American InterContinental University-Houston logo

American InterContinental University-Houston

Houston, TX Private ยท Urban www.aiuniv.edu
Grad Rate
33.3%
Enrollment
124
Tuition
$14,842
Median Salary
$36,144
Overall Grade
C
C
Academics
C+
Value
C
Admissions
A-
Diversity
C+
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

American InterContinental University-Houston offers a focused, career-oriented atmosphere that feels more like a professional hub than a traditional sprawling campus. With a small enrollment of just 124 students, the environment is intimate and personalized, catering to adult learners and working professionals balancing education with real-world responsibilities. It feels efficient and driven, prioritizing practical skills and flexible scheduling over traditional campus traditions.

Academics & Majors

AIU Houston emphasizes flexible, career-focused education with strengths in Business & Marketing, Criminal Justice, and Computer Science. The curriculum is designed for speed and relevance, often accelerated to help students enter the workforce quickly. While research opportunities are limited compared to large universities, the teaching quality centers on practical application and real-world scenarios.

Popular Majors

Business & Marketing
53.7%
Criminal Justice
21.9%
Visual & Performing Arts
14.6%
Computer Science
4.9%
Health Professions
4.9%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

33.3%
Graduation Rate
50%
Retention Rate
124
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$14,842
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$18,264
After financial aid
Total Cost
$25,557
Cost of attendance/year
77%
Receive Pell Grants
74.6%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Houston

Houston offers endless big-city amenities, from world-class dining and diverse cultural festivals to professional sports and the NASA Johnson Space Center. Students can explore the vibrant Theater District, enjoy the city's renowned food scene, or take advantage of outdoor activities at nearby parks and Buffalo Bayou. The city's vastness means entertainment options are always accessible, though students will need a car to navigate the sprawling metropolitan area.

Local Rent Check

$1,135 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Houston
Explore Houston

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$59,368
$0Est. 4 Years: $59,368

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($36,144):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

The Houston campus is located in a busy urban area, so standard city safety precautions are necessary when traveling to and from class. The campus itself is a professional building, and students should remain aware of their surroundings in the surrounding commercial district.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Flexible scheduling options designed for working adults and non-traditional students
  • โœ“ Open admissions policy provides accessible entry into higher education
  • โœ“ Small class sizes allow for personalized attention from instructors
  • โœ“ Career-focused curriculum in high-demand fields like Business and Health Professions

Cons

  • โœ— Low graduation rate (33.3%) and retention rate (50.0%) suggest potential student challenges
  • โœ— Limited campus life and traditional college experience due to small enrollment
  • โœ— 10-year median earnings ($36,144) may be lower than the investment for some programs

Notable Alumni

Not Publicly Listed
AIU Houston's small size and specialized focus mean there are no widely recognized public figures listed as alumni. The university's impact is often seen in the local Houston workforce.
Not Publicly Listed
Information on notable alumni is not readily available for this specific campus. Many graduates find success in regional business and healthcare sectors.
Not Publicly Listed
The university does not highlight individual alumni on a national scale. Success stories are typically shared through the university's career services and local networks.

Frequently Asked Questions

AIU Houston is known for its career-focused, accelerated degree programs in fields like Business, Criminal Justice, and Health Professions. The university caters to non-traditional and adult learners, emphasizing flexibility and practical skills over theoretical research. Its small size allows for a more personalized educational experience tailored to working professionals.

No, AIU Houston has an open admissions policy, meaning it is not hard to get into. Admission is generally available to any applicant with a high school diploma or GED. The process is designed to be accessible, with a focus on helping students start their education rather than on selective criteria.

Campus life is minimal and professional, with a student body of only 124 people. There are no traditional college sports teams, Greek life, or large social events common at bigger universities. The environment is focused on academics and career preparation, with students typically commuting for classes rather than living on campus.

The value depends heavily on the chosen field of study and career outcomes. While the net price is relatively low for a private university, the 10-year median earnings of $36,144 are below the national average for bachelor's degree holders. It may be worth it for those in high-demand fields who leverage the accelerated programs to enter the workforce quickly, but prospective students should research specific program outcomes and compare costs to public alternatives.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

Houston Methodist Memorial Hermann Health System Houston Independent School District City of Houston Walmart
Smart Start Score
48

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Private
  • Setting Urban
  • Undergrad 291
  • In-State Tuition $14,842
  • Zip Code 77042

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 37.1% โ™€ 62.9%

The Money Talk

With an average net price of $18,264 and tuition flat at $14,842 for all students, the upfront cost is relatively manageable compared to many private universities. However, the 10-year median earnings of $36,144 raise questions about the direct return on investment, especially when weighed against the national average for bachelor's degree holders. The value may be higher for those in high-demand fields, but prospective students should carefully compare the program's cost to their expected starting salary in their chosen industry.

*Based on Dept of Education data

โš–๏ธ Compare Schools

See how this school stacks up

Compare with Criswell College

๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $14,842
Housing (12 mo) $13,620
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $35,662
With avg financial aid:
$18,264/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.