fraudulent and misleading AIU is to it's potential and current students. First of all the ex-employees were totally correct of thier findings. AIU is a corrupt business organization that has so many fraudulent activities that there are too many to count. They are currently being investigated by the government, and there are several class- action law suits going against CEC and AIU. Just do your research, please, as we all have told you before. You have been warned of the undeniable, fraudulent, and misleading practices of AIU. As far as the comments of how Nicole and the other ex-employees are disgruntled employees, this is not correct. I too left the company because of the reasons of fraudulent activity, and the fact that I couldn't sleep at night knowing how much we as advisors were told to lie to our potential and actual students. Lying isn't easy, but this is what management preaches. All in all, Nicole (chicago), Steve (chicago), and Steven from Collegville PA, I feel your pain. I wish all of the honest people such as us that worked for AIU could really inform the public about the absolute fraudulent activities of this company. Not only that, but that AIU is politically connected to some Chicago politicians, which was stated on the "60 Minutes" AIU scam a few weeks back. Chicago Tribune has been trying to get into touch with me for awhile, but I just want to go on with my life, I really don't want any part of even talking about AIU anymore. The only reason I am writing is to let you know that you guys (ex-employees) are not alone. What I hope is that somehow (hopefully) the potential AIU students will see it on this website, and realize what a scam and "sales pitch" all of it is. It is NOT a REAL DEGREE, as much as the current students want to beleive it. You cannot use this degree anywhere, it will not transfer. To all the others who continually go on this website to give positive feedback on the negative feedback for AIU....please save your time and go back to doing your homework if you are so "satisfied" with this business (yes business, not a college). On the other hand, why don't all of the current AIU employees who are 'posing' as actual students, stop 'posing' as students and admit you work at AIU and you are trying to rebuttal a negative remark. I am sure you are "senior admissions advisors", and "managers" trying to currently sell potential students by getting on here and stating how happy you are as a paying student with zero problems. Come on. It's so amazing to me that even with all of the negative publicity about this corporation on the news, newspaper, and primetime, that the employees are still trying to hard sell anybody who will hear it. Even going on a negative website to take a chance at any kind of advertising. I wouldn't doubt AIU has hired people just to rebuttal your negative comments to save thier company. As for the people who go to school there, I feel for you too. Get out while you can. Please beware. Check to see if University of Chicago, Northwestern University, Ball state, Vanderbilt, or any of these wonderful schools will except that degree. All of these current AIU employees who are going online and responding to the negative feedback are stating that the ex-employees of AIU are bad workers, and disgruntled employees and we have no credibility. All I wanted to say is that the proof is on paper, the law suits are filed, and they are pooring in like flies from the government, not from the ex-employees; this should speak for itself. I am an honest person, and it's so hard to watch people get scammed for thousands of dollars. If you are really going on here as a student stating you enjoy it, then good for you. I encourage you to keep asking questions and probe until you get descriptive answers, not blanket statements, or vauge information. The bottom line is that every admissions advisor reads from a script. We were told to lie to students about everything from prices, to numbers, to graduation rates, and the people who dropped by the deadline. Those people who dropped are still being charged, and thier enrollment let AIU receive government grants. This was ongoing, and much illegal. We were also told as advisors to lie to students and use reverse psychology on them when they asked about our problems and credibility. We were told to humiliate and degrade the potential student, so they are intimidated enough to see our confidence and pay the 50 dollars, to 'better thier life' with an education. I am a current director of HR. When I see the AIU degree I am dissapointed to say the least. As professionals with professional degrees, we always choose the best candidate with the best education, and yes that means the name of the school means something. I will always choose even a state college degree way over an AIU degree. There are so many ex-employees of AIU in the city of Chicago, that at least 1-10 people I interview has worked there as a temp at some point in thier career. It is the Mcdonalds and Walmart of Education, with an expensive pricetag. I liked what you said Steve from PA, you are so right: "I am not sure in what capacity you work for AIU (certainly not a member of its English Department, I hope), but to berate Amy for being "naive" demonstrates my precise problem with the attitude of some so-called "educators" at CEC-owned schools. How does it help Amy to make fun of her? And why would Amy post more questions in anticipation of your assistance after you publicly humiliated her? Further, to accuse someone from a state university who is (justifiably) skeptical of AIU of being "salesy" is cosmically hilarious. The idea that an employee of a company under criminal investigation for lying to students and investors would accuse someone at a state university of bending the truth to make a sale is laughable. Theresa, your rebuttal is rife with spelling and punctuation errors and presents an attitude not in concert with someone who intends to either assist or inform. It was your response that was ridiculousand perhaps for that reason alone, you should make it a point to learn to spell it. You might consider a state university. Steven - Collegeville, Pennsylvania U.S.A." To everybody, keep checking on here, but know that some of these students are employees pretending to be students that are happy, I am sure. Please be careful.

I am well into my second degree program with AIU. I graduated with a BFA in visual communicatons in July and started my Masters of Education in August. Here's what I love about AIU: the online courses -- I have rheumatoid arthritis and going to classes regularly is not the best option for me. I actually thought I would miss the personal interaction with teachers and other students, but I found that there was much of that and it was quite wonderful. Despite what some have said, I found the classes quite challenging (and I'm not a dummy, I'm a college instructor myself). I probably had one jerky instructor during my whole bachelor's degree experience at AIU, which, compared to some of the dodos I had in "regular" college (and I've attended three of them), seems relatively low. My masters courses are VERY challenging. I just finished a cognitive psych course that made my head explode. I love the practical application of being able to use what I'm doing in my online classes with the classes that I teach -- it's definitely making me a better teacher! Now, what I don't like -- the high pressure admissions techniques/financial info, etc. I must have been called about 20 times by the graduate "admissions counselor," even after I told him I was enrolling, just because I was "late" getting my tax forms in. He started get more and more panicky and alluded to the fact that I would be "given over" to his supervisor (which was apparently a bad thing for him, since he would have "closed the deal"). Another part of the admissions/financial issue has been the fact that, when I first enrolled I was told there were no scholarships available and that I needed to sign a form to pay for what financial aid didn't cover. So I did, very reluctantly, and had to get a third job to cover the payments. When my illness got too much to handle the third job, I called them and they had me fill out a hardship application. I spent tons of times on the hardship application, but it did nothing. Months later, after looking at the online catalog again, I discovered that they "did" offer some scholarships (there was not indication of how much $ was involved). So I talked to financial aid and accounting and completed the scholarship forms. One of the people I talked to said I should worry about the form that I was signing because once I got the scholarship, that would cover it. So by the time I got to the masters program, the scholarship forms had still not been reviewed; I had a balance due on my BFA and they were telling me I needed to sign another form because the financial aid didn't cover the masters program (even though the FIRST admission counselor way back when told it it would be). So at this point, I don't know what I owe. They incorporated two $500 (whoopee!) scholarships, but at the same time, have billed me for $1,000 that I had no idea I owed (aarrgh). The other ISSUE I have with them is the Career services. One of the sales points for AIU was that they had this primo career service that would help me find a job in my field whereever. When I first graduated, they did have a listing, but the one job that fit me had already expired when it was listed. Now there seems to be no career service. When I wrote them, they said they were "revamping" and I should check out monster.com and careerbuilder.com (duh!). So, I know this is long ... but its both the good and the ugly from an old broad with a lot of experience as a "normal" student and one who is now worried (after reading some of these posts) that she will have two "worthless" and costly degrees! I will be anxious to read more comments.

Sup, I posted the reply about AIU, SouthUniversity, and DeVry. I wanted someone to reply back on the information that I posted about the Information Technology program. Thanks,

I have been reading the posts for quite some time and have often wanted to reply but just didn't want to expend the energy. However, I decided to just put my two cents in hoping to help others who are considering attending AIU. First, although it looks bad misspelling words in reply to comments posted...it does not indicate level of education. There are some highly educated people who have misspelled a word here or there so that post was just rediculous. Second, I am currently finishing off my BIT program with AIU and have nothing but good things to say about the school and it's programs. I am already enrolled into the MBA program but am finding CTU's MSM or Executive MBA more of a benefit for what I plan to accomplish. There have been posts that say research before you buy...LISTEN TO THOSE POSTS! Research before you buy, research before you buy, research before you buy...how many times must it be said before it sinks in. Research before you buy...there I said it again. Why would anyone not know the cost of the program...even if the admissions advisor didn't come right out and tell them. When I received my e-mail...one of the first things I went looking for was the tuition. It was there and if it wasn't, during the second call...I would have made sure to ask. As far as the degrees not transferring over to other schools...I can't say whether it's true or not since I am not the person trying to transfer the degree...yet...but from what I know of accreditation, as long as the degree is from an accredited university then it should transfer. I say "should" because ultimely whether it transfers will be decided by the individual university. That's just normal...that's is the way the industry is set up. For instance, there are schools out there that are known diploma mills, if universities suddenly decided that degrees obtained from those programs would be accepted then those programs would see not only a increase in students but also an increase in tuition as well...supply and demand people. Lastly, if you are looking for a inexpensive program then AIU is not for you. Try a community college or a college in the state in which you will get residency. In any case you will be trading some thing in...whether it's time or money or a combination of both, for those who only want something the easy way then maybe you should look at one of those diploma mills...the programs are really cheap and you don't really have to do anything (no interview, you don't even have to do any assignments) except send them a check and they will send you your degree (it won't be worth the paper it's written on but you didn't want a legitimate degree, you wanted something easy). I did check the sacs website and Auburn University was on Warning status as well, and Georgetown was on probation which is worse than warning status. Come on people...RESEARCH BEFORE YOU BUY! RESEARCH BEFORE YOU BUY! RESEARCH BEFORE YOU BUY! There, I said it a few more times...hopefully it will stick.

I have been reading the posts for quite some time and have often wanted to reply but just didn't want to expend the energy. However, I decided to just put my two cents in hoping to help others who are considering attending AIU. First, although it looks bad misspelling words in reply to comments posted...it does not indicate level of education. There are some highly educated people who have misspelled a word here or there so that post was just rediculous. Second, I am currently finishing off my BIT program with AIU and have nothing but good things to say about the school and it's programs. I am already enrolled into the MBA program but am finding CTU's MSM or Executive MBA more of a benefit for what I plan to accomplish. There have been posts that say research before you buy...LISTEN TO THOSE POSTS! Research before you buy, research before you buy, research before you buy...how many times must it be said before it sinks in. Research before you buy...there I said it again. Why would anyone not know the cost of the program...even if the admissions advisor didn't come right out and tell them. When I received my e-mail...one of the first things I went looking for was the tuition. It was there and if it wasn't, during the second call...I would have made sure to ask. As far as the degrees not transferring over to other schools...I can't say whether it's true or not since I am not the person trying to transfer the degree...yet...but from what I know of accreditation, as long as the degree is from an accredited university then it should transfer. I say "should" because ultimely whether it transfers will be decided by the individual university. That's just normal...that's is the way the industry is set up. For instance, there are schools out there that are known diploma mills, if universities suddenly decided that degrees obtained from those programs would be accepted then those programs would see not only a increase in students but also an increase in tuition as well...supply and demand people. Lastly, if you are looking for a inexpensive program then AIU is not for you. Try a community college or a college in the state in which you will get residency. In any case you will be trading some thing in...whether it's time or money or a combination of both, for those who only want something the easy way then maybe you should look at one of those diploma mills...the programs are really cheap and you don't really have to do anything (no interview, you don't even have to do any assignments) except send them a check and they will send you your degree (it won't be worth the paper it's written on but you didn't want a legitimate degree, you wanted something easy). I did check the sacs website and Auburn University was on Warning status as well, and Georgetown was on probation which is worse than warning status. Come on people...RESEARCH BEFORE YOU BUY! RESEARCH BEFORE YOU BUY! RESEARCH BEFORE YOU BUY! There, I said it a few more times...hopefully it will stick.

I have been reading the posts for quite some time and have often wanted to reply but just didn't want to expend the energy. However, I decided to just put my two cents in hoping to help others who are considering attending AIU. First, although it looks bad misspelling words in reply to comments posted...it does not indicate level of education. There are some highly educated people who have misspelled a word here or there so that post was just rediculous. Second, I am currently finishing off my BIT program with AIU and have nothing but good things to say about the school and it's programs. I am already enrolled into the MBA program but am finding CTU's MSM or Executive MBA more of a benefit for what I plan to accomplish. There have been posts that say research before you buy...LISTEN TO THOSE POSTS! Research before you buy, research before you buy, research before you buy...how many times must it be said before it sinks in. Research before you buy...there I said it again. Why would anyone not know the cost of the program...even if the admissions advisor didn't come right out and tell them. When I received my e-mail...one of the first things I went looking for was the tuition. It was there and if it wasn't, during the second call...I would have made sure to ask. As far as the degrees not transferring over to other schools...I can't say whether it's true or not since I am not the person trying to transfer the degree...yet...but from what I know of accreditation, as long as the degree is from an accredited university then it should transfer. I say "should" because ultimely whether it transfers will be decided by the individual university. That's just normal...that's is the way the industry is set up. For instance, there are schools out there that are known diploma mills, if universities suddenly decided that degrees obtained from those programs would be accepted then those programs would see not only a increase in students but also an increase in tuition as well...supply and demand people. Lastly, if you are looking for a inexpensive program then AIU is not for you. Try a community college or a college in the state in which you will get residency. In any case you will be trading some thing in...whether it's time or money or a combination of both, for those who only want something the easy way then maybe you should look at one of those diploma mills...the programs are really cheap and you don't really have to do anything (no interview, you don't even have to do any assignments) except send them a check and they will send you your degree (it won't be worth the paper it's written on but you didn't want a legitimate degree, you wanted something easy). I did check the sacs website and Auburn University was on Warning status as well, and Georgetown was on probation which is worse than warning status. Come on people...RESEARCH BEFORE YOU BUY! RESEARCH BEFORE YOU BUY! RESEARCH BEFORE YOU BUY! There, I said it a few more times...hopefully it will stick.

I have been reading the posts for quite some time and have often wanted to reply but just didn't want to expend the energy. However, I decided to just put my two cents in hoping to help others who are considering attending AIU. First, although it looks bad misspelling words in reply to comments posted...it does not indicate level of education. There are some highly educated people who have misspelled a word here or there so that post was just rediculous. Second, I am currently finishing off my BIT program with AIU and have nothing but good things to say about the school and it's programs. I am already enrolled into the MBA program but am finding CTU's MSM or Executive MBA more of a benefit for what I plan to accomplish. There have been posts that say research before you buy...LISTEN TO THOSE POSTS! Research before you buy, research before you buy, research before you buy...how many times must it be said before it sinks in. Research before you buy...there I said it again. Why would anyone not know the cost of the program...even if the admissions advisor didn't come right out and tell them. When I received my e-mail...one of the first things I went looking for was the tuition. It was there and if it wasn't, during the second call...I would have made sure to ask. As far as the degrees not transferring over to other schools...I can't say whether it's true or not since I am not the person trying to transfer the degree...yet...but from what I know of accreditation, as long as the degree is from an accredited university then it should transfer. I say "should" because ultimely whether it transfers will be decided by the individual university. That's just normal...that's is the way the industry is set up. For instance, there are schools out there that are known diploma mills, if universities suddenly decided that degrees obtained from those programs would be accepted then those programs would see not only a increase in students but also an increase in tuition as well...supply and demand people. Lastly, if you are looking for a inexpensive program then AIU is not for you. Try a community college or a college in the state in which you will get residency. In any case you will be trading some thing in...whether it's time or money or a combination of both, for those who only want something the easy way then maybe you should look at one of those diploma mills...the programs are really cheap and you don't really have to do anything (no interview, you don't even have to do any assignments) except send them a check and they will send you your degree (it won't be worth the paper it's written on but you didn't want a legitimate degree, you wanted something easy). I did check the sacs website and Auburn University was on Warning status as well, and Georgetown was on probation which is worse than warning status. Come on people...RESEARCH BEFORE YOU BUY! RESEARCH BEFORE YOU BUY! RESEARCH BEFORE YOU BUY! There, I said it a few more times...hopefully it will stick.

I am a student with AIU Online and will be completing my degree in a few weeks. Honestly, I have not had any issues with the school. It boggles my mind that this board is decorated with such 'intelligent' comments. There are a good 10 people or so that wrote complaints. (It looks like a lot more, but they just write over and over) That's TEN people, ok ok maybe 15 people. First suggestion - take responsibility for your actions. If you do not want to attend the school tell the Admissions Rep "I do not want to go to your school." Easy huh? If you do not know how much the school is going to cost, don't continue until you do know. Would you buy a car without knowing how much it is going to cost? You are in control of everything you do in life. Nobody is forcing you to go to AIU. Nobody is forcing you to do the FAFSA. Nobody is forcing you to sign anything. But, I shouldn't have to be the one to tell you that. Take a step back and think about how the AIU employees talk to you on the phone. Keep in mind that this is an online school and almost all contact is on the phone. Sure they are sales people. If they didn't talk highly of the institution, would you go there? If they didn't push the information, how else would you know anything. Be realistic here. There are thousands of people in the world that cry when they don't get what they want, and honestly, I think some of them stopped on this site for awhile. Maybe it is best that a lot of you are so upset with this organization if it means that you will stay away. Granted all people do not have it in them to succeed at school, but at least AIU has tried to help give you the chance. -a happy AIU student.

I was an AIU student from 1999 until 2002 at their physical location in Dunwoody, Ga. In the beginning the school was what I would consider excellent. There was excellent faculty, they actually had a screening procedure (so that people who would not be able to cut it were not allowed into the program), they had a great placement program that was placing graduates into really good positions and the fees that they charged were reasonable for the education. But in 2001 it all changed. CEC bought the school and wrecked it. They immediately fired all of the best staff members, raised tuition, and instead of trying to lure the best students they started marketing it and trying to lure in anyone who they could set up with federal student aid, and then they preceded to charge the maximum amount possible. I know a guy who owed them $75,000.00 when he finished his BIT and MIT degrees. Their accounting practices are atrocious. They keep poor records and if the students are not careful and watch their accounts, they will be overcharged. I along with a group of students who were concerned about the direction of the school actually scheduled a meeting with the president of the school. We expressed our feelings about the change in the recruiting methods and the general decline of the institution, and his response to us was this is a business first. I was speechless! I would have never attended a school whose president had that attitude. But they had me captive at that point. Once you are there, you will not be able to get another school to take their credits so I was forced to finish the program. I finished in June 2002, c*m Laude. Needless to say, by this time the career services department was non-existent for all intents and purposes, so I took my degree and vowed never to return. In October 2003, I was contacted by student accounts and informed that I owed AIU $4000.00. The thing is that when you graduate, you have to check out through student accounts before they allow you to leave, and when I left, my accounts were at $0. So I asked for proof and what they sent me was a copy of my ledger, and on the ledger they had gone back and added $4000.00 after I left. Naturally, I refused to pay. They threatened to take me to court so I dared them to, because I was confident I would win. They offered to drop the amount down to $1000.00 and I told them I would not pay them another dime. Then they punked out and referred it to a collection agency. Now I have a ding on my credit report that I can't get off. All of this stuff is systematic. I have spoken with former employees that I befriended there that told me of staff meetings where they discussed recruiting goals and how they were going to get the students approved for the loans. Using sales strategies instead of University recruiting. I have not heard a lot of happy stories from the people I know who went to AIU. In fact I don't know any. I would never recommend anyone attend this school, based on my experience.

