Business Administration, Management and Operations at American InterContinental University System

This program's numbers tell a troubling story about return on investment. While American InterContinental University keeps debt relatively manageable at $27,875—well below the national average of $13,980 but still creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.93—graduates earn significantly less than their peers elsewhere. At $29,996 in the first year, earnings fall in just the 30th percentile nationally and a concerning 25th percentile among Arizona programs, where the state median is $42,749.

The gap with Arizona competitors is stark. Phoenix College graduates earn $56,057 annually—nearly double what AIU graduates make. Even University of Phoenix graduates, despite that institution's own reputation challenges, earn $43,227. This puts AIU graduates at a substantial disadvantage in the local job market, earning roughly $13,000 less than the typical Arizona business associate degree holder.

While earnings do grow 11% over four years and the debt load isn't catastrophic, the fundamental problem remains: you're paying above-average tuition costs for below-average outcomes. With 27 other Arizona schools offering this program and most delivering significantly better earnings potential, parents should seriously consider alternatives that provide stronger career prospects for their investment.