American InterContinental University (AIU) vs Western Governors University (WGU)

American InterContinental University (AIU) and Western Governors University (WGU) are two distinct online universities that cater to different types of learners. AIU boasts a higher acceptance rate (100%) compared to WGU's selective admissions policy, making it a more accessible option for students with diverse backgrounds. WGU, on the other hand, stands out for its competency-based education model, allowing students to progress at their own pace and potentially accelerate their degree completion. While AIU offers a wider range of undergraduate and graduate programs, WGU focuses primarily on high-demand fields such as business, IT, and healthcare. Both universities attract a diverse student body, with AIU having a slightly higher percentage of female students and WGU having a larger proportion of students over the age of 30. When it comes to graduation rates, AIU reports a higher completion rate for its undergraduate programs, while WGU's data reflects a higher percentage of students earning degrees within six years.

	American InterContinental University	Western Governors University
Overview
Location	Chandler, Arizona	Salt Lake City, Utah
Campus setting	Rural: Fringe	Suburb: Large
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Private (For Profit)	Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system	Quarter	Non Traditional
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	21.0%	63.0%
Common app member	No	No
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	Open Admission	Open Admission
Application fees		Undergraduate: $65 Graduate: $65
SAT range	N/A	N/A
ACT range	N/A	N/A
Students submitting SAT score
Students submitting ACT score
Total number of applicants
Total number of admissions given out
Admitted students who chose to enroll
Yield rate
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	Not required
High school GPA	N/A	N/A
Recommendation letters	N/A	N/A
High school transcript	N/A	N/A
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	N/A	N/A

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	$20,486	$14,652
Average net price	$13,156	$10,336
Tuition	$11,758	$7,162
Room & board
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	71.0% Average amount $5,993	47.0% Average amount $4,316
Students receiving federal student loan	72.0% Average amount $6,231	67.0% Average amount $5,072
Students taking out private loans	0.0% Average amount $0	0.0% Average amount $0

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	11,267 Men 36.5% Women 63.5%	107,952 Men 38.4% Women 61.6%
Graduate students	2,213 Men 49.6% Women 50.4%	42,164 Men 29.2% Women 70.8%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Moderate	Low
Out-of-state students	97.5%	92.9%
International students	N/A	0.0%
Campus local/setting	Rural: Fringe	Suburb: Large
Dormitory capacity	N/A	N/A
First year students are required to live on campus?	N/A	N/A
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Texas North Carolina Florida Ohio Illinois	Texas Washington Utah California Indiana

Academics
Popular study areas	Business Law Enforcement and Firefighting Health Professions Computer and Information Science Education	Health Professions Education Business Computer and Information Science
Students to faculty ratio	38:1	42:1
Institutional accreditation	Higher Learning Commission	Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

Outcome
Graduation rate	11.8%	63.6%
Dropout rate	87.6%	27.2%
Transferred out	N/A	2.6%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Computer and Information Sciences, General (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $61,403 Year 2: $54,134 Year 3: $51,255 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $45,331 Year 2: $45,207 Year 3: $47,516 Health and Medical Administrative Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $44,140 Year 2: $41,789 Year 3: $45,319 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $47,230 Year 2: $45,244 Year 3: $44,539 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $41,068 Year 2: $41,703 Year 3: $39,955 Educational/Instructional Media Design (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $49,284 Year 2: $45,149 Year 3: $39,532 Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $38,436 Year 2: $38,289 Year 3: $38,760 Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $41,193 Year 3: $33,638 Criminal Justice and Corrections (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $28,733 Year 2: $32,711 Year 3: $33,004 Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $32,569 Year 3: $28,323	Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $99,943 Year 2: $98,156 Year 3: $111,928 Management Information Systems and Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $87,608 Year 2: $90,998 Year 3: $97,288 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $87,245 Year 2: $86,988 Year 3: $90,365 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $74,868 Year 2: $74,056 Year 3: $80,509 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $74,342 Year 2: $75,430 Year 3: $78,577 Educational Administration and Supervision (Post-Baccalaureate Certificates) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $68,778 Year 3: $76,072 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $72,423 Year 2: $70,169 Year 3: $74,384 General Sales, Merchandising and Related Marketing Operations (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $81,520 Year 2: $71,015 Year 3: $72,823 Medical Illustration and Informatics (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $61,154 Year 2: $62,409 Year 3: $68,593 Health/Medical Preparatory Programs (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $63,855 Year 3: $68,172

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between American InterContinental University (AIU) and Western Governors University (WGU)?

AIU and WGU differ significantly in their learning models. AIU primarily offers a traditional, instructor-led online learning experience with scheduled classes and assignments. WGU, on the other hand, uses a competency-based education (CBE) model, allowing you to progress at your own pace by demonstrating mastery of specific skills and knowledge. AIU's tuition is generally per credit hour, while WGU charges a flat rate per term, regardless of the number of courses completed.
How does the learning model differ between AIU and WGU?

AIU's learning model is more structured, with set class schedules, deadlines, and interaction with instructors and classmates. WGU's competency-based model is highly flexible. You work through course materials independently and take assessments when you feel ready, allowing you to accelerate your progress if you have prior knowledge or experience. WGU provides mentors and course instructors for support, but the learning is largely self-directed.
What types of programs do AIU and WGU offer?

Both AIU and WGU offer a range of programs, primarily online. AIU focuses on career-oriented programs in areas like business, technology, criminal justice, and healthcare. WGU is known for its programs in business, IT, teaching, and nursing. It's best to check each university's website for the most up-to-date list of available programs and specializations.
How does tuition work at AIU versus WGU?

AIU typically charges tuition per credit hour. The total cost depends on the number of credits required for your program and the number of credits you take each term. WGU uses a flat-rate tuition model per term (usually six months). This means you pay the same amount regardless of how many courses you complete within that term, incentivizing you to accelerate your learning and potentially save money.
What kind of student support services do AIU and WGU provide?

Both universities offer student support services, but the delivery may differ. AIU provides academic advising, career services, technical support, and access to online resources. WGU offers personalized mentoring, course instructors for subject-matter expertise, a robust online library, and career services tailored to its competency-based model.
Are AIU and WGU accredited?

Yes, both AIU and WGU are accredited institutions. AIU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). WGU is also accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). Accreditation is important because it ensures that the university meets certain quality standards and that your degree will be recognized by employers and other institutions.
Which university is better for self-motivated learners?

WGU is generally considered a better fit for highly self-motivated and disciplined learners. Its competency-based model requires you to take ownership of your learning and manage your time effectively. While AIU also requires self-discipline, its more structured environment with scheduled classes and deadlines may be beneficial for students who prefer more guidance.
How do AIU and WGU handle transfer credits?

Both AIU and WGU accept transfer credits, but the specific requirements and policies vary. It's essential to have your transcripts evaluated by each university to determine which credits will transfer. WGU may also assess prior learning through assessments or portfolio reviews to grant credit for demonstrated competencies.
What are the technology requirements for attending AIU and WGU?

Both AIU and WGU require students to have access to a computer with internet access. Specific software or hardware requirements may vary depending on the program. Check each university's website for detailed technology requirements for your chosen program.
Which university is better for students who need a more structured learning environment?

AIU is generally better suited for students who thrive in a more structured learning environment with scheduled classes, regular interaction with instructors and classmates, and set deadlines. WGU's self-paced model requires a high degree of self-direction and may not be ideal for students who prefer more external structure.

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