I'm glad that I find this topic on this. I see that every basiclly have he/she opinion on something. AIU in DunWoody what I heard were pretty good. I suppose to started January 10, 2005, but I'm not sure. I'm also looking into South Poly State University and South University, which South University is almost a new university. My major will be Information Technology. If any of you knows anything good about SPSU o South University in IT, or maybe AIU, please tell me. I'm really trying to get more information before I start around March/April. Thanks,

I'm glad that I find this topic on this. I see that every basiclly have he/she opinion on something. AIU in DunWoody what I heard were pretty good. I suppose to started January 10, 2005, but I'm not sure. I'm also looking into South Poly State University and South University, which South University is almost a new university. My major will be Information Technology. If any of you knows anything good about SPSU o South University in IT, or maybe AIU, please tell me. I'm really trying to get more information before I start around March/April. Thanks,

I'm glad that I find this topic on this. I see that every basiclly have he/she opinion on something. AIU in DunWoody what I heard were pretty good. I suppose to started January 10, 2005, but I'm not sure. I'm also looking into South Poly State University and South University, which South University is almost a new university. My major will be Information Technology. If any of you knows anything good about SPSU o South University in IT, or maybe AIU, please tell me. I'm really trying to get more information before I start around March/April. Thanks,

I'm glad that I find this topic on this. I see that every basiclly have he/she opinion on something. AIU in DunWoody what I heard were pretty good. I suppose to started January 10, 2005, but I'm not sure. I'm also looking into South Poly State University and South University, which South University is almost a new university. My major will be Information Technology. If any of you knows anything good about SPSU o South University in IT, or maybe AIU, please tell me. I'm really trying to get more information before I start around March/April. Thanks,

Through all the reports I can truthfully say I experienced all through A.I.U. Some classes were ran by idiots, some were not. For those instructers that gave a two hoots about actually making us work for our grade and went through the trouble of putting us into groups according to time zone....to get the most out of "team work", bravo! A.I.U. needs to pay you more or you need a college that respects your expertise. As far as the rest of the professors...please...do you not throughly check out the credentials? Tuition...ah...this is a touchy subject.....they are quite sneaky with this...for if they can't make their money this way..oh!!! before you know it you have an "extra class" to take so you can "graduate" on time or low and behold "you have to pay extra "tuition".... If A.I.U. is to stay in business....Marketing at A.I.U. need to be studying this website for consumer complaints and "ummmmm" maybe get a consumer survey of both perspective students but more importantly "former students"... Yes these people are out to make money...I would...but you can't make money if people "consumers" are not happy....Be careful A.I.U. You could of had many many current/former students consider staying in your Bachelors program...but.....left...because "Why"????? Wake up people that own or have stock in A.I.U. you want to make a buck and be a part of history.....guess what....practice what you "TEACH" ....business administration...one of your most sought after degree....Get it yet?

I completely disagree that this school is a rip-off! I have attended another well known online university and after looking at the TOTAL cost of education through AIU, I had recognized significant savings. As for being "in the hole" after you graduate, let us not forget the reason we are going to college in the first place. Personally, I attend because, over my life of working, the education will help me make more money than I would without. Do not concern yourself with the investment. If your current company will not recognize the value of an education - FIND ANOTHER JOB!!! It amazes me that people are willing to sink more money into the "wants" of life, but when it comes to education - look out. Being charged for two classes at a time at the amount of over $4,000 is in writing by the school when you look into their AA program. The BA program is one class at a time. Having the books automatically show up at your house IS GREAT! The other school that I attended would notify you at the last minute of your next class and this would send you scrambling to order the books for yourself. This would be at about the same time you were completing finals for you current class. This is a great service and allows the student to focus on their education instead of wasting time ordering books. I have recommended AIU to everyone I know who have been interested in online college. I have not heard any of them complain about the program. In fact, they signed up for the AA program that the individual here is talking about.

Because of AIU's staggering growth, it is to be expected that every single detail of the University will be put under a microscope. AIU will continue to experience critism and intense scrutiny. I don't think it's any surprise that the comments on this discussion board range from extremely positive to very displeased. Generally speaking, if you were to place many of the large University's under a fine microscope as AIU, you would find similar range in commentary.

For those who didn't know, AIU had their accreditation placed on Warning by the SACS June 2004 for 3.3.1, "The institution identifies expected outcomes for its educational programs and its administrative and educational support services; assesses whether it achieves these outcomes; and provides evidence of improvement based on analysis of those results" (SACS). Clearly, AIU accrued a Warning staus as a direct response by the SACS accrediting board for suspected inflation of student enrollment figures and job placement by CEC. However, as many of you have reported AIU staus has been restored as of December 6, 2004. This is a positive sign not only for investors, but for current and prospective students as well. I will have completed my A.A.B.A requirements on Saturday and I must say some classes are a breeze and some are not. AIU does not hand out A's and 4.0's. Infact, students in a third of my classes averaged a C grade. If you are looking for an online school, AIU delivers and I'm proud of my accomplishments and the knowledge I have gained. ALL COURSES TAKEN AT AIU WILL NOT BE TRANSFERABLE, but this is true regardless of which college/university one may attend. However, the Associate degree is completely transferable as a whole to cover CORE requirements in accreditated universities; thats the reason why colleges and universities stick to strict standards required for attaining accreditation Lastly, I will not be attending AIU to pursue my Bachelor. AIU is expensive and sneaky when it comes to paying for tuition, plus, Syracuse has a more prestigious name, is a top 50 University in the US and they gladly accept my AIU degree.

Well Theresa, maybe you can help me then if you are an "employee of AIU" cause it seems like no one else can help me! No, I don't believe for one second that St. Cloud State is being "salesy" (wait...is that a real word? I don't think so.) Double check your dictionary! Oh yes, and I will totally blame AIU for this because I have called every single State University in the state of MN and absolutley NO ONE would accept a degree from your "so-called" school. So please explain that, THERESA!!!! Thanks so much.

Firm's push for students draws critics By Rob Kaiser Tribune staff reporter Published December 12, 2004 Among a flurry of investigations into for-profit education firms, several are focusing on a public company based in the Chicago suburbs where so-called "admissions advisers" use the same high-pressure tactics employed by telemarketers. At offices of Hoffman Estates-based Career Education Corp., more than 1,000 employees pound the phones, each seeking to reach 150 prospects a day and enroll at least four students for its online school per week. In a classic boiler-room scene, sales managers track the progress of each adviser on oversized whiteboards, noting record holders in categories like "most enrollments in a week" or "most dials in a day." Top performers get trips to the Bahamas and Las Vegas. Former employees and court documents portray Career Education as the poster child for an out-of-control industry more concerned about dollars than diplomas. Critics say the company and others like it drain federal student-aid programs by convincing their students to take out hefty loans, subsidized by taxpayers, for degrees of little value. In addition, the company faces accusations that it has padded enrollment and job-placement statistics to further cash in on federal money. Career Education runs the fast-growing American InterContinential University (AIU) online school, along with 82 mostly trade-oriented schools with physical campuses, such as the Cooking and Hospitality Institute of Chicago. The company previously disclosed it is under investigation by the Department of Justice and Securities and Exchange Commission. Once a Wall Street darling, its stock price has plunged amid word of the inquiries. The company has not been charged with any crime, and has defended its practices. "AIU's admissions policy is founded in the commitment to provide accessibility to career-focused education," the company wrote in a statement provided in lieu of an interview. Admissions advisers, it said, "support and guide prospective students in completing the enrollment and admissions process." Skeptics about the for-profit education industry abound. "This is, in effect, a silent scandal," said Barmak Nassirian, associate executive director of the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers. "There is no intention to teach anything of value to anybody." On Wall Street, investors are voting with their feet, running away from a company they were mobbing less than a year ago. Since it went public in early 1998, Career Education saw its stock, adjusted for splits, soar from $3 to more than $70 in April. The lawsuits and investigations caused the stock to sink to less than $27 in October. The shares rebounded some recently, closing Friday at $40.85. Investors expressed some relief when the company announced this week that the body that accredits it, the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, was removing the warning status from AIU, which includes seven physical campuses and the online unit. The university had been on warning status because of several undisclosed issues with the accrediting group. Without accreditation, AIU and Career Education's other schools would lose their lifeblood: federal loan dollars. Fifty-eight percent of the company's nearly $1.2 billion in revenue last year came from federal student loan programs. Allegations of for-profit schools abusing federal loan programs are not new. A Senate investigation report in 1991 found federal student loan volume doubled between fiscal years 1983 and 1989, while loan defaults more than tripled to nearly $2 billion a year largely due to the growth of for-profit schools. The report determined many of the schools were overly aggressive in their recruiting efforts, which sometimes included scouting for students at welfare offices and on unemployment lines. One of the companies involved in the scandal was Phillips Colleges Inc., where Career Education founder and Chief Executive John M. Larson was an executive from 1989 to 1993. His final position at the company was senior vice president of college operations, overseeing 58 schools. Phillips was banned from participating in federal student aid programs and fined $107 million by the Department of Education. The company eventually sold or closed all of its schools as part of a settlement with the government. In 1994, Larson founded Career Education, which bought some of Phillips' former schools. AIU started its online program in 2001. Since then, its enrollment has surged to nearly 21,000 students, while Career Education's schools with traditional campuses have about 76,000 students. Most of the leads on prospective AIU online students come from the Internet, often from people who click on banner ads or fill out product information requests to get giveaways like a $50 gift card to Red Lobster. A former AIU admissions official, an early employee of the online university, said he initially believed the school properly recruited students. But the pressure to sell grew quickly along with the need to hire more recruiters. The company, he said, brought in temporary workers to see who could sell and then hired the most successful. "They had people who never went to college who were selling education," the former official said. Several former admissions advisers said they were instructed to use "reverse psychology" in their approach to prospective students--first get them excited about the school, sometimes about being the first in their families to graduate from college, and then make it appear difficult to get accepted. In fact, they said, nearly everybody gets in. Applicants only had to write an essay about why they wanted to return to school. "Its admissions committee is really nobody," the former official said. "It's just a way to make it enticing to the prospect." The former employees did not want to be identified, either, because they signed confidentiality agreements before leaving or they feared the company would take legal action against them. How much time advisers spend making calls is tracked by the company's phone system. Those who don't enroll enough students must attend poor performers meeting. "A guy opens up the meeting [by saying], 'You're letting your family down,'" said a current AIU adviser. "It's totally demoralizing." Such pressure made the advisers aggressively pursue students. "They call people constantly," said Randi Drouin, who e-mailed AIU a few months ago after coming across the university online. "Even on Sundays they called me at home." Drouin, a 30-year-old single mother of three who lives in Laconia, N.H., said she got calls "at least twice a day" from AIU advisers, urging her to fill out paperwork for a $13,000, 13-month business management program so she could start taking classes. She enrolled, but never took classes because she was frustrated the school didn't offer her a scholarship and by the incessant calls, particularly one at 10 p.m. that woke her children. Yet the calls continued. "I had to tell 30 different people that I'm not enrolled in your school any longer," she said. High-pressure sales tactics have become increasingly common in education, particularly among for-profit companies. Yet some of the practices violate federal rules. The University of Phoenix, the largest online university, offered incentive payments to admissions advisers for enrolling students, including those who were unqualified or couldn't benefit from the programs, according to a Department of Education report issued earlier this year. The University of Phoenix, which is owned by Apollo Group Inc., paid a $9.8 million settlement without admitting any wrongdoing as a result of the Education Department review. A shareholder lawsuit against Career Education alleges the company does more than use high-pressure tactics to enroll students. The lawsuit claims the company falsifies student records to boost its enrollment and job placement statistics. The company says 93 percent of its students find jobs in their chosen fields within six months of graduation. In its statement, the company said a survey of AIU online students this fall found 94 percent would recommend the university to a friend. AIU student Patty Lee, a 49-year-old in Sparks, Nev., said she likes being able to participate in online discussion groups with her teachers and classmates as well as being able to work on assignments when she has time. The school, she noted, "helped me out a lot" in securing student loans, though she couldn't get any scholarships. When she started working on an AIU associate's degree in business administration, Lee said she was told she would only have to pay $9,000 to take four classes since she already had taken some college classes. Later, though, the school said not all of those credits would be accepted and she would have to take more classes, Lee said. She now expects to take 16 classes, but doesn't know how much they'll cost. "I was told they would lose their accreditation if they're not this tight," Lee said. "I don't really understand it." Still, Lee expects she'll be able to get a good paying job after finishing the degree and will be able to pay off her loans. "By having a degree with a 4.0 average, I can send my resume to so many places," Lee said. "I should be able to find something out there. Copyright 2004, Chicago Tribune

Teresa, Former employees of AIU have made several opposing comments (see above). I am wondering how you would respond to them? Also, some of the students in my classes who turned their work in for group projects had the grammatical equivalent of an eighth grade level. I do not really know if it is eight grade, but am rather referring to the writing style of a child, full of errors to the point of confusion as to what they are trying state in terms of the assignment. This left me with the impression that your school let anyone and everyone into it. I am interested in your response to this as well.

Theresa, I am not sure in what capacity you work for AIU (certainly not a member of its English Department, I hope), but to berate Amy for being "naive" demonstrates my precise problem with the attitude of some so-called "educators" at CEC-owned schools. How does it help Amy to make fun of her? And why would Amy post more questions in anticipation of your assistance after you publicly humiliated her? Further, to accuse someone from a state university who is (justifiably) skeptical of AIU of being "salesy" is cosmically hilarious. The idea that an employee of a company under criminal investigation for lying to students and investors would accuse someone at a state university of bending the truth to make a sale is laughable. Theresa, your rebuttal is rife with spelling and punctuation errors and presents an attitude not in concert with someone who intends to either assist or inform. It was your response that was ridiculousand perhaps for that reason alone, you should make it a point to learn to spell it. You might consider a state university.

To Amy - did it ever occur to you that the state University might be pulling one over on you? I would surmise that they "slam" any online university because they are stealing the state universities business. I understand it is growing trend for traditional brick and mortar schools to "slam" online schools and/or refuse to accept degrees from them.

In response to this comment (see below): Rebuttal Consumer Comment Submitted: 12/1/2004 9:19:19 PM Modified: 12/1/2004 11:41:22 PM BS Well, what AIU told me that is was an Associate in Art degree. I'm just concentrating on Business. They call it an A.A.B.A which the STATE UNIVERSITY that I'm applying to says does not EXIST. This School is such a crock I'm sorry to say. Every time I call, they keep giving me the run around, transferring me to diff. people and phone calls are NOT being returned to me! ANYONE WHO IS CONSIDERING THIS SCHOOL...I WOULD THINK TWICE, NO MAYBE 1000 TIMES OVER IT, CAUSE, UNLESS YOU'RE RICH, SAVE YOUR MONEY AND TIME. Also, my new and WAY MORE KNOWLEDGEABLE advisor says that an AA is an AA no matter where it comes from, but with the AIU transcript that I had sent over...he said their is RED FLAGS all over it! He said he's never seen anything like it and hopes he doesn't see one again! Amy - Calumet, Minnesota U.S.A. _________________________________________________ This is so rediculous! How naive can you be? There si no such thing as an AABA? Is that what they told you? Assoc. of Arts in Business Administration. That's what it stands for, and you don;t think it exists? He is telling you that there are red flags surrounding it? Did you ever think that he was being "Salesy?" Why are you only willing to blame AIU. Take responsibility for your own decisions, and actions. Again, if you are haveing difficulties at AIU, respond to this rebuttle, and I will comment. I am sorry for your troubles, but aknowledge the true facts, not your frustration.

I would like to start this passage off by letting all of you know that I am an employee of AIU the online division. I recently discovered this website after one of my students said that she was appauled by some of the things that she read. I have looked through all of these articles, and I have come to this conclusion: Everyone is entitled to their opinion. Thank God for web sites like this...right (yes, I am being sarcastic)? AIU online is a very good opportunity for students and employees alike. I see many people saying that it's a rip off because you have to wait to speak with FA, until you have verified acceptance into the university. This is correct. The reason behind it is that AIU is not an open enrollment university. AIU is a very highly accredited, private university, as is Vanderbuilt, an Georgia Tech to name a couple (also accedited by SACS). They have the same policies and procedures implemented. Yes, you have to go through an interview process, and yes we pre-qualify our students. We don't want to see anyone "Fail" themselves. If it's not a good fit, then we need to advise you as to some other schools that you may want to look into. To give you an example: I was speaking with a student the other day, and after interviewing her for about forty minutes, it dawned on me that she may need a more structured environment. AIU is 24/7 accessable. No time requirements, and no days given to specifically log on. She would have had trouble in this type of environment. I suggested that she look into other schools, possible university of Phoenix. Reason is that at UoP, they have to log on five days a week, and have time requirements that feel more like the classroom environment. She called me back this evening to let me know that she would in fact be attending UoP, and she thanked me over and over again fo not letting her make such a mistake with such a large committment. Unfortunately, there are bad apples no matter where you look. I cannot say that everyone has the same attitude, but the individuals that I work with do. Otherwise, I would not be there. I have found, that through the three years that I have been there, that no decision is made without thinking about the best interest of the student. Have I ever gotten upset, of course. Who doesn't. If it was fun, it wouldn't be called work. AIU isn't a good fit for everyone, and again, is why the interview process is in place. The best thing to do, no matter what school you are looking into is to do lots of research. AIU's accreditation is fine. Again, I apologize for the novel, but I really feel that there is so much negativity surrounding this school. This is a great opportunity for most. If any of you need more detailed information, or have questions, please feel free to rebuttle to this passage, and I will comment honestly, and in a timely fashion. I wish you all the best of luck.

After rigorous review the sanction or "warning status" for AIU's accredidation has been recently lifted. AIU is fully accredited through SACS without any warning status. The approval of SACS accredidation of AIU is reflected in the recent increase of their stock.

I HAVE BEEN SCAMMED AND CHEATED BY AIU ONLINE LIKE NOTHING. WHEN I CALLED THEM I AM INTERESTED IN APPLYING FOR THE ADMISSION. THEY RUSHED ME AS THEY SAID CLASSS START IN 10 DAYS AND I WILL BE LEFT BEHIND. THEY FORCED ME TO APPLY FOR ALL THE LOANS AND EMPTIED MY ACCOUNTS. AFTER A MONTH THEY TOLD ME I WILL BE REQUIRED TO TAKE MORE COURSES AND PAY THEM MORE. I WAS NEVER TOLD MY ADMISSION WAS CONDITIONAL AND WAS PROMISED A DEGREE IN 13 MONTHS. But after 40 days they said if I want to quit I can and I will receive a refund. But after I quit they refused to refund and were unbelievably rude and unprofessional. I am going to file a lawsuit as it caused me lot of mental agony. If someone can sue Mcdonald's for not telling coffee is hot. I am goiing to get AIU as I was told there will be video lectures and lot of interaction but there was none. There is only one chat session in a week where more than 50 students question one guy. AIU is a scam just like a work from home or MLM scam. They should be made to shut down their business. I am looking for people to join me and file a class action and get our money back and some damages for waste of time. I was pressurized to apply for admission like anything and promised a degree in 13 months for a huge amount. I forgot to pay $4 balance. They charged me $4.86 as late fee. I did not receive any bill in writing but just an email. They said they can not transfer credits to other school or even provide me with my transcript. $5500 for 9 credit hours. I am going to file complaints everywhere possible in the world. Its a shame that such scam schools are allowed to operate. Its a question of my career and they have tried to ruin it. I will fight to death AIU and god will help me win because I am telling the truth and I am honest. AIU might have worked for only a few students. Their account department did not called me for 20 days. I called and left messages 100 times. They THREATENED ME TO RUIN MY CREDIT HISTORY IF I DO NOT PAY $10. I hope people will join me in teaching them a lesson.

