American Intercontinental University (AIU) is a private, for-profit university with campuses across the United States and online programs. AIU offers associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees in various fields like business, criminal justice, healthcare, and information technology.
Like most colleges, attending AIU can be quite expensive with tuition and fees topping $23,000 per year. However, there are many scholarship opportunities students can utilize to help lower the cost of an AIU education. With some time and effort spent searching and applying, you can make affording AIU much more feasible through awarded scholarship funds.
In this complete guide, we will explore the best scholarships available specifically for AIU students as well as general external scholarships AIU applicants may want to consider. We’ll also provide tips on the application process to help you put your best foot forward.
AIU Degree Program Scholarships
AIU offers competitive scholarships for students entering specific undergraduate and graduate degree programs such as:
- School of Business Scholarship – Up to $5,000 for students majoring in programs like business administration, accounting, marketing, international business, or finance.
- School of Criminal Justice Scholarship – Up to $5,000 for students in AIU’s criminal justice programs.
- School of Education Scholarship – Up to $5,000 for students pursuing teaching licensure or education leadership master’s degrees.
- School of Health Sciences Scholarship – Up to $5,000 for students in AIU’s nursing, health administration, public health, and other health programs.
- School of Information Technology Scholarship – Up to $5,000 for students studying cybersecurity, network administration, software development, data science, or related technology fields.
- School of Design Scholarship – Up to $5,000 for students in web design, media production, or industrial design programs.
Each degree-specific scholarship has its own eligibility criteria, application requirements, and deadlines. Visit the AIU tuition assistance page to learn more details on how to qualify and apply. These can be great options to help offset tuition in your chosen program.
Eligibility Requirements for American Intercontinental University Scholarships
Here are some typical eligibility requirements for AI University scholarships:
- Be enrolled as a full-time student at AI University. Some scholarships may have additional requirements like being enrolled in a specific degree program.
- Have a minimum GPA, often 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale. Some scholarships may require a higher GPA.
- Demonstrate financial need. Many scholarships require submitting the FAFSA form or providing family income information.
- Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen. Some scholarships are open to international students.
- Meet any additional eligibility criteria outlined in the specific scholarship description, such as field of study, leadership experience, extracurricular activities, etc.
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress and the minimum required GPA while receiving the scholarship.
- Some scholarships are available only to certain student groups like freshmen, women, minorities, veterans, students with disabilities, etc.
- Apply and/or get nominated for the scholarships by the specified deadlines. The application process may require essays, recommendation letters, transcripts, etc.
Application Process for American Intercontinental University Scholarships
Here are some typical steps to apply for AI University scholarships:
- Search for scholarships you may be eligible for. Review each scholarship’s description and requirements carefully. The AIU financial aid office, department/major, and website are good places to find options.
- Prepare any required application materials. This may include filling out application forms, writing essays, gathering transcripts and letters of recommendation, submitting test scores, providing FAFSA info, etc. Make sure to follow all instructions.
- Submit completed applications by the posted deadlines. Late or incomplete applications may not be considered. Submit well in advance of deadlines if possible.
- Complete any interviews or further steps required by the scholarship review committee. Be responsive to any additional requests.
- Wait for award notifications, which usually occur 1-2 months after deadlines. Respond promptly if you are selected as a recipient.
- Accept the scholarship award within the given time frames and complete any paperwork sent by the AIU financial aid office.
- Send thank you notes to your references and the scholarship providers showing appreciation.
- Mark your calendar with any ongoing eligibility criteria you must meet, renewal application deadlines, and reporting requirements.
- Contact the financial aid office if you have any questions throughout the process. Being organized, thorough, and prompt will maximize your chances of scholarship success.
- APPLY NOW
Tips for Winning American Intercontinental University Scholarships
Follow these top tips when applying for AIU scholarships and external scholarships to boost your chances of winning:
- Start searching for scholarships early – ideally beginning your senior year of high school or at least 12 months before starting at AIU. Giving yourself plenty of time allows you to meet all deadlines.
- Stick to scholarships you actually qualify for based on criteria like GPA, major, residency, demographics, interests, etc. Only apply if you meet eligibility requirements.
- Tailor your application to each scholarship. Follow directions carefully, answer essay prompts thoughtfully, and submit any required documents.
- Put time into your personal statements and essays. Showcase what makes you a deserving, unique recipient.
- Build an impressive resume by volunteering, working hard in school, gaining work experience, and being involved in activities. Scholarship judges want to see well-rounded students.
- Get glowing letters of recommendation that highlight your skills, character, and potential. Choose your recommenders wisely.
- Maintain a strong GPA – many scholarships have minimum GPA cutoffs between 2.5 and 3.5. Grades and transcripts matter!
- Be detail oriented and meet all deadlines. Follow up to confirm your application was complete and received.
- Apply to multiple scholarships to increase your odds – the more you apply to, the better your chances of winning.
- Follow up on scholarship applications and reapply every year you are enrolled and eligible.
By starting early, applying broadly, and presenting yourself as a strong candidate, you can maximize your scholarship funding opportunities at American Intercontinental University. Avoid missing out by taking the time to search and apply!
How Much Can You Win?
Between AIU scholarships and external scholarships, how much “free money” can you potentially earn to put toward your AIU tuition? While amounts vary, winning multiple scholarships can really add up and make school more affordable.
Here are some examples of scholarship package totals:
- AIU Academic Achievement Scholarship: $2,500
- AIU Business Degree Scholarship: $5,000
- Local Chamber of Commerce Scholarship: $2,000
- Chunghia Pan Memorial Scholarship: $1,000
- Foster Care to Success Scholarship: $2,500
Total: $13,000
Or:
- AIU Criminal Justice Degree Scholarship: $4,000
- Veterans of Foreign Wars Scholarship: $3,000
- Walmart Community Scholarship: $1,500
- AXE Ginger Scholarship: $5,000
- FundingU Scholarship: $2,000
Total: $15,500
With thoughtful scholarship applications, it is possible to win amounts ranging from $5,000 up to $20,000+ to put toward your AIU education. This can knock out a chunk of your annual tuition or even cover it entirely!
Every dollar counts, so apply to as many scholarships as possible that you qualify for. The time you invest can yield fruitful financial assistance.
Conclusion
Scholarships provide Essential to help make achieving your college degree at American Intercontinental University more financially feasible. With AIU’s own scholarship programs and the multitude of external scholarships available, you have ample opportunities to reduce your out-of-pocket costs.
Be proactive in starting your scholarship search early, applying broadly, submitting excellent applications, and managing the process efficiently. Follow the guidance in this guide to set yourself up for scholarship success at AIU!
The investment of time and effort is well worth potentially saving thousands on your degree. Don’t leave scholarship money on the table. Take advantage of these funding opportunities to invest in your future and earn your AIU degree with less debt and financial burden.
