At $18,264/yr net price, American InterContinental University-Houston graduates earn $36,144/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $2,144/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $18,264 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $73,056 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $36,144/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$2,144/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 34.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 45.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $31,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $18,264/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $45,244 | $36,141 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $45,207 | $39,223 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Master | $41,789 | $36,555 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $41,703 | $38,750 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $38,289 | $40,625 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Bachelor | $33,993 | $38,773 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $32,711 | $35,966 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $26,843 | $22,586 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $25,542 | $22,625 |
The Risk Factor
45.5% of students at American InterContinental University-Houston graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
American InterContinental University-Houston delivers weak financial returns with graduates earning a median $36,144 annually while carrying $31,000 in debt. Your debt-to-income ratio will likely exceed healthy benchmarks, making loan payments challenging on these salaries.
Business Administration and Computer Science programs offer the strongest returns at around $45,000, providing more manageable debt ratios. Health Administration graduates earn $41,789 but still face steep debt loads. Accounting shows the worst value proposition with $38,289 earnings against $40,625 in debt.
The 45% graduation rate creates significant financial risk since you pay full costs whether you finish or not. With only half of students returning for sophomore year, many leave with debt but no degree. For-profit schools like AIU-Houston also face ongoing accreditation scrutiny that could affect your degree's value.
You should consider this school only if you need maximum schedule flexibility for work or family obligations and cannot access community college alternatives. The online format serves working adults, but the financial trade-offs are steep. Local community colleges offer similar programs at much lower costs with better transfer options to four-year universities.
With 77% of students receiving financial aid, most rely heavily on federal loans. The school offers some merit scholarships, but these rarely cover significant portions of costs. Military students can use GI Bill benefits, though other schools would stretch those benefits further. Consider whether the convenience justifies paying premium prices for below-average career outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is American InterContinental University-Houston worth the cost?
With graduates earning a median of $36,144 ten years after enrollment and typical debt of $31,000, the return on investment is poor compared to other universities. The low graduation rate of 45.5% adds significant risk to completing your degree.
What programs at American InterContinental University-Houston have the best job prospects?
Business Administration and Computer Science programs show the strongest earnings potential, with graduates making around $45,000 annually. However, these salaries are still below the national average for college graduates in these fields.
How much debt do American InterContinental University-Houston students typically graduate with?
Students graduate with a median debt of $31,000, which is concerning given that typical earnings of $36,144 create a tight debt-to-income ratio. Monthly loan payments could consume a significant portion of graduates' take-home pay.
What are the risks of attending American InterContinental University-Houston?
The 45.5% graduation rate means more than half of students don't complete their degrees, often while still accumulating debt. Even graduates face below-average earnings that may not justify the cost of attendance.