I HAVE BEEN SCAMMED AND CHEATED BY AIU ONLINE LIKE NOTHING. WHEN I CALLED THEM I AM INTERESTED IN APPLYING FOR THE ADMISSION. THEY RUSHED ME AS THEY SAID CLASSS START IN 10 DAYS AND I WILL BE LEFT BEHIND. THEY FORCED ME TO APPLY FOR ALL THE LOANS AND EMPTIED MY ACCOUNTS. AFTER A MONTH THEY TOLD ME I WILL BE REQUIRED TO TAKE MORE COURSES AND PAY THEM MORE. I WAS NEVER TOLD MY ADMISSION WAS CONDITIONAL AND WAS PROMISED A DEGREE IN 13 MONTHS. But after 40 days they said if I want to quit I can and I will receive a refund. But after I quit they refused to refund and were unbelievably rude and unprofessional. I am going to file a lawsuit as it caused me lot of mental agony. If someone can sue Mcdonald's for not telling coffee is hot. I am goiing to get AIU as I was told there will be video lectures and lot of interaction but there was none. There is only one chat session in a week where more than 50 students question one guy. AIU is a scam just like a work from home or MLM scam. They should be made to shut down their business. I am looking for people to join me and file a class action and get our money back and some damages for waste of time. I was pressurized to apply for admission like anything and promised a degree in 13 months for a huge amount. I forgot to pay $4 balance. They charged me $4.86 as late fee. I did not receive any bill in writing but just an email. They said they can not transfer credits to other school or even provide me with my transcript. $5500 for 9 credit hours. I am going to file complaints everywhere possible in the world. Its a shame that such scam schools are allowed to operate. Its a question of my career and they have tried to ruin it. I will fight to death AIU and god will help me win because I am telling the truth and I am honest. AIU might have worked for only a few students. Their account department did not called me for 20 days. I called and left messages 100 times. They THREATENED ME TO RUIN MY CREDIT HISTORY IF I DO NOT PAY $10. I hope people will join me in teaching them a lesson.

I HAVE BEEN SCAMMED AND CHEATED BY AIU ONLINE LIKE NOTHING. WHEN I CALLED THEM I AM INTERESTED IN APPLYING FOR THE ADMISSION. THEY RUSHED ME AS THEY SAID CLASSS START IN 10 DAYS AND I WILL BE LEFT BEHIND. THEY FORCED ME TO APPLY FOR ALL THE LOANS AND EMPTIED MY ACCOUNTS. AFTER A MONTH THEY TOLD ME I WILL BE REQUIRED TO TAKE MORE COURSES AND PAY THEM MORE. I WAS NEVER TOLD MY ADMISSION WAS CONDITIONAL AND WAS PROMISED A DEGREE IN 13 MONTHS. But after 40 days they said if I want to quit I can and I will receive a refund. But after I quit they refused to refund and were unbelievably rude and unprofessional. I am going to file a lawsuit as it caused me lot of mental agony. If someone can sue Mcdonald's for not telling coffee is hot. I am goiing to get AIU as I was told there will be video lectures and lot of interaction but there was none. There is only one chat session in a week where more than 50 students question one guy. AIU is a scam just like a work from home or MLM scam. They should be made to shut down their business. I am looking for people to join me and file a class action and get our money back and some damages for waste of time. I was pressurized to apply for admission like anything and promised a degree in 13 months for a huge amount. I forgot to pay $4 balance. They charged me $4.86 as late fee. I did not receive any bill in writing but just an email. They said they can not transfer credits to other school or even provide me with my transcript. $5500 for 9 credit hours. I am going to file complaints everywhere possible in the world. Its a shame that such scam schools are allowed to operate. Its a question of my career and they have tried to ruin it. I will fight to death AIU and god will help me win because I am telling the truth and I am honest. AIU might have worked for only a few students. Their account department did not called me for 20 days. I called and left messages 100 times. They THREATENED ME TO RUIN MY CREDIT HISTORY IF I DO NOT PAY $10. I hope people will join me in teaching them a lesson.

I HAVE BEEN SCAMMED AND CHEATED BY AIU ONLINE LIKE NOTHING. WHEN I CALLED THEM I AM INTERESTED IN APPLYING FOR THE ADMISSION. THEY RUSHED ME AS THEY SAID CLASSS START IN 10 DAYS AND I WILL BE LEFT BEHIND. THEY FORCED ME TO APPLY FOR ALL THE LOANS AND EMPTIED MY ACCOUNTS. AFTER A MONTH THEY TOLD ME I WILL BE REQUIRED TO TAKE MORE COURSES AND PAY THEM MORE. I WAS NEVER TOLD MY ADMISSION WAS CONDITIONAL AND WAS PROMISED A DEGREE IN 13 MONTHS. But after 40 days they said if I want to quit I can and I will receive a refund. But after I quit they refused to refund and were unbelievably rude and unprofessional. I am going to file a lawsuit as it caused me lot of mental agony. If someone can sue Mcdonald's for not telling coffee is hot. I am goiing to get AIU as I was told there will be video lectures and lot of interaction but there was none. There is only one chat session in a week where more than 50 students question one guy. AIU is a scam just like a work from home or MLM scam. They should be made to shut down their business. I am looking for people to join me and file a class action and get our money back and some damages for waste of time. I was pressurized to apply for admission like anything and promised a degree in 13 months for a huge amount. I forgot to pay $4 balance. They charged me $4.86 as late fee. I did not receive any bill in writing but just an email. They said they can not transfer credits to other school or even provide me with my transcript. $5500 for 9 credit hours. I am going to file complaints everywhere possible in the world. Its a shame that such scam schools are allowed to operate. Its a question of my career and they have tried to ruin it. I will fight to death AIU and god will help me win because I am telling the truth and I am honest. AIU might have worked for only a few students. Their account department did not called me for 20 days. I called and left messages 100 times. They THREATENED ME TO RUIN MY CREDIT HISTORY IF I DO NOT PAY $10. I hope people will join me in teaching them a lesson.

I HAVE BEEN SCAMMED AND CHEATED BY AIU ONLINE LIKE NOTHING. WHEN I CALLED THEM I AM INTERESTED IN APPLYING FOR THE ADMISSION. THEY RUSHED ME AS THEY SAID CLASSS START IN 10 DAYS AND I WILL BE LEFT BEHIND. THEY FORCED ME TO APPLY FOR ALL THE LOANS AND EMPTIED MY ACCOUNTS. AFTER A MONTH THEY TOLD ME I WILL BE REQUIRED TO TAKE MORE COURSES AND PAY THEM MORE. I WAS NEVER TOLD MY ADMISSION WAS CONDITIONAL AND WAS PROMISED A DEGREE IN 13 MONTHS. But after 40 days they said if I want to quit I can and I will receive a refund. But after I quit they refused to refund and were unbelievably rude and unprofessional. I am going to file a lawsuit as it caused me lot of mental agony. If someone can sue Mcdonald's for not telling coffee is hot. I am goiing to get AIU as I was told there will be video lectures and lot of interaction but there was none. There is only one chat session in a week where more than 50 students question one guy. AIU is a scam just like a work from home or MLM scam. They should be made to shut down their business. I am looking for people to join me and file a class action and get our money back and some damages for waste of time. I was pressurized to apply for admission like anything and promised a degree in 13 months for a huge amount. I forgot to pay $4 balance. They charged me $4.86 as late fee. I did not receive any bill in writing but just an email. They said they can not transfer credits to other school or even provide me with my transcript. $5500 for 9 credit hours. I am going to file complaints everywhere possible in the world. Its a shame that such scam schools are allowed to operate. Its a question of my career and they have tried to ruin it. I will fight to death AIU and god will help me win because I am telling the truth and I am honest. AIU might have worked for only a few students. Their account department did not called me for 20 days. I called and left messages 100 times. They THREATENED ME TO RUIN MY CREDIT HISTORY IF I DO NOT PAY $10. I hope people will join me in teaching them a lesson.

I Worked for AIU, and all you learn to do is deceive them into thinking they are getting a real quality education that is equal to that of a traditional "brick and mortar" campus. They teach their employees to pound half-truths,bs and such into their prospective students to sign up. Im saying they ream you the way a used car sales man does, and then bring up your expectations like your going to harvard, but once you get started and such you might be shocked. I know their are people on here that liked their AIU education but those going from State U. and then going to AIU you notice the difference is more than apples and oranges.

I am currently an MBA student at AIU and have been attending online for 2 years. The faculty has been great and the credentials of the professors that I have had are more than I could get at any local school. One Professor took time to call and discuss the class with me and also encourage my daughter to continue with school..not necessarily AIU. I think that the people that have complaints are not taking the responsbility of financial or future transfers on themselves. This has been one of the best learning experiences that I have ever had and I would recommend it to anyone. Is it expensive? Yes it is, but locally we have University of Phoenix and their program did not seem to meet the standards of AIU. This is a tough way to learn because you have to be dedicated and disciplined. I wouldn't change a thing.

I am currently an AIU student, I will finish my BS in IT in February 05 on the accelerated program. I'm on track to finish with a 3.8 GPA and alot of fresh IT knowlege in areas I hadn't touched on in my career. I am happy with AIU and only had a few relatively minor problems (1 bad professor and trouble on 1 group project). Nothing major, certainly less problems than I had at community college or Arizona State. My classes have all been challenging to a certain degree and some have been downright difficult (.Net programming in 5 weeks anyone?). Overall it has been quite an enjoyable experience. I am attending using student loans acquried through FAFSA (which AIU REQUIRED that I complete on enrollment). While a student I was hired by US Department of Homeland Security and my salary escalated to upwards of $50k per year. AIU still REQUIRED that I complete my FAFSA this year even though my entire tuition was covered from last year and my salary level precluded financial assistance from the federal goverment (ironic ain't it?). I have only 1 fee that my loans did not cover and that was $400 that I am being allowed to pay over 4 months (gee could it be any harder?). DHS is offering at this time to cover part of the cost for my Masters degree if I choose to continue at AIU. AIU is well thought of in Federal circles, and Kaplan as well. I think the cost is high but the trade off for time is worth it. I live on the US Territory of Guam in the Pacific ocean. My choice of schools is EXTREMELY limited, University of Guam being the only US accredited institution on island. I could actually teach most of the IT classes at it (I'm a MCSE+Security, CCNA and a few other things). My choices thus were limited to online schools of which 2 of them (mentioned previously in this thread) did not return my calls or inquires. UOP assigned me an advisor who never returned my calls or email. Due to my time difference (+14hrs EST) I prefer to do everything by email and AIU had no problem with that at all, save my entrance interview. If you are worried about the cost to attend any university then don't go. Plain and simple. If you want to go and finish quickly while studying from home, put up the money. I think all the negative comments here, save 1, are meritless when viewed from the bigger picture. As for the SACS Warning, I'm sure it will be cleared up, even though AIU is a money machine they cannot afford to loose SACS accreditation because if they do FAFSA will not pay for people to attend AIU, and no college in the USA wants to be in that boat.

I am currently an AIU student, I will finish my BS in IT in February 05 on the accelerated program. I'm on track to finish with a 3.8 GPA and alot of fresh IT knowlege in areas I hadn't touched on in my career. I am happy with AIU and only had a few relatively minor problems (1 bad professor and trouble on 1 group project). Nothing major, certainly less problems than I had at community college or Arizona State. My classes have all been challenging to a certain degree and some have been downright difficult (.Net programming in 5 weeks anyone?). Overall it has been quite an enjoyable experience. I am attending using student loans acquried through FAFSA (which AIU REQUIRED that I complete on enrollment). While a student I was hired by US Department of Homeland Security and my salary escalated to upwards of $50k per year. AIU still REQUIRED that I complete my FAFSA this year even though my entire tuition was covered from last year and my salary level precluded financial assistance from the federal goverment (ironic ain't it?). I have only 1 fee that my loans did not cover and that was $400 that I am being allowed to pay over 4 months (gee could it be any harder?). DHS is offering at this time to cover part of the cost for my Masters degree if I choose to continue at AIU. AIU is well thought of in Federal circles, and Kaplan as well. I think the cost is high but the trade off for time is worth it. I live on the US Territory of Guam in the Pacific ocean. My choice of schools is EXTREMELY limited, University of Guam being the only US accredited institution on island. I could actually teach most of the IT classes at it (I'm a MCSE+Security, CCNA and a few other things). My choices thus were limited to online schools of which 2 of them (mentioned previously in this thread) did not return my calls or inquires. UOP assigned me an advisor who never returned my calls or email. Due to my time difference (+14hrs EST) I prefer to do everything by email and AIU had no problem with that at all, save my entrance interview. If you are worried about the cost to attend any university then don't go. Plain and simple. If you want to go and finish quickly while studying from home, put up the money. I think all the negative comments here, save 1, are meritless when viewed from the bigger picture. As for the SACS Warning, I'm sure it will be cleared up, even though AIU is a money machine they cannot afford to loose SACS accreditation because if they do FAFSA will not pay for people to attend AIU, and no college in the USA wants to be in that boat.

I am currently an AIU student, I will finish my BS in IT in February 05 on the accelerated program. I'm on track to finish with a 3.8 GPA and alot of fresh IT knowlege in areas I hadn't touched on in my career. I am happy with AIU and only had a few relatively minor problems (1 bad professor and trouble on 1 group project). Nothing major, certainly less problems than I had at community college or Arizona State. My classes have all been challenging to a certain degree and some have been downright difficult (.Net programming in 5 weeks anyone?). Overall it has been quite an enjoyable experience. I am attending using student loans acquried through FAFSA (which AIU REQUIRED that I complete on enrollment). While a student I was hired by US Department of Homeland Security and my salary escalated to upwards of $50k per year. AIU still REQUIRED that I complete my FAFSA this year even though my entire tuition was covered from last year and my salary level precluded financial assistance from the federal goverment (ironic ain't it?). I have only 1 fee that my loans did not cover and that was $400 that I am being allowed to pay over 4 months (gee could it be any harder?). DHS is offering at this time to cover part of the cost for my Masters degree if I choose to continue at AIU. AIU is well thought of in Federal circles, and Kaplan as well. I think the cost is high but the trade off for time is worth it. I live on the US Territory of Guam in the Pacific ocean. My choice of schools is EXTREMELY limited, University of Guam being the only US accredited institution on island. I could actually teach most of the IT classes at it (I'm a MCSE+Security, CCNA and a few other things). My choices thus were limited to online schools of which 2 of them (mentioned previously in this thread) did not return my calls or inquires. UOP assigned me an advisor who never returned my calls or email. Due to my time difference (+14hrs EST) I prefer to do everything by email and AIU had no problem with that at all, save my entrance interview. If you are worried about the cost to attend any university then don't go. Plain and simple. If you want to go and finish quickly while studying from home, put up the money. I think all the negative comments here, save 1, are meritless when viewed from the bigger picture. As for the SACS Warning, I'm sure it will be cleared up, even though AIU is a money machine they cannot afford to loose SACS accreditation because if they do FAFSA will not pay for people to attend AIU, and no college in the USA wants to be in that boat.

Some of you may already be aware of this, but I want to make sure that anyone who is considering pursuing a degree at a school owned by Career Education Corporation (CEC) unerstands that this company is currently under Federal Grand Jury investigation by the U.S. Attorney's Office in Chicago, criminal investigation by the Securities and Exchange COmmission (SEC), and the defendant in four shareholders derivative lawsuits (which have now been consolidated into a single class-action lawsuit). I am currently a professor at a school owned by CEC and I am also an attorney. You should be aware that many online schools, or even brick and mortar for-profit schools, are a dangerous proposition for furthering your education. While in many cases, they are staffed with well-educated and dedicated faculty who truly care about their students, the profit motive of the company that employs that faculty often makes being a dedicated, ethical professor impossible. I love teaching and I love my students, but I simply cannot provide the education I believe my students deserve because CEC is concerned primarily with making money. If you go to a school owned by CEC, or a similar for-profit school, you can get a good education. However, make it you responsibility to fully investigate the validity of the accreditation, the likelihood that your credits will transfer, and the ability of the school's program to meet the requirements of whatever career who plan to pursue after you graduate. My school, for example, has a nasty habit of concealing or manipulating important information about the value of our programs in order to entice a student to enroll. More than a few of our students have learned only after they have enrolled that the program doesn't provide the training they need, or that they will never be able to transfer their credits, or worse still, that their background bars them from ever working in their field. All of this information could easily have been relayed to the students before they spent large sums of money on tuition, but was not. You must realize that as a for-profit school, the incentive is only to get students to enroll by saying anything necessary to accomplish this. In this regard, my school, and others like it including AIU, are like used car salesmen. Once you leave the lot (or begin your education), they now no longer care about whether you are a happy customer--they are simply too busy selling the next customer. Like I said, most of these schools are packed with fine professors who love teaching and want to see their students succeed. But please remember, it is the parent company that monitors the botom line and it is they that decide how best to pursue a profit. For-profit educational companies (like CEC) were (and in some cases remain) the darlings of Wall Street investment brokers as one of the hottest market segments going. Anyone who can remember the massive collapse of the "dot com" companies or the Enron debacle should recognize that the very same thing may well be happening here. My final advice is to inform yourself. Just remember, when deciding whether to enroll and spend you money, the only person who truly cares about whether the school meets your educational needs is you. Do not expect your admissions representative to tell you honestly whether you are making a sound educational choice. No matter the school, if they are for-profit, they have a huge incentive to do or say anything to get you to enroll. Only you can determine if it is worth it. My own advice would be to choose a a community college or a state college with a distance-learning program over any for-profit school. And I would highly recomend against any online programs if you have an alternative. Use such programs only as a last resort. You are investing vast sums of money and you may be paying these loans back for decades. In many respects, your education will be one of the most expensive things, if not the most expensive thing you ever buy. If you are not convinced the school in which you plan to enroll is worth every cent you plan to spend on it, do not go. Professor of Criminal Justice The Katharine Gibbs School

Colleen - I'm not trying to pick on you, but you should be focused more on YOU and not others in your group. I agree with you, it's not right when others get a free ride off your hard work, but you know....that happens in life more than any of us care to think about. Life is not fair! I can't tell you how many times I was the only participant in my group. In one class the group project was to debate an issue - and I actually debated it with MYSELF! It was crazy, and everyone in the group got an A. Oh well...MY GRADE was what mattered to ME. Try not to worry about the other guy, because I'm 100% sure they aren't worried about you! But you know what - you can graduate knowing you fully earned that degree for YOUR work - without being 'given' any of your grades! As for Amy's credits - when I transferred into AIU, I had credits from a local community jr. college AND from Univ of Phoenix. All the ground school credits came in as electives (English & Math classes) as well as some of the UOP credits. So where Amy's credits are concerned, I still don't think anything illegal is going on or that AIU is ripping her off. People - this is your hard earned money!! RESEARCH how credits are looked at both ways from any institution you attend. I knew my credits from UOP might not transfer if I changed schools - and I did loose some of them. That's MY problem for changing schools - not AIU's problem! If I remember right, EVERY school I looked at, clearly stated that their credits might NOT transfer - there were no guarantees. I feel for you, Amy - I wish it were different, because it is VERY frustrating (I've been there), but every business has their operating rules. Your last post mentioned ONE person's opinion from another university about your transcript. Call several universities and get an average concensus about your AIU transcript - then form your opinion, but I certainly wouldn't go with ONE person's opinion. If you called tech support and the first person you talked with said your computer is trash - go buy a new one....would you run out and buy a new one, or would you get a second or even third opinion? Also - when you call AIU - don't let them transfer you around, don't let them place you on hold. Tell them you have called for some answers, and get aggressive with them! Ask for names and names of supervisors. Don't allow them to call you back - keep calling and be pushy! Remember - the squeeky wheel gets the grease! And finally, surely you were kidding about the government being concerned about how their financial aid dollars were spent at AIU! The government isn't going to do anything or could care less...we borrowed the money, and now we are going to pay it back, whether we were ripped off or not! To think your going to be compensated for your error in judgement is like day traders thinking their broker is going to compensate them for all the bad stock they bought!

Colleen, While you are on the phone with Texas Women's University, ask them about their current problem with their accreditation. Better yet, look it up yourself through SACS. I bet you will be surprised of the findings. Additionally, for everyone else on this board who would like to comment, is it realistic to think that AIU would just shut its doors and lose its accreditation with all of the land campuses here in the U.S. and the two overseas? CEC and AIU did not just pop-up over night. Can you imagine the nightmare this would cause for students world- wide and the school itself? I cannot imagine a scenario as such occurring. By the way Colleen, the campus in Dallas and San Antonio are not yet up and running. They are both set to start instruction in January. Yes, some parts of the campuses are manned and recruitment has been ongoing for months now, however, no instruction has taken place yet. The only one in operation is in Houston, which has been around for about two years now. I thought I would bring this up since you brought up the local AIU campuses. One last thing, look into the accreditation status of Auburn University, this might come as a surprise as well.

Well there you have it Colleen. I am not the only one who knows of other colleges that do not let all associates degree credits transfer in to their Bachelors programs. Others on this post know this as well. This is not unusual. There is no one curriculum for a specific degree at any college. Most colleges vary by state and wether or not they are private or state colleges. Not all credits from the University of Texas will Transfer to Texas Christian University, even though they are in the same state. As to your comment about beating up others for their opinion, I do understand that some people have had problems but I also know from 4 years of teaching at a college that some are trying to lay blame for their mistakes. Not beating anybody up by saying this, just being blunt and honest. Don't believe me Colleen? Then finish your degree atleast through masters level and go teach at a college. I tried to sit down with the department chair from Baylor university in Waco to negotiate transfer of credits from the program I worked in to their program. Many colleges don't like to accept courses transferred in that are considered part of their core curriculum. Anybody who is considering receiving their Associates from one college to transfer in to another college should check from day one with the college they plan on transferring to, to ensure that they are not taking any courses that won't do this. Let's say your bachelors degree is 96 credits(I am pulling these numbers out of the air). Now lets say that 35 of those credits are in core courses, 48 credits are in general education, and 13 are in electives. If you take an associate of arts program and it contains 35 credit hours of core courses in it and 25 hours of general education credits with 6 hours of electives. It is those 35 credit hours of core courses that you are trying to articulate in that the college offering the bachelors degree may not let transfer. AIU is no different from many of these schools. They insist just like other colleges that you take so many hours of their core courses from their school in order to receive a degree. Some schools that offer associates degrees set up articulation agreements with certain colleges so that their students who want to transfer can get the most out of their transfer of credits. One of the first things I was asked when students were looking to enter in to the degree that I taught in was how much of this will transfer, and we told them the same information. You have to check with the school you want to transfer to for this information because many colleges are picky about letting core courses transfer. Colleen I commented how a friend of mine who had received her associates degree from a junior college in Texas couldn't transfer most of the degree to UNLV. Is UNLV in cahoots with AIU so they too can rip people off? Of course not. This is just how colleges are. A not to anybody reading this post that is either considering obtaining an associates degree and then transferring to another college to finish their bachelors degree, check with the college you are looking at to finish the bachelors degree about what credits can be taken at the first college. This should help you to decide on if the college you are receiving your associates degree is right for you.

Your advisor is right an AA is an AA, and a BA is BA, but the fact of the matter is I don't know your advisor, my advisor from my community college told me I would have no problem transfering credits from my AS program well that was bull because I did, and it wasn't even from a private to public school or vice versa, it wasn't even a school in a different state, it was two Public schools. Your advisor or others may question the quality of the education you recieved, that is their right as far as being skeptical of online schooling goes. However, what red flags did he say were going up regarding the AABA program? how is it different from my ASCST, or an AA in psychology, or any other, AA or AS program, it isn't! It is an Assocites, with a core. Because AIU requirements are different from another institution, for general ED or for required classes for an AABA does not mean it is any less. AIU requires 90 credits for their AA, my community college only required 62. I looked at AIU's catalouge and they had more general ED requirements than my community college did, but the classes seemed roughly the same. Where I think you went wrong is you did spend way too much money on an AA period. A state junior or community college could have provided you with it at a fraction of the cost. I am going to AIU now for convienience. I don't have the time to spend going to a traditional college, nor do I have the patience to go to another 3 years of schooling to achieve a simple BS. The fact that they are accredited makes the degree as good as any other and that's what matters to me. I hope you get an excellent education where you are planning to attend, and I do, despite what you may think sympathize with your transfer credit situation I myself was very inflammed over my transfer problems, but feces happens.

This site will help you peeps out who don't have much of a clue. http://faculty.ncwc.edu/toconnor/disted.htm This is the State of Oregon's website, showing which schools are "illegal" or diploma mills. Read to find out what a diploma mill is. http://www.osac.state.or.us/oda/unaccredited.html Now, check out a true diploma mill. Coincidently, it's located under the State of Oregon's list of illegal schools. http://www.ashwooduniversity.net/ashwood/master_degrees_programs.asp#1 You want cheap schooling? $299 for a Master's Degree!!! Shipping included too.

Well, what AIU told me that is was an Associate in Art degree. I'm just concentrating on Business. They call it an A.A.B.A which the STATE UNIVERSITY that I'm applying to says does not EXIST. This School is such a crock I'm sorry to say. Every time I call, they keep giving me the run around, transferring me to diff. people and phone calls are NOT being returned to me! ANYONE WHO IS CONSIDERING THIS SCHOOL...I WOULD THINK TWICE, NO MAYBE 1000 TIMES OVER IT, CAUSE, UNLESS YOU'RE RICH, SAVE YOUR MONEY AND TIME. Also, my new and WAY MORE KNOWLEDGEABLE advisor says that an AA is an AA no matter where it comes from, but with the AIU transcript that I had sent over...he said their is RED FLAGS all over it! He said he's never seen anything like it and hopes he doesn't see one again!

I think some responses here are a bit over the top. If AIU tanks, there goes my degree? Just because they tank, my degree becomes useless...like the actual degree evaporates, or the degree police come and rip the information and knowledge that I gained out of my brain? Of course not! Nothing in life is a given. I don't remember AIU promising me anything beyond providing an instructor and an online classroom in exchange for my payment. The rest was up to me. I believe this board has established, quite well, that AIU is a for profit business - so, do business with them as you would any other for profit business! You know, I paid close to $40K for my vehicle, but Ford didn't promise to stay in business, or that the vehicle wouldn't need maintenance every now and then. Even with Enron, while I feel badly for most of those people who lost big, there are no promises in life. And just because an employer has a tuition reimbursement policy doesn't mean they will pay for AIU. Due to the cost of the classes, my company declined reimbursement, although it violated their policy - so they changed their policy! LOL Also, AIU sends their books via overnight carrier. AIU most likely has contracted a VERY low price for shipping their books, providing ALL shipments originate from the same location (it all has to do with numbers!). Sorry, but it makes perfect sense to me that they ship books from one central location - it probably saves them thousands of dollars each month. Amy - $6500 doesn't sound like enough to have gotten your AA from start to finish at AIU, so I'm guessing that you transferred in some previous credits to finish up your AA. I'm not sure I understand why you wouldn't just continue on at AIU for your bachelors, or why you wouldn't have checked with your ground school PRIOR to taking the AIU classes to make sure they would transfer in as you anticipated. Maybe I'm not understanding or don't have enough facts, but what you described sounds perfectly legitimate to me - most schools have different requirements for AA's, UOPhoenix doesn't even offer an AA (or at least they didn't when I went there previous to AIU). Don't get me wrong - I wasn't thrilled with everything that happened while I attended AIU, but then, that's life! However, I LOVE having my degree - all signed, sealed and delivered!!! ;-) Rita - Lubbock, TX

I think some responses here are a bit over the top. If AIU tanks, there goes my degree? Just because they tank, my degree becomes useless...like the actual degree evaporates, or the degree police come and rip the information and knowledge that I gained out of my brain? Of course not! Nothing in life is a given. I don't remember AIU promising me anything beyond providing an instructor and an online classroom in exchange for my payment. The rest was up to me. I believe this board has established, quite well, that AIU is a for profit business - so, do business with them as you would any other for profit business! You know, I paid close to $40K for my vehicle, but Ford didn't promise to stay in business, or that the vehicle wouldn't need maintenance every now and then. Even with Enron, while I feel badly for most of those people who lost big, there are no promises in life. And just because an employer has a tuition reimbursement policy doesn't mean they will pay for AIU. Due to the cost of the classes, my company declined reimbursement, although it violated their policy - so they changed their policy! LOL Also, AIU sends their books via overnight carrier. AIU most likely has contracted a VERY low price for shipping their books, providing ALL shipments originate from the same location (it all has to do with numbers!). Sorry, but it makes perfect sense to me that they ship books from one central location - it probably saves them thousands of dollars each month. Amy - $6500 doesn't sound like enough to have gotten your AA from start to finish at AIU, so I'm guessing that you transferred in some previous credits to finish up your AA. I'm not sure I understand why you wouldn't just continue on at AIU for your bachelors, or why you wouldn't have checked with your ground school PRIOR to taking the AIU classes to make sure they would transfer in as you anticipated. Maybe I'm not understanding or don't have enough facts, but what you described sounds perfectly legitimate to me - most schools have different requirements for AA's, UOPhoenix doesn't even offer an AA (or at least they didn't when I went there previous to AIU). Don't get me wrong - I wasn't thrilled with everything that happened while I attended AIU, but then, that's life! However, I LOVE having my degree - all signed, sealed and delivered!!! ;-) Rita - Lubbock, TX

I think some responses here are a bit over the top. If AIU tanks, there goes my degree? Just because they tank, my degree becomes useless...like the actual degree evaporates, or the degree police come and rip the information and knowledge that I gained out of my brain? Of course not! Nothing in life is a given. I don't remember AIU promising me anything beyond providing an instructor and an online classroom in exchange for my payment. The rest was up to me. I believe this board has established, quite well, that AIU is a for profit business - so, do business with them as you would any other for profit business! You know, I paid close to $40K for my vehicle, but Ford didn't promise to stay in business, or that the vehicle wouldn't need maintenance every now and then. Even with Enron, while I feel badly for most of those people who lost big, there are no promises in life. And just because an employer has a tuition reimbursement policy doesn't mean they will pay for AIU. Due to the cost of the classes, my company declined reimbursement, although it violated their policy - so they changed their policy! LOL Also, AIU sends their books via overnight carrier. AIU most likely has contracted a VERY low price for shipping their books, providing ALL shipments originate from the same location (it all has to do with numbers!). Sorry, but it makes perfect sense to me that they ship books from one central location - it probably saves them thousands of dollars each month. Amy - $6500 doesn't sound like enough to have gotten your AA from start to finish at AIU, so I'm guessing that you transferred in some previous credits to finish up your AA. I'm not sure I understand why you wouldn't just continue on at AIU for your bachelors, or why you wouldn't have checked with your ground school PRIOR to taking the AIU classes to make sure they would transfer in as you anticipated. Maybe I'm not understanding or don't have enough facts, but what you described sounds perfectly legitimate to me - most schools have different requirements for AA's, UOPhoenix doesn't even offer an AA (or at least they didn't when I went there previous to AIU). Don't get me wrong - I wasn't thrilled with everything that happened while I attended AIU, but then, that's life! However, I LOVE having my degree - all signed, sealed and delivered!!! ;-) Rita - Lubbock, TX

I think some responses here are a bit over the top. If AIU tanks, there goes my degree? Just because they tank, my degree becomes useless...like the actual degree evaporates, or the degree police come and rip the information and knowledge that I gained out of my brain? Of course not! Nothing in life is a given. I don't remember AIU promising me anything beyond providing an instructor and an online classroom in exchange for my payment. The rest was up to me. I believe this board has established, quite well, that AIU is a for profit business - so, do business with them as you would any other for profit business! You know, I paid close to $40K for my vehicle, but Ford didn't promise to stay in business, or that the vehicle wouldn't need maintenance every now and then. Even with Enron, while I feel badly for most of those people who lost big, there are no promises in life. And just because an employer has a tuition reimbursement policy doesn't mean they will pay for AIU. Due to the cost of the classes, my company declined reimbursement, although it violated their policy - so they changed their policy! LOL Also, AIU sends their books via overnight carrier. AIU most likely has contracted a VERY low price for shipping their books, providing ALL shipments originate from the same location (it all has to do with numbers!). Sorry, but it makes perfect sense to me that they ship books from one central location - it probably saves them thousands of dollars each month. Amy - $6500 doesn't sound like enough to have gotten your AA from start to finish at AIU, so I'm guessing that you transferred in some previous credits to finish up your AA. I'm not sure I understand why you wouldn't just continue on at AIU for your bachelors, or why you wouldn't have checked with your ground school PRIOR to taking the AIU classes to make sure they would transfer in as you anticipated. Maybe I'm not understanding or don't have enough facts, but what you described sounds perfectly legitimate to me - most schools have different requirements for AA's, UOPhoenix doesn't even offer an AA (or at least they didn't when I went there previous to AIU). Don't get me wrong - I wasn't thrilled with everything that happened while I attended AIU, but then, that's life! However, I LOVE having my degree - all signed, sealed and delivered!!! ;-) Rita - Lubbock, TX

You have got to be kidding right? That is all I needed to hear. 24 credits shy?!! All the loans taken out through FASA for this? There has got to be something illegal going on here. There has to be some way to get compensated for the extra expense most of us will incure to catch up to admissions as a junior. So in other words these degree's are only accepted if the company you work for or other school doesn't care where you got your degree from. That takes the cake. I will be calling Texas Womens University and others in my area to find out what is excepted and get back to you on my find. Care to comment Mark? Whining, can't owe up to our own mistakes, looking for the perfect school? Please, the more people investigate, the uglier this is going to become. I stand my ground on "something is just not right with this organization". I wonder what the government is going to do about all the money they pumped into this faudulant business for students seeking higher education.

Well someone made the comment regarding AA credits from AIU transfering as elective credits, this is not a unique situation regarding AIU. I earned my AA in Computer Systems Technology from a community (some call it a junior) college in CT. I figured if I earned my AA then transferred to a four year school I would save money. Well After graduating I enrolled at one of the CT state universities, and when my credits transferred over 90% of them were considered electives. And I still had a great number of general requirements to meet. In addition all of the computer related courses I took, which covered the information in many of the required computer classes for a BS in COmputer Science came over as electives, and I had to take courses over that were different only in name, and number, not educational content. I attended only for one semester, I decided after 2 years of COmmnity college for an AS and now almost 3 and 1/2 years more for my BS wasn't worth it. I really wanted to finish my BS but it wasn't worth almost six years of schooling for it. When I came across AIU and their accelerated 2+2 BIT program it was too good to pass on. As promised my AS transferred over as full transfer credit accounting for all general requirements etc... Now I only have 11 months left to my BS, I love it! I am considering getting my MS from AIU as well but we will cross that bridge when I come to it. Just wanted to let you know that credit transfers is a messy business, and has nothing to do with quality of education.

Hey Del, If the school tanks and you had received your bachelors degree or higher from it, your degree doesn't tank as well. The girl I dated in Highschool went to Phillips University in Oklahoma. This was a non-profit school that filed for bankruptcy in 1998. She can still pursue a graduate degree. Her bachelors is still recognized as far as I can tell as long as the school was accredited at the time she received the degree. I can understand your concern but I am pretty sure that doesn't void your degree.

Hey amy that happens more than you think. I had a friend who finished an associates degree from a junior college in Texas. When she tried to enroll at UNLV they wouldn't take very many of her courses. She basically started over. This happens quite often at the undergraduate level.

Hey amy that happens more than you think. I had a friend who finished an associates degree from a junior college in Texas. When she tried to enroll at UNLV they wouldn't take very many of her courses. She basically started over. This happens quite often at the undergraduate level.

Hey amy that happens more than you think. I had a friend who finished an associates degree from a junior college in Texas. When she tried to enroll at UNLV they wouldn't take very many of her courses. She basically started over. This happens quite often at the undergraduate level.

Hey amy that happens more than you think. I had a friend who finished an associates degree from a junior college in Texas. When she tried to enroll at UNLV they wouldn't take very many of her courses. She basically started over. This happens quite often at the undergraduate level.

I did go to the department head via e-mail and STRICT office hour time frames. No results. I also wrote the dean as many of my former classmates did. Again no reply. So AIU is aware of their mistakes to be able to fix it. As far as being on a quest for a perfect school, there is none. There are going to be schools that are better in one area than another and no one person will ever be completely satisfied. It's called human nature. Noone on this site is having a "FIT" or "WHINING" as you put it. We are only sharing our experiences. Not all my experiences at AIU were bad if you read my other posts. But like others I had lingering questions to their ethical practice in some incidences that AIU decided not to address after being questioned. I attended many Chats online in every class and lead every group project I was in. Whether I would go to a traditional setting or Distant learning setting I expect like others expect to get their intellectual and financial needs met. As you are right most people like myself and you do not have alot of time for traditional settings for one reason or another but after little feedback, lack of communications, experiencing other students great credit for no work done, I decided to take my education to a tradional campus, so when I have a group project due or a question concerning an assignment I don't quite understand, I will have people in front of me to talk to. So you can stop trying to beat up on people on this site with your snide remarks of whiners, perfectionists, and doom sayers and respect the fact we all have our own opinions. Alot of us are not as fortunate as some to have an entity help pay the cost of school. So then it becomes trying to get the best education I can for the money I will have to pay. Nothing wrong with wanting to get the very best for my dollar. AIU has quite a few bugs to work out if they expect to stay in business.

For those of you planning on getting your associates degree, BEWARE. I recently got my associates degree from AIU online and went to a State University this week. They have informed me that I'm NOT starting as a junior in college. I still have about 24 credits in Core General Ed classes! So 6500.00 later, all my AIU credits transferred as electives which doesn't help me for crap. They told me that I was getting my Associate in Arts in Buss. Admin. They said it was just "An A.A. with an emphasis in Business. This is complete crap. I'm wondering if any of you had this same problem. Venting, A.G.

I am currently an AIU student. I have praise for the school, but unfourtunately, I mostly have doubt. AIU is for profit, before you enroll in any for profit school check online for CECO, I wish I did. CECO and other for profit schools are dnagerous because they are out o make money and get stockholders, if they tank like Enron so does your degree. I am satisfied with AIU for now, but I am transfering to not for profit school ASAP because the risks of For Profit schools are enormous. Look for CECO their lawsuits for lying about class sizes. And look at the SASC... If you want an online school, go for those that are not for profit... UMASS, UTICA,SOUTH

I started a long rebuttal but I realize it is not necessary. This site has more positive than negative comments about this school. While some of the complaints here are valid many are a joke. No school is perfect. I hope Colleen you find one that is all things to everybody. Good luck on that. The only reason I keep commenting on this site is because there are many people who can't go to a traditional college for various reasons and I would hate for them to pass on a good education because some bad apples decided to lash out at the school instead of owing up to their own mistakes. Before you have a fit I am not speaking for all of the complaints here, just most. Since online learning is new, people are going to be skeptical at first. That is natural and that is how most find this site. Some of the people complaining are just trying to run the school down and it is obvious that several of the posts are from disgruntled employees. They admitted to having worked previously in the recruiting department. To those who are considering online here are some things to think about. Online learning is a bit different. If you are the type that needs to sit in a lecture hall and have the information poured into your head then Online isn't for you. However the instructors do lecture here it is called chat and it happens twice a week for each class. If you have a question to ask the instructor office hours would be the time to do it. Some are nice enough to address emails outside of those hours but most college professors are very strict about those hours. You are right Colleen when you said my employer will pay for any school that is accredited. The key here is accreditation. I have personally been through re-accreditation for SACS and I can tell you have not. Accreditation is very important and very hard for schools to get. It takes a lot of work to not only get accredited but to retain accreditation. I would also like to say that it does make sense to consolidate the online school. That includes the bookstore. It would be chaos for every campus to handle online as well as regular students. Like I stated before all colleges are out to make money. Some show profit while others absorb it back into the school in some way or another. For profit does not make it bad. Oh by the way the next time you have an instructor that hands a grade to another student for no group participation I would first talk to the instructor. If that doesn't work then I would talk to the department chair, then the dean, get it. If the school doesn't know it is broken, they can't fix it. Good luck in your quest for the perfect school.

If you both looked closely at my rebuttal, both would have seen both the good and bad side of AIU. If every single college is like AIU, then there isn't alot of teaching going on. How correct you are when you say you have to learn for yourself, which I did thank you. But at what point do you shell out that kind of money to learn and get a degree, then find out that constant e-mails and phone calls with questions concerning anything from a question to an assignment to matters concerning financial aid go unanswered? Is that good academic or business practice? I think not. I wish all my instructors could have been as good as the handful of instuctors that went out of their way to stretch my mind and others. Their grades were not handed out and work hard we did. The next question for you both. If in fact you are both so satisfied, please tell me why you are on this site? Looking for another business perhaps and out of curiosity had lingering question about AIU? AIU promises alot and delivers very little. Your company will pay for any schooling that is accredited if it is in their policy to do such. So it doesn't matter what school you chose, so long as it was accredited and the company received compensation for such. Noone on this site is whining, just stating opinions, that in fact are just that. Both of you must of been fun to debate with on the discussion board. Not everyone will think like you do, nor will everyone think like I do and that is what makes life interesting isn't it. Finally, with a campus in Texas, can you explain then why we got all our books and services out of Ill. or Georgia? Would it of not been more cost efficient to do business with their students in Texas from their Texas campus.

If you both looked closely at my rebuttal, both would have seen both the good and bad side of AIU. If every single college is like AIU, then there isn't alot of teaching going on. How correct you are when you say you have to learn for yourself, which I did thank you. But at what point do you shell out that kind of money to learn and get a degree, then find out that constant e-mails and phone calls with questions concerning anything from a question to an assignment to matters concerning financial aid go unanswered? Is that good academic or business practice? I think not. I wish all my instructors could have been as good as the handful of instuctors that went out of their way to stretch my mind and others. Their grades were not handed out and work hard we did. The next question for you both. If in fact you are both so satisfied, please tell me why you are on this site? Looking for another business perhaps and out of curiosity had lingering question about AIU? AIU promises alot and delivers very little. Your company will pay for any schooling that is accredited if it is in their policy to do such. So it doesn't matter what school you chose, so long as it was accredited and the company received compensation for such. Noone on this site is whining, just stating opinions, that in fact are just that. Both of you must of been fun to debate with on the discussion board. Not everyone will think like you do, nor will everyone think like I do and that is what makes life interesting isn't it. Finally, with a campus in Texas, can you explain then why we got all our books and services out of Ill. or Georgia? Would it of not been more cost efficient to do business with their students in Texas from their Texas campus.

If you both looked closely at my rebuttal, both would have seen both the good and bad side of AIU. If every single college is like AIU, then there isn't alot of teaching going on. How correct you are when you say you have to learn for yourself, which I did thank you. But at what point do you shell out that kind of money to learn and get a degree, then find out that constant e-mails and phone calls with questions concerning anything from a question to an assignment to matters concerning financial aid go unanswered? Is that good academic or business practice? I think not. I wish all my instructors could have been as good as the handful of instuctors that went out of their way to stretch my mind and others. Their grades were not handed out and work hard we did. The next question for you both. If in fact you are both so satisfied, please tell me why you are on this site? Looking for another business perhaps and out of curiosity had lingering question about AIU? AIU promises alot and delivers very little. Your company will pay for any schooling that is accredited if it is in their policy to do such. So it doesn't matter what school you chose, so long as it was accredited and the company received compensation for such. Noone on this site is whining, just stating opinions, that in fact are just that. Both of you must of been fun to debate with on the discussion board. Not everyone will think like you do, nor will everyone think like I do and that is what makes life interesting isn't it. Finally, with a campus in Texas, can you explain then why we got all our books and services out of Ill. or Georgia? Would it of not been more cost efficient to do business with their students in Texas from their Texas campus.

If you both looked closely at my rebuttal, both would have seen both the good and bad side of AIU. If every single college is like AIU, then there isn't alot of teaching going on. How correct you are when you say you have to learn for yourself, which I did thank you. But at what point do you shell out that kind of money to learn and get a degree, then find out that constant e-mails and phone calls with questions concerning anything from a question to an assignment to matters concerning financial aid go unanswered? Is that good academic or business practice? I think not. I wish all my instructors could have been as good as the handful of instuctors that went out of their way to stretch my mind and others. Their grades were not handed out and work hard we did. The next question for you both. If in fact you are both so satisfied, please tell me why you are on this site? Looking for another business perhaps and out of curiosity had lingering question about AIU? AIU promises alot and delivers very little. Your company will pay for any schooling that is accredited if it is in their policy to do such. So it doesn't matter what school you chose, so long as it was accredited and the company received compensation for such. Noone on this site is whining, just stating opinions, that in fact are just that. Both of you must of been fun to debate with on the discussion board. Not everyone will think like you do, nor will everyone think like I do and that is what makes life interesting isn't it. Finally, with a campus in Texas, can you explain then why we got all our books and services out of Ill. or Georgia? Would it of not been more cost efficient to do business with their students in Texas from their Texas campus.

Well put Mark! I have not had much time to respond to anyone here because currently I am a graduate student with AIU. I would say that I agree with everything you posted. Back to homework now. :-)

Colleen I can't speak for the others who have posted here, but I did a search to find out everything I could about this school before handing money over to it, unlike some of the others who are whining about the cost. I think most people are here because they can think for themselves and would like to weigh the information. I worked at another SACS accredidated college and that school even at one point had a class action lawsuit against it. It didn't make it a bad school because the school offered many degrees they just had problem in one of the departments. Like I said in a previous post I work with another gentleman who went to a very prestigious art school which is very expensive and he has made the same complaints about that school that I heard at the school I taught at as well as what I am hearing at this site. The fact is no school will make all of the students that attend happy. I have seen this first hand. There will always be whiners who want to blame the school for their lack of motivation and drive. I have had crappy instruction at a school before but I had the sense to know I have to learn for myself. No instructor can make you learn. The survey they give you at the end of the class is for institutional effectiveness which is mandated by the SACS accredidation. Take a statistics course and you will find out what happens to 1 or 2 surveys out of a hundred that have a negative comment. Yes the school won't bend over backwards to please one crybaby. The will however address issues that are indicated by many people addressing the same problem. I would like to make one final comment to those who like to accuse this school of greed. Even the non-profit schools are about money. They are still a business that prospers on money. Their first concern is money. The more money they make the larger the raises they can give to either administration, facutly, or the more expansion they can make to the school, etc...... If money wasn't the primary concern of most schools then tell me why they continue to increase tuition at an exponential rate. It is because no department on any campus, I have ever heard of wants to get less budget than they had last year. I know this first hand. Are you getting the picture yet! Colleen you are from allen Texas. That is close enough to the DFW Metroplex. I work for the number 2 rated employer in the DFW Metroplex, Lockheed Martin. They not only have no problem with the degree acquired from this school, but they pay for most of it. Do you think Lockheed would pay that much money for a worthless degree. I will end this rebuttal with that.

Colleen I can't speak for the others who have posted here, but I did a search to find out everything I could about this school before handing money over to it, unlike some of the others who are whining about the cost. I think most people are here because they can think for themselves and would like to weigh the information. I worked at another SACS accredidated college and that school even at one point had a class action lawsuit against it. It didn't make it a bad school because the school offered many degrees they just had problem in one of the departments. Like I said in a previous post I work with another gentleman who went to a very prestigious art school which is very expensive and he has made the same complaints about that school that I heard at the school I taught at as well as what I am hearing at this site. The fact is no school will make all of the students that attend happy. I have seen this first hand. There will always be whiners who want to blame the school for their lack of motivation and drive. I have had crappy instruction at a school before but I had the sense to know I have to learn for myself. No instructor can make you learn. The survey they give you at the end of the class is for institutional effectiveness which is mandated by the SACS accredidation. Take a statistics course and you will find out what happens to 1 or 2 surveys out of a hundred that have a negative comment. Yes the school won't bend over backwards to please one crybaby. The will however address issues that are indicated by many people addressing the same problem. I would like to make one final comment to those who like to accuse this school of greed. Even the non-profit schools are about money. They are still a business that prospers on money. Their first concern is money. The more money they make the larger the raises they can give to either administration, facutly, or the more expansion they can make to the school, etc...... If money wasn't the primary concern of most schools then tell me why they continue to increase tuition at an exponential rate. It is because no department on any campus, I have ever heard of wants to get less budget than they had last year. I know this first hand. Are you getting the picture yet! Colleen you are from allen Texas. That is close enough to the DFW Metroplex. I work for the number 2 rated employer in the DFW Metroplex, Lockheed Martin. They not only have no problem with the degree acquired from this school, but they pay for most of it. Do you think Lockheed would pay that much money for a worthless degree. I will end this rebuttal with that.

Colleen I can't speak for the others who have posted here, but I did a search to find out everything I could about this school before handing money over to it, unlike some of the others who are whining about the cost. I think most people are here because they can think for themselves and would like to weigh the information. I worked at another SACS accredidated college and that school even at one point had a class action lawsuit against it. It didn't make it a bad school because the school offered many degrees they just had problem in one of the departments. Like I said in a previous post I work with another gentleman who went to a very prestigious art school which is very expensive and he has made the same complaints about that school that I heard at the school I taught at as well as what I am hearing at this site. The fact is no school will make all of the students that attend happy. I have seen this first hand. There will always be whiners who want to blame the school for their lack of motivation and drive. I have had crappy instruction at a school before but I had the sense to know I have to learn for myself. No instructor can make you learn. The survey they give you at the end of the class is for institutional effectiveness which is mandated by the SACS accredidation. Take a statistics course and you will find out what happens to 1 or 2 surveys out of a hundred that have a negative comment. Yes the school won't bend over backwards to please one crybaby. The will however address issues that are indicated by many people addressing the same problem. I would like to make one final comment to those who like to accuse this school of greed. Even the non-profit schools are about money. They are still a business that prospers on money. Their first concern is money. The more money they make the larger the raises they can give to either administration, facutly, or the more expansion they can make to the school, etc...... If money wasn't the primary concern of most schools then tell me why they continue to increase tuition at an exponential rate. It is because no department on any campus, I have ever heard of wants to get less budget than they had last year. I know this first hand. Are you getting the picture yet! Colleen you are from allen Texas. That is close enough to the DFW Metroplex. I work for the number 2 rated employer in the DFW Metroplex, Lockheed Martin. They not only have no problem with the degree acquired from this school, but they pay for most of it. Do you think Lockheed would pay that much money for a worthless degree. I will end this rebuttal with that.

Colleen I can't speak for the others who have posted here, but I did a search to find out everything I could about this school before handing money over to it, unlike some of the others who are whining about the cost. I think most people are here because they can think for themselves and would like to weigh the information. I worked at another SACS accredidated college and that school even at one point had a class action lawsuit against it. It didn't make it a bad school because the school offered many degrees they just had problem in one of the departments. Like I said in a previous post I work with another gentleman who went to a very prestigious art school which is very expensive and he has made the same complaints about that school that I heard at the school I taught at as well as what I am hearing at this site. The fact is no school will make all of the students that attend happy. I have seen this first hand. There will always be whiners who want to blame the school for their lack of motivation and drive. I have had crappy instruction at a school before but I had the sense to know I have to learn for myself. No instructor can make you learn. The survey they give you at the end of the class is for institutional effectiveness which is mandated by the SACS accredidation. Take a statistics course and you will find out what happens to 1 or 2 surveys out of a hundred that have a negative comment. Yes the school won't bend over backwards to please one crybaby. The will however address issues that are indicated by many people addressing the same problem. I would like to make one final comment to those who like to accuse this school of greed. Even the non-profit schools are about money. They are still a business that prospers on money. Their first concern is money. The more money they make the larger the raises they can give to either administration, facutly, or the more expansion they can make to the school, etc...... If money wasn't the primary concern of most schools then tell me why they continue to increase tuition at an exponential rate. It is because no department on any campus, I have ever heard of wants to get less budget than they had last year. I know this first hand. Are you getting the picture yet! Colleen you are from allen Texas. That is close enough to the DFW Metroplex. I work for the number 2 rated employer in the DFW Metroplex, Lockheed Martin. They not only have no problem with the degree acquired from this school, but they pay for most of it. Do you think Lockheed would pay that much money for a worthless degree. I will end this rebuttal with that.

In my opinion, it is because some of these so called satisfied customers are or had doubts along the way about the ethics and integrity of this organization. Like I said earlier, I had some top instructors at AIU, but out of all the instructors I had, only a few fit that criteria. Having gone after a Business Degree, it was the Business Law class that started to make me analyize some of AIU's own business practices. Yes, AIU is out to make money. But if a business wants to continue to make money, it needs to evaluate the consumers needs and with that comes consumer complaint. Now they are being sued (as I have read through some of these posts)How good is that for business and they are on warning. AIU probably started out as a creditable business that ended up getting greedy. Greed is the downfall of many business. They are a business that involves education. Their priorities should of focused on the academic curriculum, employee's (instructors) credentials, monitoring of class instruction and how it is utilized. They have survey questions after each class and even though I filled out every one with detailed concerns, noone, not one person addressed those concerns.

O.K....I apologize for being so flippant before. Truth is, I was very impressed with the professors, even though I did have a problem with the classes being perhaps a little too short. I also agree with the comment about not being able to "see" a graded paper to see exactly where you lost points. I would think that could only help. The most that worried me is that they could have been more forthcomming on some things that I won't get into right now, but needless to say, it is important to research everything before going forward with anything. (I never thought about the PowerPoint class and the on-line learning assignments, but that makes a lot of sense.) I did a little digging, and it seems to be true that there are a few class-action suits against the parent company. I have nothing at all against the teachers. I was very impressed with their credentials. However, my worry was mostly about AIU's future and reputation. It would seem almost impossible to research and find a good online school. I quickly have come to find that most of the "information" concerning online schools that are on the net are nothing more than thinly disguised advertising. So how does one go about finding a good online school? Devry seems O.K....but they are pricey. Who else is good and fast? (Or, is that asking too much?)

I forgot to mention that AIU is regionally accredited and both UMASS and Utica have ACCEPTED MY AIU DEGREE FOR TRANSFER without question into their Bachelor programs. Though reading the previous posts makes me worry if AIU will continue to be accredited.

I forgot to mention that AIU is regionally accredited and both UMASS and Utica have ACCEPTED MY AIU DEGREE FOR TRANSFER without question into their Bachelor programs. Though reading the previous posts makes me worry if AIU will continue to be accredited.

I forgot to mention that AIU is regionally accredited and both UMASS and Utica have ACCEPTED MY AIU DEGREE FOR TRANSFER without question into their Bachelor programs. Though reading the previous posts makes me worry if AIU will continue to be accredited.

I forgot to mention that AIU is regionally accredited and both UMASS and Utica have ACCEPTED MY AIU DEGREE FOR TRANSFER without question into their Bachelor programs. Though reading the previous posts makes me worry if AIU will continue to be accredited.

I am currently a student of AIU and will be graduating in FEB '05. All in all the experience has been good I've learned a lot and forgot a lot because the program moves very fast. The curriculum requires the student to take 2 classes which last for 5 weeks. Each week the student typically has to complete 2 to 3 assignments for each class, most of which require writing a paper anywhere from 1 - 4 pages. The only questionable class I had to take, just like Allen, was the Powerpoint Presentation class. Look, this is a FOR PROFIT university. It is very expensive. I recommend this university to people who have the MONEY, DRIVE, want to get their DEGREE FAST and don't mind reciving a diploma from a place called AIU. AIU's AA program cost me $13,450 before loans and grants, because I had transfered in 3 classes. I'm in debt $7,000... not too bad. AIU's Bachelor of Admin. costs $26,000 completed in 13 months. University of Massachusettes Online costs $18,000 and UTICA Online which offers a prestigious Syracuse Degree costs $12,000... but they each take 2 to 2 1/2 years to complete. When it's all said in done if you want a top notch degree online, its cheaper but takes longer to earn. If AIU's name is good enough for you and you'd rather get your degree fast for almost double the cost. AIU offers a great program.

You guys are right of course. When I went to AIU, my professors were absolutely fantastic. I was VERY impressed with their credentials and expertise. My Business Law professor was even a high falutin lawyer at a prestigous Law Firm in Boston. HOWEVER....I've done some research and it seems to be true that the parent company has a few class-action suits against them. My main concern about AIU is not their credentials, but their FUTURE. Devry is also accredited. I'm not really as intersted in them as I am in their Keller Master's CPA program. I have to make sure my schools are accredited because if I want a CPA, you must be from an accredited school in order to be qualified to take the examination. THE PROBLEM IS...how can I find a good online school that is reputable and has a good track record? When you search online, you quickly find that the so-called advice that is out there is posted on a website that is advertising for a certain school. Henceforth, the advise that is available to me is nothing more than a cheesy ad dressed up as information. Any suggestions for a good online school would be appreciated!!!

I'm not in the HR field any longer, but I can tell you that when I was, WHERE the degree came from mattered NOT. What employers are looking for are the people who had the tenacity to stick with something to the end. Most employers don't even care what field the degree is in - just so you have one of any flavor!! I graduated from AIU with a BA and a 4.0 and I can tell you that I had to work my behind off for that grade - I learned a great deal at AIU. Some have stated that AIU was a walk in the park and that A's are just handed out - I didn't have ANY of those professors - thank goodness! I will say, some profs were better than others, but isn't that the case anywhere? If I had looked up answers or been handed grades, I would have felt cheated - I mean, for 40K+ I want to actually learn something besides just earning that piece of paper - no matter where it came from!!! There was really only 2 things that I harped on AIU about while I was there. 1) MORE, MORE, MORE feedback - because I was there to learn, I didn't just want a grade and move on, I wanted to know why I got that grade and what I needed to do to improve. 2) Work on their image - here, I will concede to you - they do need to work on becoming more respected - however, that can also be said about many other universities as well. In my opinion, and from past experience, I wouldn't count on where I got my degree from to get me a job. Experience and the way you present yourself will make a far better and lasting impression than what school you went to.

Hey Becky, I can understand your comment about wether or not the college is known by an employer. I work with many people who have their MBA's and most of them had received them from colleges I have never heard of. There are literally thousands of colleges in the Continental United States. If I were to take your advice I would limit myself to mostly colleges in the big conferences like the Big 12 or to Ivy League only. That is pretty unrealistic. I do not know of one person who has received their Business degree from Devry, even though I have heard that they have a business degree. This is where accredidation comes in. I work for the worlds largest defense contractor and I have never heard a manager here say "but he/she got her degree from Devry. We definitely have to hire this person." I am not trying to bag on Devry but I think this is a flawed way of thinking. I can tell you without a doubt that this company doesn't differentiate unless maybe the school you attended is an ivy league school. I have had several friends who attended the Art Institute and I haven't heard any of them say great things about their education. But the Art Institute is well known!!! The artist sitting next to me went to a very well known art school, Savanah College and he is always telling me about how he thought the teaching there wasn't worth what he paid. Savanah is very expensive. Accredidation is the thing to focus on.

Juliet, I believe Ludwig forgot to factor in one other equation. Popularity > AIWho?. Nicole, I'm so glad I looked at this website. You actually confirmed what I had been fearing all through my A.S., which I completed at AIU. I'm applying at Devry for my B.S. They are twice as expensive, but will probably make up for that in what I will learn. Wish me luck on the financing! The only downside is having to take math classes. I liked it better when I could test out online while looking up the answers at math.com (lol). Future students.........what comes next may be shallow, but also might be the truth in SOME instances. If an employer is faced to pick between two people, where they knew of one college, but never heard of the other....guess who might get the job.

Juliet, I believe Ludwig forgot to factor in one other equation. Popularity > AIWho?. Nicole, I'm so glad I looked at this website. You actually confirmed what I had been fearing all through my A.S., which I completed at AIU. I'm applying at Devry for my B.S. They are twice as expensive, but will probably make up for that in what I will learn. Wish me luck on the financing! The only downside is having to take math classes. I liked it better when I could test out online while looking up the answers at math.com (lol). Future students.........what comes next may be shallow, but also might be the truth in SOME instances. If an employer is faced to pick between two people, where they knew of one college, but never heard of the other....guess who might get the job.

This is to Ludwig Von Mises - Hoffman Estates, Illinois. I really appreciate all the time you took to write out the cost analysis of online schooling versus campus schooling, and the income loss/gains aspect, too. I'm seeking higher education and your analysis is a BIG help!

Sorry Darrell, it wasn't me who signed you up. I wasn't with the company in May!!! :) I am very happy to hear that because of your degree you secured the position you really wanted. Congratulations and best of luck to you!

I have been attending AIU since May of '04 and will graduate next June. From my experiences with For Profit schools, it is par for the course. My schedule will not allow me to attend a land university, so I had to settle for the next basic route which is online. If I am not mistaken, Nicole is the one that signed me up, LOL, seriously. From the get-go, it was obvious that I was being sold to; however, I had already done my homework. AIU: 26k, UofP: 33k, Strayer: 44k. I went for the cheapest one. Overall, the education is ok for what it is. Some of the instructors that I have had have been good, some have been bad. Just like at a land university. I mean, make no mistake about it, when attending a for profit school, you are buying a product....a degree. I have already secured a career within the industry that I was wanting. I work in corporate training and it required either a degree or a degree within a set amount of time. I got what I wanted and if anyone thinks 26k is an insane amount of money has not performed their research.

I also attending AIU and graduated with honors in my associates degree. While it is satisfying having the degree there were many headaches along the way. There financial and academic advisors do not get back to you in a timely manner. Certain classes like Power Point presentations had me wondering about this university's ethics. In most assignments you were asked to create slides and notes promoting distant learning. Or come up with a presentation that would sway a traditional campus to come aboard for distant learning. Quite a few of my classmates wondered if AIU wasn't taking the cream of the crop of these presentations to make more money and sell their business to other colleges using our presentations. After all once you submit your work it becomes AIU's intellectual property. As far as expense goes, they are expensive. What bothers me is I live in Texas only a few miles from their traditional campus. Can anyone tell me then why they didn't inform me that I could simply drive to school and save a bit of money. And if the campus was close by why they sent my books and all my acedemic,financial, and student services were all sent out of Hoffmann Estates in Ill.? Was that to create a bigger profit? I had some really good professors at AIU, but I have to confess, I had equally some really less than qualified professors as well. An example of that is a professor that gave a student credit for a group project just because he e-mailed her that he could not participate. So that told me that I could get credit for any assignment in any class whether I did the work or not. AIU, there is something not quite right about this business and I am sure the longer I would of been there the more I would of found out. But since I could not afford the extra 4300 for my bachelors degree I dropped out. They tried to tell me my remaining fee then would be 2300 and it ended up to be less than a 1000. The only way to get financial aid, student services, or acedemic advisors to contact you pronto is to let them know you are going to drop out. That got their attention real quick. You also do not get to attend the graduation or receive you diploma and transcripts unless you have paid the 150 fee for that. Always an added fee with them it seems. The other thing I don't understand is that you can get your bachelors in 13 months. You pay 4300 for 8 months of tuition then they bill you for 4300 for the remaining 5 months. Hmmm, sounds a little fishy to me. Just my thoughts.

I have been enrolled with AIU Online since March of 04 and will graduate with my Associates in March of 05. Thus far I haven't had any major issues with the University, in fact I am very pleased with my education so far. The classes are extremely challenging, and definitely take effort. As far as the cost is concerned, though I am in an accelerated program, after FAFSA I only have a loan grand totaling $4,000 which in the grand scheme of things is NOTHING. I can stay home with my 4 year old and still get my education and will be done with my Associates before I would even be able to go to school on campus with my son enrolled in school himself. I didn't see even starting school until he was enrolled and now I will be on my way to becoming a teacher before I was even going to start. As far as staff was concerned, the Financial Aid counselor I worked with was phenomonal and did all he could to help me. When I had an issue about finishing work for a class because of a death in the family they were accomodating and gave me an extention so I wouldn't fail the class. All in all nothing but good things to say, the biggest problem I have had was trying to get together with my fellow students to work on a group project, but that is hard no matter what online college you would attend. I plan on getting my Masters degree with AIU Online after I have completed my Bachelors elsewhere...only because AIU doesn't offer my specific program for the Bachelors. Thank you for your time=o)

It is obvious that most people, whom display dissatisfaction with AIU are ill informed--about many things. A point which receives much criticism is the length of program / cost of tuition. I am happy to finally see someone, make a valid point on this (the comment above this one). Indeed, its simply an economic issue, which anyone is capable of realizing--if they think about it. The ability to earn a bachelors in 13 months sounds wonderful, and would excite just about any middle aged, stagnate corporate cookie cutter drone, whom can not advance career wise. Unfortunately this phenomenal opportunity is overshadowed by what, at first glance, appears to be a hefty tuition price. But lets look at what the above post mentioned. Essentially its recognizing and valuing opportunity costs. The middle aged employee with an associates, earning say, 33,000.00 finds a price of 28,000.00 for 13 months outrageous. Such a short program and yet so much!!! Instead, the employee finds a local college, and decides to attend night class, while working full time. Statistically, the number of people, working full-time, attending class in this manner do not finish. But this employee, earning 33,000.00 is steadfast, and attends community college religiously. How long will this take? Suppose this person takes a large class load (many days a week of night class) and does not stop--no breaks. Lets be generous and say 3 years. Note, this scenario is highly unlikely. Taking a semester off here and there, lightening course load, summer breaks that roll into fall, all increase this time significantly. So now, our employee, at the end of three years has his bachelors--and what an accomplishment! Lets look behind the scenes at what is not so readily apparent to the average person. Forgone wages! This student went 2 years, without having his bachelors; offset in comparison to 13 months (1yr) with AIU. So in the long-run, which economics primarily revolves around, this person was loosing money. 2 years with out a bachelors!!! That is 2 years, in which you can not apply to positions that say bachelors required, 2 years, in which the word bachelor was no where to be found on his/her resume. In sum, a gigantic loss of opportunity and income potential. Even better, and more realistic, is calculating this scenario out with what normally takes place; I.e., taking 3, 4, 5, + years working toward this degree. How incredibly silly, and absentminded are the people who THINK, they are saving money. They could not be more wrong--because it's the exact opposite, they loose money--and plenty of it!!! I would suggest to anyone, who is serious about getting a degree, to carefully follow this advice: Sit down, and carefully figure how long it will take you to acquire your degree attending a local college. Tally the total projected course expense, (don't forget to include books, and gas). Now take that amount and subtract it from the tuition your program at AIU costs (no additional expenses for books, etc. are necessary). Now, realistically, set a projected income level you believe a bachelors will bring you; government publishes these stats, easy to find if you want them. Now take that number and multiply it by the number of years it will take you to finish your degree. Do the same thing with what your current income level is at. Now subtract to find the difference in earnings. This number is your additional income your degree has accumulated for you, in comparison to the years forgone without the degree. Subtract the tuition of AIU from the additional projected income number you calculated. What do you find???? Isn't that interesting!!! Here is a quick example, since my wording might confuse: First lets be realistic and use the facts: Using 2000 data, the U.S. Census Bureau projects synthetic earnings based on educational attainment to be as follows Not high school graduate -$18,900 annually, $1.0 million worklife* High school graduate- $25,900 annually, $1.2 million worklife* Some college- $31,200 annually, $1.5 million worklife* Associate's degree- $33,000 annually, $1.6 million worklife* Bachelor's degree- $45,400 annually, $2.1 million worklife* Master's degree- $54,500 annually, $2.5 million worklife* Professional degree- $99,300 annually, $4.4 million worklife* Doctoral degree - $81,400 annually, $3.4 million worklife* Joe already has his associates and makes 33,000.00 a year. He believes it will take him 4 years to earn his bachelors, and he believes in total, that earning the degree at a local college will cost him $15,000.00 (3,750.00 per year) Joe realizes that his bachelors will bring him $45,400.00 a year, and knows that AIU cost $28,000.00 Current income with associates 33,000.00 x 4yrs = $132,000.00 Projected income with bachelors 45,400.00 x 4yrs = 181,600.00 The difference is: $49,600.00 Now the difference between school tuition is: AIU 28,000.00 - local $15,000.00 = 13,000$ (this is all most people look at, and unfortunately base a decision upon. This # can be called, and looked at in many different ways, when doing this problem.) keeping it simple: Take the $49,600.00 -- $28,000.00 (AIU tuition) = $21,600 (now Joe can put away for his children's college, buy a new car, or do whatever he wants with that extra money) That is the money you would have additionally earned, had you went to AIU, rather than take 4 or 5 years to earn your bachelors locally. If you understand that more is involved than a simple comparison of tuition price, go to the head of the class. So, the ability for people to earn a degree, in such quick time is a tremendous money saver, and ultimately money-maker for most people. Not to mention, better job, and quality of life. I have not even mentioned anything about financial aid yet, and I wont--because even if you did not receive a penny, you still benefit. Economics in essence studies, the implications of rational choice. If you can look into the long-run, crunch some simple numbers, then you will realize that 13 months to earn your degree, is truly a blessing in disguise. Remember, time is the ultimate scarce resource, so put it to good use.

I am a student at AIU and have had a few minor problems, but overall I am satisfied with them. Recently I checked into finishing my bachelors degree with the local university (Washington State University) and found that the credits from AIU did transfer. I was going to attend WSU, but after calculating the costs, I discovered that even though AIU cost $14,000 more, by the time I graduated from WSU I would have $8,000 in lost wages because it would have taken me much longer to get into the workforce. For example, it cost $25,000 for the bachelors program at AIU and $11,000 at WSU. But, by the time I would have graduated from WSU, the lost wages over the extra time it took me would have exceeded the $25,000 by $8,000. Additionally, when I went to see the counselor at WSU I was promised a call back letting me know all the particulars after our session. I never got the call. Also, the school (WSU) was very disorganized and slow to get anything done. So, every university has its pros and cons.

Twice I have "dodged this menacing bullet". Earlier this year, I responded to an advertisement for an online, 10 month, MBA program. The prospect is very appealing but as usual, it's too good to be true. I was contacted by an AIU "representative" and given the sales pitch that everyone else has commented on. However, I did not submit an "application" because the person on the other end would not discuss the actual price of the course. I had already checked AIU's "accreditation" credentials (they do seem perfectly legitimate). But, having heard of other rip-offs, I was not about to spend a penny until I knew how much this program would cost overall, so I discontinued any contact with AIU (I blocked their phone calls and emails). Yesterday, I decided to revisit the prospect of obtaining an MBA (healthcare-related) from AIU. Finally, I talked to someone who was willing to tell me a half or partial truth. The representative indicated that eight courses over ten months would cost $30,000! After seeing the $60,000 price tag from one of the other respondents, I feel somewhat lucky...and commonsense continues to prevail because I did not and will not subject myself to an obvious rip-off. I completed an on-line MIS in Network Security from a fully accredited, recognized by the National Security Agency (NSA) for academic excellence last year. At just over $1100 each (ten classes)...considerably less than $30,000 - $60,000, without the stigma attached, it's a far better deal. Besides, for $30,000 - $60,000, you can attend several traditional programs that offer online classes, including Penn State, Ohio State, and the University of Maryland, just to name a few. Although those institutions follow a more traditional schedule for on-line courses (typically 24-48 months with regularly scheduled meetings), it may behoove some of your readers to contact a more prestigious institution if they have $30,000 - $60,000 to spend. As for me, I am still attempting to find a fully accredited school that offers a 10-14 month MBA in Healthcare for a reasonable price, say, $1100 dollars per course. If you are aware of any programs that fit that criteria, please let me know.

Twice I have "dodged this menacing bullet". Earlier this year, I responded to an advertisement for an online, 10 month, MBA program. The prospect is very appealing but as usual, it's too good to be true. I was contacted by an AIU "representative" and given the sales pitch that everyone else has commented on. However, I did not submit an "application" because the person on the other end would not discuss the actual price of the course. I had already checked AIU's "accreditation" credentials (they do seem perfectly legitimate). But, having heard of other rip-offs, I was not about to spend a penny until I knew how much this program would cost overall, so I discontinued any contact with AIU (I blocked their phone calls and emails). Yesterday, I decided to revisit the prospect of obtaining an MBA (healthcare-related) from AIU. Finally, I talked to someone who was willing to tell me a half or partial truth. The representative indicated that eight courses over ten months would cost $30,000! After seeing the $60,000 price tag from one of the other respondents, I feel somewhat lucky...and commonsense continues to prevail because I did not and will not subject myself to an obvious rip-off. I completed an on-line MIS in Network Security from a fully accredited, recognized by the National Security Agency (NSA) for academic excellence last year. At just over $1100 each (ten classes)...considerably less than $30,000 - $60,000, without the stigma attached, it's a far better deal. Besides, for $30,000 - $60,000, you can attend several traditional programs that offer online classes, including Penn State, Ohio State, and the University of Maryland, just to name a few. Although those institutions follow a more traditional schedule for on-line courses (typically 24-48 months with regularly scheduled meetings), it may behoove some of your readers to contact a more prestigious institution if they have $30,000 - $60,000 to spend. As for me, I am still attempting to find a fully accredited school that offers a 10-14 month MBA in Healthcare for a reasonable price, say, $1100 dollars per course. If you are aware of any programs that fit that criteria, please let me know.

Twice I have "dodged this menacing bullet". Earlier this year, I responded to an advertisement for an online, 10 month, MBA program. The prospect is very appealing but as usual, it's too good to be true. I was contacted by an AIU "representative" and given the sales pitch that everyone else has commented on. However, I did not submit an "application" because the person on the other end would not discuss the actual price of the course. I had already checked AIU's "accreditation" credentials (they do seem perfectly legitimate). But, having heard of other rip-offs, I was not about to spend a penny until I knew how much this program would cost overall, so I discontinued any contact with AIU (I blocked their phone calls and emails). Yesterday, I decided to revisit the prospect of obtaining an MBA (healthcare-related) from AIU. Finally, I talked to someone who was willing to tell me a half or partial truth. The representative indicated that eight courses over ten months would cost $30,000! After seeing the $60,000 price tag from one of the other respondents, I feel somewhat lucky...and commonsense continues to prevail because I did not and will not subject myself to an obvious rip-off. I completed an on-line MIS in Network Security from a fully accredited, recognized by the National Security Agency (NSA) for academic excellence last year. At just over $1100 each (ten classes)...considerably less than $30,000 - $60,000, without the stigma attached, it's a far better deal. Besides, for $30,000 - $60,000, you can attend several traditional programs that offer online classes, including Penn State, Ohio State, and the University of Maryland, just to name a few. Although those institutions follow a more traditional schedule for on-line courses (typically 24-48 months with regularly scheduled meetings), it may behoove some of your readers to contact a more prestigious institution if they have $30,000 - $60,000 to spend. As for me, I am still attempting to find a fully accredited school that offers a 10-14 month MBA in Healthcare for a reasonable price, say, $1100 dollars per course. If you are aware of any programs that fit that criteria, please let me know.

Twice I have "dodged this menacing bullet". Earlier this year, I responded to an advertisement for an online, 10 month, MBA program. The prospect is very appealing but as usual, it's too good to be true. I was contacted by an AIU "representative" and given the sales pitch that everyone else has commented on. However, I did not submit an "application" because the person on the other end would not discuss the actual price of the course. I had already checked AIU's "accreditation" credentials (they do seem perfectly legitimate). But, having heard of other rip-offs, I was not about to spend a penny until I knew how much this program would cost overall, so I discontinued any contact with AIU (I blocked their phone calls and emails). Yesterday, I decided to revisit the prospect of obtaining an MBA (healthcare-related) from AIU. Finally, I talked to someone who was willing to tell me a half or partial truth. The representative indicated that eight courses over ten months would cost $30,000! After seeing the $60,000 price tag from one of the other respondents, I feel somewhat lucky...and commonsense continues to prevail because I did not and will not subject myself to an obvious rip-off. I completed an on-line MIS in Network Security from a fully accredited, recognized by the National Security Agency (NSA) for academic excellence last year. At just over $1100 each (ten classes)...considerably less than $30,000 - $60,000, without the stigma attached, it's a far better deal. Besides, for $30,000 - $60,000, you can attend several traditional programs that offer online classes, including Penn State, Ohio State, and the University of Maryland, just to name a few. Although those institutions follow a more traditional schedule for on-line courses (typically 24-48 months with regularly scheduled meetings), it may behoove some of your readers to contact a more prestigious institution if they have $30,000 - $60,000 to spend. As for me, I am still attempting to find a fully accredited school that offers a 10-14 month MBA in Healthcare for a reasonable price, say, $1100 dollars per course. If you are aware of any programs that fit that criteria, please let me know.

Stacy, I'm sorry to say it, but if your mother is interested in an AS or BS in Nursing She is not going to find it online. I work in The medical field curently and although I am not a NUrse nor have I taken nursing classes I know many many many tht have and Nursing is not a program that can ever be done online, there is way too much hands on stuff, not including your clinical rounds at hospitals. I think AIU is a good school, though I can only speak for Business Management HEatlhcare (A co-worker is taking) And the Information Technology Program (I'm taking) Well good luck to your mother.

Stacey AIU does not currently offer any nursing programs. Did you check the website and see the degrees offered? The only degree relevant to nursing is healthcare management and that is not close at all to nursing no matter what they tell you. The BBA in Healthcare Management provides a solid foundation for those interested in a management position in healthcare, whether in a hospital, long-term care facility, insurance company, managed care organization, pharmaceutical company, or one of the many other healthcare-related industries (taken directly from their website). I would suggest checking out other schools to find your exact program. Good luck.

Looks like alot of interesting commment's in here, so I'd like to hear a reply back. My mom wanted me to check out diffent opportunities to continue school on the internet. I have done a few days of research and when cost is not a factor, I think AIU has presented to me one of the better programs. REading all of the other comments, I am concerned more-so about cost, but still would like to explore into the AIU online opportunity for my mother. This is the only way for her to go to school, is online. I am glad they have a discussion thread somewhere where they can discuss the inside scoop. I would rather rely on the opinions of former students, versus former employees who have a bad taste in their mouth for whatever reasons. Can somebody tell me specifically about their nursing programs? Hopefully a former student??? Thank you.

I think AIU works for some students and doesn't work for others. Steve from Chicago said it the best, who know's the ratio of people that are helped or students that are hurt in the end. That really is the ultamate question. It works both ways. You can't argue with a student who has been hurt by their educational experience with AIU, but what do you tell the student who graduates from AIU and after all is said and done, has nothing but great things to say about their experience and the difference it made in their lives. You cannot discredit either ones own opinion. I believe students who are younger or who are coming out of high school, would less likely appreciate the value of this accelerated education, and generally older people with less time available because of families and work would have a greater appreciation. It's really difficult to judge unless there are specific facts(like a survey of students that attend this university)before coming to judgements on extreme individual accounts whether good or bad. And then to compare those survey results with other online education opportunities. All in all, you either love it or hate it.

Hey guys, I used to teach at a school that was SACS accredited just like AIU. The warning on their accreditation is for Institutional Effectiveness. What this deals with is things such as the schools plan to evaluate placement, how well their deaf and disabled students services have performed. In other words the warning against the institutional effectiveness has nothing to do with the quality of the professors or the curriculum but rather with more administrative stuff that most students don't deal directly with. Since this school is growing rapidly I am not surprised that there was something wrong when SACS visited the school. My school just went through re-accreditation and I will tell you there is a tremendous amount of things that SACS looks at when they visit. I also know that no school is going to let Institutional effectiveness damage their accreditation so I wouldn't worry too much. What really seems to have ticked off most of the people writing here is the cost. Go to any other private university and see how much that school costs. 60K is not unreasonable for a private school. If it is too much for your education then go to a Junior college in your area and when you have finished your associates degree after 2 years of school remember that others have finished their Bachelors in that same amount of time and they are now putting that degree to work making them better salaries.

Hey guys, I used to teach at a school that was SACS accredited just like AIU. The warning on their accreditation is for Institutional Effectiveness. What this deals with is things such as the schools plan to evaluate placement, how well their deaf and disabled students services have performed. In other words the warning against the institutional effectiveness has nothing to do with the quality of the professors or the curriculum but rather with more administrative stuff that most students don't deal directly with. Since this school is growing rapidly I am not surprised that there was something wrong when SACS visited the school. My school just went through re-accreditation and I will tell you there is a tremendous amount of things that SACS looks at when they visit. I also know that no school is going to let Institutional effectiveness damage their accreditation so I wouldn't worry too much. What really seems to have ticked off most of the people writing here is the cost. Go to any other private university and see how much that school costs. 60K is not unreasonable for a private school. If it is too much for your education then go to a Junior college in your area and when you have finished your associates degree after 2 years of school remember that others have finished their Bachelors in that same amount of time and they are now putting that degree to work making them better salaries.

Hey guys, I used to teach at a school that was SACS accredited just like AIU. The warning on their accreditation is for Institutional Effectiveness. What this deals with is things such as the schools plan to evaluate placement, how well their deaf and disabled students services have performed. In other words the warning against the institutional effectiveness has nothing to do with the quality of the professors or the curriculum but rather with more administrative stuff that most students don't deal directly with. Since this school is growing rapidly I am not surprised that there was something wrong when SACS visited the school. My school just went through re-accreditation and I will tell you there is a tremendous amount of things that SACS looks at when they visit. I also know that no school is going to let Institutional effectiveness damage their accreditation so I wouldn't worry too much. What really seems to have ticked off most of the people writing here is the cost. Go to any other private university and see how much that school costs. 60K is not unreasonable for a private school. If it is too much for your education then go to a Junior college in your area and when you have finished your associates degree after 2 years of school remember that others have finished their Bachelors in that same amount of time and they are now putting that degree to work making them better salaries.

Hey guys, I used to teach at a school that was SACS accredited just like AIU. The warning on their accreditation is for Institutional Effectiveness. What this deals with is things such as the schools plan to evaluate placement, how well their deaf and disabled students services have performed. In other words the warning against the institutional effectiveness has nothing to do with the quality of the professors or the curriculum but rather with more administrative stuff that most students don't deal directly with. Since this school is growing rapidly I am not surprised that there was something wrong when SACS visited the school. My school just went through re-accreditation and I will tell you there is a tremendous amount of things that SACS looks at when they visit. I also know that no school is going to let Institutional effectiveness damage their accreditation so I wouldn't worry too much. What really seems to have ticked off most of the people writing here is the cost. Go to any other private university and see how much that school costs. 60K is not unreasonable for a private school. If it is too much for your education then go to a Junior college in your area and when you have finished your associates degree after 2 years of school remember that others have finished their Bachelors in that same amount of time and they are now putting that degree to work making them better salaries.

I am a current student a AIU online, and have had nothing but a pleasant experience. I enrolled in their 2+2 Bachelor of IT and for my first class have found it harder than I thought. I believe a lot of the challenge for classes depends on the teacher and the subject matter. MY Teacher was very knowledgable being a PT instructor he worls full time as a civilian contractor with the US Military. I have had no problems with credits and do not forsee anything to come. I had an AS in Computer Systems Technology and they took my transcript from the community college and have credited me as having all prequisites, which they offer in their AS program. I on the other hand am aware of some minor problems primarily the issue of adding last minute classes. After enroling I found that one of my co-workers and his wife are enrolled in their BA Buisiness management. THey did not have completed AS degrees prior to enrollment and are now being asked to complete additional classes, howeverm they are taking them concurrent with another class, and are not paying additional tution for this. THey have also told me that they as well are suprised by how hard it is. I imagine like many colleges they have their teachers who just pass students, but as evidenced by my classes group project some are not going to just pass students as the average grade for the class was an F, hardly a passing grade. I Think you just have to get past the cost, and the few bad apples, and take it for what it's worth, a college. As for AIU's parent company being in hot water, well they arn't alone, as we have all seen many companies were naughty in the late 90's and early 00's I don't blame the company and don't believe the entire company was involved, it's obviously the heads of the company and their officers who could give a rats bum about anyone else in the company. That's my two cents.

My friend attended AIU for the Bachelor's in Visual Communications program. I was going to give it a try. My friend went through this program. He is a successful freelancer. He said the work is cake. An assignment would be like this: In Photoshop, explain how you would extract a person from one image and place him or her into another image? There were also design projects too. His classes never required the usage of books. He would just submit a project he did years ago as an assignment. He said that the people in his class didn't know anything about graphic design. He didn't say that in a negative way. It's just that graphic design is a hands-on art that should be done in a studio classroom environment, not online. My friend's business has soared that he dropped out in the last semester before graduating AIU. When I called the school's number, I was bombarded with phone calls from the sales people. I had to switch sales people because my saleswoman was way too aggressive to get me to sign up. She was bothered that I had questions about the quality of education AIU had to offer. I wasn't going to endure $28,000 in student loans for a shoddy education. I was already working in the graphic design field. I was very familiar with Photoshop, Illustrator, Quark, Flash, etc... I asked questions about the semesters. My sales rep gave me erroneous information. It seems like I knew more about AIU than my sales rep. With that $28K comes "commercial" versions of the software. I already had the software programs and wanted to decline accepting the programs in order to save money on my potential student loans. The sales rep said that they could not allow that. When I said the price was too steep, the sales rep gave me a line like this: It's cheaper compared to many four-year state universities. Okay, but it is still doesn't mean that AIU is not expensive. You are paying for convenience, just like when you pay more for goods at a 7-11 versus a supermarket like Shop-Rite. The school work isn't challenging. As long as you appear in the chat room sessions and make an attempt to do the work, any student will pass with flying colors. All of these for-profit schools, both online and onsite, are run the same way. They focus on student retention which lower education standards. Nicole, the former AIU sales representative, hit it right on the money. My major gripe with AIU is the price. For $28K one could start up his or her own graphic design business from home. As for myself, I saw through the lies of the AIU sales people. I am working successfully in the graphic design field - WITHOUT A BACHELOR'S DEGREE. What brought me to the dance was a strong work ethic, technical and communication skills, and the knowledge of the importance of proofreading what you write for spelling and grammatical errors.

I was fired, (the intitial assignment was temporary, and then they decided not to hire me on) so now you know... I didn't make my budget, but didn't do all that bad, relatively speaking. However the company decided to filter me out for whatever reason (I'll never know exactly why). I feel like I did intentionally imply my personal qualms with AIU on my first post, especially in making a point of the desperation that manifests itself in the AIU workers' environment, and at times presenting that deliberately negative overtone. I certainly don't think that takes away from my credibility. Consumers ought to know what they're up against. Institutions shouldn't be able to mislead them. The way AIU recruiting is set up is a much more agressive yet NON-selective approach than a typical school, to say the very least. I learned this as an AIU employee- I adjusted- I justified AIU being a business as opposed to just a prerequiste for business, and how this entailed more of a fast sales approach. I also justified the aggressive approach by the assumption that our prospective students were "professional procrastinators" who needed a push in the right direction. I even justified non-selectivity as a good thing. But I was never able to rationalize the routine lies, misleadings, and the constant disinterest in what was REALLY best for our prospective students. If I were to discover that the school I was looking into was being so indirect and dishonest with me, I would be shocked. Again, as to what percentage of people are helped vs. what percentage are hurt by AIU in the end is a question I can't answer. I feel like I'm providing some information that people should know- that's objectivity. Personally, I think I've bought into AIU more than I've rejected it, and still, I wouldn't ever consider enrolling there myself or recommending it to a friend. There are so many uncertainties and reasons I will not trust them as a stable business/school...but those are mostly open-ended speculations I won't get into. But now you do know the facts I've presented on AIU's strategies-they're pretty straight forward. (Not the strategies themselves- they're messed up; I mean the FACTS from my last post are straight-forward) -take care

I am a student at AIU in their Visual Communications program and have never, ever had a problem with them. The courses are challenging, the instructors are very helpful and the staff at AIU has always showed nothing but respect and professionalism with me. I have a deree from another College here in NY and I can honstly say that the education I am given at AIU is equal to the one I got during my days at Hamilton College. I am sure that they have some bad apples....but find one corporation who does not. As far as the degree from AIU not being worth much...well it can't be any worse than a degree from a community college...and those are a dime a dozen.

Alex: This is directed to you. I made my quota both months I was there and I voluntarily left...which means that I quit!!! I was not fired, although if you are there 3 months and you don't meet your quota you are fired. Now of course every school isnt great, but Alex...does every school have a class action lawsuit against them and the Dept. of Justice probing??? I didn't think so. I do not have a lack of appreciation for a job. The economy sucks Alex, everyone knows that. Now that Bush has won again, nothing is going to change. But I would not compromise my morals in signing someone up to that school when I feel it will be gone soon. I did not struggle to perform, I was one of the leading admissions advisors and my bosses were extremely upset when I left. I love sales and thats what I am good at so you cannot say that I was struggling, was fired, and have resentful feelings towards them when you do not know me or can even get that from my rebuttal. The only reason I wrote that was to warn people and have them do some research before signing away 30,000 dollars. There are many online schools out there. University of Phoenix, Kaplan and DeVry to name a few. I would suggest DeVry. Alot of AIU advisors left AIU and went to DeVry because of the same reasons I left. Just a last note before I go, when I started my training class was over a 100. 2 months later when I left, I think it dwindled down to maybe 25. I know thats sales, but that shows how they treated us, what they expected and how bad people felt about what they were doing.

I, just like everyone elses opinion here, am only a representation of one person, and cannot possibly represent the impressions of the several thousands of students that are in fact enrolled at AIU. What I would like to add is that I feel that lady that was a former employee of AIU is unappreciative of her former work. From her explanation, it sounds more like she had a poor attitude or a lack of appreciation for what a job in America is like today. Because AIU is a For Profit school, there's no doubt about it that the advisors have a sales mentality. But either way, an education is always going to be a hefty investment that should be looked as a rewarding experience either personally or professionally. You pay extra for the convience of online and also the acceleration of it's programs. I am somebody considering enrollment, and currenly talking to different schools both traditional and online, and have not yet made up my mind. Of the many different schools I am considering for my degree, I have yet to come across one that does not have "a bad apple" opinion on the internet. The one thing that I feel disgruntled students have in common is that they were never meant for school in the first place. As for me, I am interested in completing my BA in about a year because I have had my Associates forever. No matter what school I go to, I already prepare myself for the very worst always so that nothing surprises me. If anybody knows another school other then AIU that provides this accelerated program, please let me know so I can learn more. I would like to know if the lady that complained about having a job actually performed well whlie she was working. And if not, if she voluntarily left or was relieved. I've always worked in sales, and I know when somebody is struggling to perform how easy it is to be resentful of their former employer. I look forward to your responses to my comments.

I, just like everyone elses opinion here, am only a representation of one person, and cannot possibly represent the impressions of the several thousands of students that are in fact enrolled at AIU. What I would like to add is that I feel that lady that was a former employee of AIU is unappreciative of her former work. From her explanation, it sounds more like she had a poor attitude or a lack of appreciation for what a job in America is like today. Because AIU is a For Profit school, there's no doubt about it that the advisors have a sales mentality. But either way, an education is always going to be a hefty investment that should be looked as a rewarding experience either personally or professionally. You pay extra for the convience of online and also the acceleration of it's programs. I am somebody considering enrollment, and currenly talking to different schools both traditional and online, and have not yet made up my mind. Of the many different schools I am considering for my degree, I have yet to come across one that does not have "a bad apple" opinion on the internet. The one thing that I feel disgruntled students have in common is that they were never meant for school in the first place. As for me, I am interested in completing my BA in about a year because I have had my Associates forever. No matter what school I go to, I already prepare myself for the very worst always so that nothing surprises me. If anybody knows another school other then AIU that provides this accelerated program, please let me know so I can learn more. I would like to know if the lady that complained about having a job actually performed well whlie she was working. And if not, if she voluntarily left or was relieved. I've always worked in sales, and I know when somebody is struggling to perform how easy it is to be resentful of their former employer. I look forward to your responses to my comments.

I, just like everyone elses opinion here, am only a representation of one person, and cannot possibly represent the impressions of the several thousands of students that are in fact enrolled at AIU. What I would like to add is that I feel that lady that was a former employee of AIU is unappreciative of her former work. From her explanation, it sounds more like she had a poor attitude or a lack of appreciation for what a job in America is like today. Because AIU is a For Profit school, there's no doubt about it that the advisors have a sales mentality. But either way, an education is always going to be a hefty investment that should be looked as a rewarding experience either personally or professionally. You pay extra for the convience of online and also the acceleration of it's programs. I am somebody considering enrollment, and currenly talking to different schools both traditional and online, and have not yet made up my mind. Of the many different schools I am considering for my degree, I have yet to come across one that does not have "a bad apple" opinion on the internet. The one thing that I feel disgruntled students have in common is that they were never meant for school in the first place. As for me, I am interested in completing my BA in about a year because I have had my Associates forever. No matter what school I go to, I already prepare myself for the very worst always so that nothing surprises me. If anybody knows another school other then AIU that provides this accelerated program, please let me know so I can learn more. I would like to know if the lady that complained about having a job actually performed well whlie she was working. And if not, if she voluntarily left or was relieved. I've always worked in sales, and I know when somebody is struggling to perform how easy it is to be resentful of their former employer. I look forward to your responses to my comments.

I, just like everyone elses opinion here, am only a representation of one person, and cannot possibly represent the impressions of the several thousands of students that are in fact enrolled at AIU. What I would like to add is that I feel that lady that was a former employee of AIU is unappreciative of her former work. From her explanation, it sounds more like she had a poor attitude or a lack of appreciation for what a job in America is like today. Because AIU is a For Profit school, there's no doubt about it that the advisors have a sales mentality. But either way, an education is always going to be a hefty investment that should be looked as a rewarding experience either personally or professionally. You pay extra for the convience of online and also the acceleration of it's programs. I am somebody considering enrollment, and currenly talking to different schools both traditional and online, and have not yet made up my mind. Of the many different schools I am considering for my degree, I have yet to come across one that does not have "a bad apple" opinion on the internet. The one thing that I feel disgruntled students have in common is that they were never meant for school in the first place. As for me, I am interested in completing my BA in about a year because I have had my Associates forever. No matter what school I go to, I already prepare myself for the very worst always so that nothing surprises me. If anybody knows another school other then AIU that provides this accelerated program, please let me know so I can learn more. I would like to know if the lady that complained about having a job actually performed well whlie she was working. And if not, if she voluntarily left or was relieved. I've always worked in sales, and I know when somebody is struggling to perform how easy it is to be resentful of their former employer. I look forward to your responses to my comments.

Steve, I am a current student at AIU online. I will graduate with my Associates Degree in December. I have found the class to be challenging and very rewarding. I received two promotions at work because of my attendance at AIU. As for AIU trying to bring in business, why shouldn't they? When I first graduated from High School Berkley University called me on a daily basis. Now 10 years later I have a chance to receive the schooling I so foolishly gave up on as a teen. AIU gives me the opportunity to study whenever I can, and I do not have to take time away from my family. As a mother of four small children, AIU has been a Godsend for me. I am so happy with AIU I enrolled to start my Bachelors Degree in Jan. If anyone has any questions regarding AIU, please feel free to contact me.

The AIU Admissions staff is nothing but telemarketers trying to disguise themselves as "University" type characters Just about everything being said is based on a script. The script is full of sales tactics- and lies. Of course the jist of it is that anyone can get into the school- but they try and put on this image that's not too hard to do over the phone. Here's a breakdown of how it goes: 1. Call up new leads (prospective students): These people filled out 'request forms' online---often because they were re-directed from pop-up ads, sometimes misleading ones such as "you've won a free palm pilot- just complete this survey..." The next day they'e on the call lists and will be contacted for months. Not interested? Well, the advisor will give you a short, poignant lecture on why you are a professional procrastinator with insufficiant accomplishments who does not take his/her education seriously. Angry by now? No problem. Another advisor will be assigned to you and AIU will call you routinuely (potentially every day) for months, AT LEAST. If you request to be taken off the list, the companies' scripted-response for Admissions Advisors to say is: "What list? I am THE National Admissions Advisor and you are a prospective student who has requested information!" [THIS IS ILLEGAL- RIGHT???] 2. For the suckers who went through with the initial "request for information" from the first phone call, and were accomodating enough to accept the "interview" scheduled for a time within the next 48 hrs- the AIU advisor calls again. If you pick up the phone the advisor is assuming they've got you. They ask a series of interview questions to make you nervous. No matter what you say, at the end of the conversation they tell you what a good student and high-acheiver you are, and "recommend you for acceptance to the University". Typically, they will say things like "I don't give my recommendation out to just anyone...there's something special about you..." This are b.s. in its purest form. 3. So you sat through 2 calls, and now AIU has assigned you as a COW (contract on the way). They have issued a strict deadline (within 72 hrs of the first time they spoke with you [i.e. potentially 72 hrs within the time that pop-up ad initiated it or whatever) to pay the application fee and fill out the application. Picture people in that 'boiler room' movie ringing bells and jumping around the office getting pumped up about the $$$ they've going to bring in. Thats what the admissions adivsors (SALESPEOPLE) think about you. If they 'bring the COW home' thats usally a contract of at least 10k (up to 30k) for the company. If you miss the application deadline, they will still call you up routinly, now really assuming they've got you. The script here calls for the advisor to ask the 'student' to write a paragraph on why the deadline was not met--they put the student on hold for 2 minutes-- the student gives the response--the advisor then says they will use those circumstances to try and arrange for a "private review" of the application by the Director of Admissions, and put the student of hold for another 2 minutes...THIS IS A LIE TOO!!! The whole time the advisor is sitting at their desk, twiddling his/her thumbs. When they get back on the phone, they inform the student of the 'good news' and that they were lucky because the Director of Admissions did not often grant this. ---Absolutly false. The director of admissions wants anyone and everyone to enroll: they'll get an advisor to enroll themselves just to make their sales quotas and keep their job (I mean this in both connotations of this claim). The 4 minutes or so of hold time was simply a 'weight test' of sorts to gauge how 'dedicated' you are- i.e. how much b.s. you are willing to take. 4. So AIU's got your $50 application fee--now they set up the financial aid process and you'll be done within a few weeks- with a payment payment plan finalized. If you thought it was a hassle to back out earlier, now they'e not giving up without an all-out-war... The classes are extremely easy, I hear, though I haven't seen all that many of them. One thing I do appreciate is that online schooling might be too easy- but given that a degree is just a peice of paper, more people ought to have access to it. So what if 2/3 of the applicants make ridiculous spelling/ grammar errors in the application?- regardless, AIU will sell the pants off of them and get them though school- the only obstacle for the student is paying, not making good grades, or impressing anyone. All in all AIU's game is pretty sick though- the way I see it, they are praying on people who are succeptible in the first place to junk advertising and friendly/professional-sounding voices over the phone. Think of it as the "home shopping network" of schooling. [Oh, and when they tell you that "Regional Accredition" is the highest type of accredidation a University can acheive- that's merely a half-truth; more like another fib--there are many levels within regional accredidation, that destinguish between which ones are considered credible- AIU is definitly NOT at the highest level--along with Duke and GA Tech, like they say they are. As to what percenage of AIU's enrolled students (a) turn out better b/c they completed their degree programs and (b) what percentage are cornered into more debt and more problems/ or cant do anything with the degree since it's garbage is really beyond me. If I had to guess I'd go with b though, (obviously). The people in the bulk of AIUs business (who are signing you up) know almost nothing of education and university standards. They are salespeople- period.

I am a former employee of AIU and CTU online in Hoffman Estates. I worked there for two months in the summer of 2004 and quit because I could not face going to work everyday and feeling like I was doing something unethical. Their training on the job sucks. After two days of classroom training, they give you a script, put you on the phone and you have to start dialing all the names that have "requested" information. I can't tell you how many people never requested the information. We were expected to make 200 dials a day and were also encouraged to keep calling and calling the same people over and over again until we spoke with the individual. Also, the reason you all keep getting so many phone calls is that the "admissions advisors" have a quota to make. And let me tell you, its not easy to enroll 15 people a month. The main item I wanted to discuss was the fact that Career Education is in major trouble right now and so many potential students do not know that. They have a major CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT against them. Search the internet, you will find it. Basically, CEC inflated their enrollments to increase profits and then before the "real" accounting records were to come out, all the big wigs sold their shares of stock and made millions. I can't remember the exact amount, but I think the stock price fell over 20 dollars in one day!!! This is not a good company. I could go on and on, but I won't. Please post any questions about AIU/CTU online and I will respond quickly! Also, I am now in a job that is so much more rewarding and morally and ethically sound and I encourage other Admissions Advisors to post their thoughts on this horrible corporation.

I too am a student of AIU Online. I switched to them from University of Phoenix, after I filed a suit against UofP and then settled out of court (they knew they were wrong). I have only had one little run in with AIU where they claimed I was cheating, though untrue and were unwilling to listen to my side of the situation. They docked me 100 points on a assignment and it took me of the Deans List as I was a Straight A student. I decided it was not worth the effort and stress of fighting with them, so I took the dock in points and moved on. My GPA is still a honorable 3.60, and I am scheduled to graduate in March of 2005. I am even considering moving into another degree program with them when I am finished with this one, the Criminal Justice seems like a nice path to add my long list of accolades.

Tori, I was so glad to see your response on this site! I am glad that you are enjoying your "Stay" with us, and I hope to see you graduating with honors. It's students like you who keep that positive attitude towards their education, that are most often times the most successful. I look forward to hearing of your future success. take care and best wishes Tori.

I am a student with AIU and I have nothing but wonderful things to say about them. They always have answered/helped with all questions in a timely manner and have at times gone above and beyond for me. I will be finishing up with my AA in Business at the begining of April and truly love the fact that I can be in class the moment that I wake up. If I need to be somewhere I can go knowing that as soon as I get home I can catch up with all that has happened by clicking on my laptop. When going though my enrollment process my advisor called me at least once a week but most times it was like three times. Not only was she helpful but, she was encourging though my first 5 weeks of classes. I feel that AIU is a great choice for anyone who wants to futher their schooling in a shorter time and with never leaving home. I have two toddlers at home and no without a dout that AIU is the best choice that I have ever made for not only me by them as well. I have already gotten two of my friends to call and enroll with them and they thank me all the time for sharing with them what they feel is the best thing that has happened for them in along time. Thank You AIU for helping make my future brighter.

Bob, I have to say, I review this site on a regular basis to see what's being said, and what the student's complaints are. I have to tell you that I am so thankful to finally read an article like this. Not to many "Potential students" understand the policies and procedures of the university; Though they should. AIU is a private university that is allowing students to earn a regionally accredited degree in thier PJs if they want to. Yes, it is a little costly, but you can complete your AA, BA, M.E.D., or MBA in 10-13 months with 24/7 accessability. There is a $50 application fee required with the application, but keep in mind that this is only required if you have gone thru two student intervies, and the admissions advisor that you are working with feels that you have what it takes to be successful there (and of course, if you feel the same way). Most accedited schools have an application fee associated with enrollment, but in AIU's enrollment aggreement it clearly states that if you are accepted there, that the application fee will go toward your tuition (because it is all inclusive), and if you are not accepted, it will be refunded back to you. In essence, it's not a rip off! I wish sometimes that some of the individuals that are posting their complaints on this site would know how it feels in my position. Day in and day out, I listen to how people want to change their lives. It's great, but we can only meet you half way. I cannot want it any more than my prospective students. By reading the things that I have, it's almost like stating that Duke university wouldn't be a good place to go because there are a few bad apples (Duke is also accredited by SACS). Everywhere that you go, there will be some bad apples. If that bad apple is the advisor that you are working with, then ask to speak with someone else. It's that simple. The same way that all of you are looking into schools to attend, I looked into all different types of schools to work for. AIU is the only school that I found to be genuinly concerned about their student's welfare. I have bent over backwards for years now to make sure that every phone call that I make to a student is a memorable one. From the initial interview, to giving them the congratulations call when they graduate. I sincerely wish all of you the best of luck with your futuristic educational endeavors, but I wish that before you all started speaking negatively about AIU, you would do your "Homework."

AIU Online is far from being a scam. It's a legitimate educational institute owned by Career Education Corporation (CEC). CEC owns the largest FOR-PROFIT campus-based educational institution in the world as of this post date. AIU Online is the second largest ONLINE FOR-PROFIT educational institution in the world as of this post date. About not knowing the costs until you apply... well any college student will tell you, when you first apply for admissions to any college or university, you first need to fill out all your paperwork, submit it COMPLETELY, and then you will get a response back on the cost and if you are accepted or not. If you fill for FAFSA, you will also, at that time, receive information on how much Financial Aid will cover. There is NO college or university out there that will give you the exact amount of the cost without first applying completely. Please be smarter next time. As for being in debt of over $60,000... if you are serious about your education and you actually LEARN what you pay for, you will be making $30,000 OR MORE/year. And if you consider that education cost and ALL other costs are always rising, $30-$60 now for an education is nothing. In 10 years, your salary will increase and the loan you took 10 years prior will be small compared to the loan you would need if you wait ANOTHER 10 years. I'm comparing apples and oranges here, but I have a friend who went to school to become a Pharmacists and he's $150,000 in student loan debts. But he's making good money now and he's paying it off with no sweat. Another thing you have to consider is AIU Online courses are anywhere form 8-13 months, compared to the traditional 24 months. It's also 100% online, meaning you do not have to spend time commuting from home to school and back, taking precious time from your already time-stricken schedule. You are PAYING FOR CONVENIENCE AND TIME. The only thing I would be weary of right now is if SACS will pull their accreditation or not in December, 2004. Other than that, AIU Online is excellent. The reason AIU Online is FOR-PROFIT is because they are owned by CEC. CEC is traded on the NASDAQ. That's common knowledge. AIU Online is also designed for the working adult, not for some kid who has no clue about his life path and is just right out of high school. Usually the adult is in their 30's and either never went to college or didn't finish college. To these people, time is more valuable than money, and AIU Online is the solution. AIU Online reps use scripts probably to protect the company and ensure ethical responses. When people call, the very first things they ask are, "how much is it, what can I be, how much can I make... blah blah blah?" Because AIU Online is regulated by SACS, the state(s) (licensed from) and the U.S. Dept. of Education, they have to be VERY careful of what they promise. Hence to prevent their reps from promising something they cannot offer, scripts are probably used. Many company use scripts, so I don't know some of you are getting on their case for using scripts. Remember, ignorance is not an excuse. That's why you go to college... to learn. Some things are priceless.

Stacy - I appreciate what your saying, and of course there are privacy issues. If it sounded as though I were saying anyone interested in enrolling could just pick up the phone and call a current student or alumni - I apologize for not being clear on the subject. I believe I specifically stated that my old enrollment advisor called me (previous to the conference call) and asked me if I would be interested in speaking to a student who was thinking of enrolling in the program I had just completed, but had questions. It really didn't seem all that complicated an issue to me - and it was relatively easy. What I was trying to get across to those who might be interested in enrolling - speaking with a student IS a possibility. For me, it was as simple as a couple of phone calls. If the enrollment advisor won't go to the extra trouble - then ask why - or ask for a different advisor! It's pretty simple. Maybe my privacy was trampled here - however, the woman I spoke with didn't know who or where I was - not that it would have mattered to me. I just know if I were thinking of enrolling and spending that kind of money - I would appreciate someone taking the time to talk with me and answer some questions. I returned to college after 25 years to finish my degree. Getting that degree was one of the most important things I've done in my adult life - if being bombarded with calls and questions from prospective students will help just one more person realize their dream - bombard me!

Rita, I actually work for a university (not AIU) and students can NOT just call an Enrollment Advisor to speak to a current student or alumni. There are privacy issued involved here. Students have to agree to be contacted and alot of times a couple of students or alumni will agree and then be bombarded with tons of calls and emails, so it is not that easy.

Leza - call them up immediately! Surely you still have numbers of your Academic or Financial Aid advisor - if not, call the Sign up number and find out where your diploma is! I too graduated in May 2004, I received an extremely nice (way more so than expected) diploma, PLUS they sent me a CD with the graduation Program on it as well as a printed program booklet that would have been handed out at a ground school graduation. I have to say - as much as I was irritated at the school, I was VERY impressed. Everyone I have spoken to in my class that graduated at or around May 2004 has received their diploma - personally, if I were you, I would demand mine be overnighted to me tomorrow! As for AIU being a rip-off - in some ways yes, and in some ways no. I actually had my enrollment advisor call me just today and ask me to speak to an interested student who was thinking of enrolling. He conferenced a call which lasted about 45 minutes - and always took the time with me to fix any problems I was having. Yes, AIU has some problems, but is there any school out there that doesn't? I would like, and have spoken with them about this - for them to become more credible in the academic world - maybe the accreditation issue will help with this if it works out in their favor. People tend to scoff when you say UOP or AIU, I want them to be taken seriously - because I'll guarantee you, the work that I put into that degree was equal if not more challenging than an on ground school. I feel my education from AIU is solid, and the price was well paid - for sure! If you're planning on going to AIU, call your enrollment advisor and ask to speak to either a current student or a recent graduate - they should be able to accommodate - if not, ask why! Also, I think it is an individual decision that must be made according to your individual circumstances. My son is currently attending AIU - and is doing extremely well. He never attended class in high school and I knew he wouldn't go to class in college - so online works great for him -- each to his own.

I graduated from AIU Online's Bachelor of Administration program May 2004. While I found the program fair and challenging, there are some serious customer service problems at this institution. Most importantly, I have to say that I graduated Summa c*m Laude (3.9 GPA), all my financial obligations have been met, however I still have not received my diploma and transcripts. When I call and send repeated emails, I'm told they ran out of diploma covers. After I sent an email of complaint, they simply won't respond at all. How realistic is this EXCUSE? Why would a business allow themselves to fall short of a supply that would prevent them from delivering their biggest commodity to their customers? Even it some problem did occur that truly caused the shortage, why would it take 3 MONTHS to rectify the situation? Why did NO ONE try to contact me when the problem was found to explain the delay in receiving my degree? I will be contacting the SACS and any other authority over this school to file a complaint. There were a few other issues, but obviously I found this one the most pressing. Good luck to all of you, which ever school you choose to attend.

I recently graduated from AIU Online with a bachelor's degree and found that their business program was both challenging and intellectually rewarding. I am also now in the financial aid process with them once again and hope to start one of their double MBA offerings in November. However, due to their recent problems with SACS, I chose to first check things further before continuing to get further in debt. Yesterday I spoke to both a SACS representative and an AIU representative who were very helpful in explaining the current accreditation dilemma. In the end, I was told that AIU was given a list of about 100 things needed to fully comply with SACS and they fell short with about 30 of those recommendations. The AIU representative explained to me that this is not uncommon and that they expect to fully comply by December with the remainder of the expectations that SACS has imposed on the institution. Once they are reevaluated in December, the school expects to have the "warning" lifted from their accreditation status. SACS would not comment any further other than to e-mail me a press release explaining their actions against the university. I like others have looked at this matter in an objective manner and feel that the incident is simply part of the growing process that the university is currently going through. I do feel that the university will fully comply with SACS and will ultimately have the warning lifted and retain their full accreditation status. The fact is that some folks are upset at the "for-profit" approach that the school takes in their recruitment efforts, which ultimately leaves a bad taste in their mouth. For me, this is just part of the convenience for which I will be paying for, for years to come. I could have simply attended another private university that was not for profit or even a public school in an effort to save money. However, I would more than likely be attending school the traditional way and would do so, for many years. For now, I feel that AIU is a standup organization and plan on continuing my education with them.

Concerning AIU's sanction status of "Warning": "Warning The less serious of the two sanctions, Warning is usually, but not necessarily, levied in the earlier stages of institutional review and often, but not necessarily, precedes Probation. It cannot, however, succeed Probation. An institution may be placed on Warning or Probation for noncompliance with any of the Core Requirements or significant noncompliance with the Comprehensive Standards. Additionally, an institution may be placed on Warning for failure to make timely and significant progress toward correcting the deficiencies that led to the finding of noncompliance with any of the Principles of Accreditation. An institution may also be placed on Warning for failure to comply with Commission policies and procedures, including failure to provide requested information in a timely manner. The maximum total time during one monitoring period that an institution may be on Warning is two years." What is interesting is when you look at the status list for all SAC schools-there are many notable universities and colleges on "Probation" and "Warning" status. I think it is interesting people are upset about the cost and is what some make their scam basis on. Don't forget this is a For Profit school. Take a look at other similar private colleges such as the University of Phoenix Online and Kaplan College-they fall in line with the cost of attending a private college. If you want a cost efficient program then find a public university or college that offers one. There are many available nowadays.

I've been getting the "hard-sales" pitch from AIU; the same scripted conversation posted in another Rip-off Report. The 'markerting' flavor of the whole thing is making me leary, that's what prompted me to look for complaints. I'm glad some of you have had good experiences but when their own accredidation commission (Southern Association of Colleges and Schools) lists AIU's current "Public Sanction" as "WARNING", I get even more suspicious. I wonder what specifically earned them that warning against their accredidation.

I would have to agree that AIU is a rip-off. While I understood and was totally aware of all charges and that I would be in debt up to my eye-balls, I didn't expect a few other things. I have to say, I think their program is good - most of it is solid. They, like any other university, have some less than desireable teachers, however. I would watch them towards the end of your program - they like to sneak up on your with 'overlooked' classes and 'extra' things to pay for. I suddenly needed 1 more class after being enrolled for over a year and a sudden $4,000 discrepancy in funding. If you know the costs - which are not too high considering you never have to leave your house - then it can be a good school. I think they need to clean up their act in a few places. Just be careful and on stay alert! Good luck!

I can say AIU online program has been a wonderful program for me. All inquiries are through the Illoinoise Address. Every question I have ever asked has been answered professionally and timely. The Financial Aide Team has been awesome! So far, I find -0- fault in them. The cost, which do include books for each course is mailed to you, which saves you time!

im glad it has worked for someone. it may just be the buckhead campus. its there "headquarters" but we have limited funds and everything. we have the "butt" so to speak. everyone else gets laptops but not us and its unfair. i should come around and express this to them because its not fair to give laptops to other students on a campus a few miles away and not to us. right? im sure for the most part, if you have the money, they're a lot nicer to you i suppose. they are too expensive and a lot of new students, young and old, can't take that the fincial stress. but im glad it worked for you. so congrats and goodluck with your B.A. that's what im getting. im thinking about going into teaching (M.A. at R.I.T.-Rochester School of Design or R.I.T....something in New York or Miami). =) My teacher said she thought that i might be good at it. Yeah...but AIU, i think I should've gone to FIT. cheaper and more known. AIU here has a bad rep (atlanta, ga) and its for a good reason. I don't know. Diffrent strokes and all that jazz.

After five months of study with AIU Online, I currently graduated and completed my associates degree. I am currently set to start in their bachelors program next week. I have to say that although I appreciate everyones honesty including the negative responses, AIU has treated me very professionally and have responded to all of my concerns in a timely fashion. I have no complaints or concerns about AIU. I did my homework and found out that they are regionally accredited by SACS and have been around for over 33 years. They also have two campuses overseas in London, England and Dubai, United Arab Emirates. I am so happy with AIU that I am even considering continuing my education with them beyond the bachelors program. However, I would agree that the price of education with AIU is a little on the expensive side, but then again, what private university isnt. Just my two cents worth!

Below is something I wrote because I am sick and tired of seeing this school advertisd everywhere. This is what they sepnd our money on (im a student). AIU itself IS a ripoff. Period. I'm going to be in over 60,000$ of debt. i can't leave because i'd be loosing my credits. And I can tell you, it wasn't really worth it. ========================== That`s right follks. A.I.U., the American InterContinental University. It really makes me sick when i see they`re stupid ad on this site, or ANY site, for that matter. it really makes me sick to see them touring around some dumb kid with they`re family. "This is the mac lab (we barley have any macs and no one really uses them), this is the computer lab (with our out-dated technology), this is our cafe ( with expensive junk food), this is our library (where you must pay to print and copy, and we can`t check out a novel because it`s now considerd and English-to think i donnated a novel for someone to check out and now they can`t. so where the hell is my book?)...there is something seriously WRONG with that place. im only staying because im going to matriculate next spring (hopefully wishing nothing goes wrong in finacial aid again). These people are so stupid and un-organised that they are too lazy to invest in student housing, they hire buisness sharks to deal with students instead. So yeah...throw your children into the real world at 17/18....whatever. just don`t bring it to fizzle A.I.U. (Artistically Immature and Underdevolped). Ask any student,; rich or poor. There`s something going on. That`s just my opinion from a lot of expierence and observations, though, so don`t take my word for it. Don`t believe everything you read or hear without thourogh thought and your own speculations. Find out for yourself. I`m just warning you.

I am currently a student with AIU-Online and while I was a bit sceptical at first, I have found that it is actually a wonderful program. There is alot of homework, but if I had to go to an actual campus, I would never see my family. I think that if you are very serious about getting a degree in a short amount of time, and can handle it, I say go for it. It is expensive, but then so is going to any shcool. I like it on-line because I don't have to leave home. It just works for me, and I think it is a wonderful program.

If they are not accredited then go elsewhere (though accredidation does not mean a school is "bad"- better safe than sorry) I finished my MBA with AIU and it was a quality program. As for the 30 day classes (actually 5 full weeks for 2 classes at one time)it is compressed to finish in one school year. Many universities are offering these types of similar programs like my former school the Univ. of GA (www.uga.edu) which has a compressed MBA program that goes about 10 months.

As for the person who would like to contact Financial Aid here is their contact info:

Phone: 1-877-221-5800 Option 4
Fax: 1-847-851-6005
Email: [email protected]

I cannot see why they would not let you talk to them...I get the idea that they may believe those who pay the app fee are not going to waste their time and resources and are serious about taking classes so that could be one answer.

I was contacted by AIU Online and I am seriously thinking about starting the classes. My problem is I understand they accept FASA but the person I have been in contact with will not allow me to speak to the financial aid department until I have signed and faxed my application and they have recieved my $50.00 application fee. I have never been to college and I really don't know how these things work but anyone who knows anything else about this college please let me know. I also understand they are accredited and I have checked into all of that but I still get a feeling that something isn't quite right.

Please contact me with more info.

I am a student at AIU-online, before enrolling I did research on the school. They are an extension of actual campuses and were rated #2 in some reports of online institutions. I was informed of everything pertaining to my education, including financial aid. For future referance, uou should read paperwork completely before signing anything.

AIU Online is a branch of the real physical schools, two of which are located in Atlanta, GA and are Title IV schools which means they have been approved by the Federal Govt.

They are also accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia, 30033-4097) to award Associate's, Bachelor's and Master's degrees.

Same one's who accredit most Universities & Colleges in the South. I would suspect that the 2 30 day classes mentioned in the last report were for one of their accelerated programs which are the most expensive.

Most of their programs are of traditional length. Before entering into any online program I suggest you READ what is on the site thoroughly, checking accreditation, this site for complaints, tuition prices and what payment methods are accepted.