Military Student FAQ
If you don't ask the questions, you'll never know the answers!
If you are a member of our military considering the benefits of enrolling at American InterContinental University, questions may arise that are specific to the requirements for you to pursue a real-world education while you serve your country.
A few of the most common questions posed by military students appear on this page. If you do not find the answers to any questions you may have about AIU, we invite you to contact us for additional information.
Military FAQ
Does AIU offer any grants or scholarships to military students?
Yes.
AIU has established a 15% grant for active, inactive, and civilian military personnel, discharged** veterans and their immediate families* with the opportunity to attend a degree program of study at AIU. To be eligible for the Freedom Grant and waived application fee, a candidate must be accepted for admission to the University and allow for verification of their military/civilian military employee status (or for family members, the relationship to the enrolled student) and complete the Freedom Grant Attestation form.
The conditions are as follows:
- The Freedom Grant is used exclusively toward program charges.
- The grant is awarded proportionately over each session in the
program.
- Qualifying students are active, inactive, and civilian military personnel, discharged veterans
and their immediate families.
NOTE: These grants are non-transferable and nonsubstitutable. Interested students should contact the AIU Admissions or AIU Financial Aid Departments for additional application information.
*
Immediate family members: Spouse (life partner) or dependent children only. Siblings, cousins, etc. are not considered an immediate family member.
**Discharged veterans must have a discharge other than dishonorable.
Does AIU participate in military tuition assistance programs?
Yes. AIU participates in the Montgomery G.I. Bill program and accepts many federal and private aid programs. AIU Financial Aid Advisors can assist you in obtaining all the benefits available to you.
Veterans who are unsure of their eligibility should contact the Veterans Administration. Eligible students must maintain satisfactory academic progress in which they enroll to continue receiving VA benefits.
If I am deployed or transferred, will I be able to continue my education later?
Certainly. AIU understands that military personnel are frequently deployed and transferred. If you are unsure or know that you will not be able to continue your coursework for the length of your deployment or while enroute to your new assignment, just contact your Student Advisor for further guidance and support.
How will my military training and experience be applied to my chosen degree program?
Your military training, occupations and experience are evaluated by ACE (American Council on Education), which recommends awards of semester hours. Our degree programs are designed under a quarter hour system, and your credits are converted to this system. When you apply for enrollment, a Advisor will prepare a degree program that can maximize your training and experience.
Do I need to be on active duty to have my military training and experience applied towards transfer credit?
Absolutely not. The university will evaluate all of your military training and experience for the consideration of possible transfer credit whether you are on Active Duty, Inactive, Retired, or Separated from any branch of service, including the National Guard and Reserves.
Besides military training and experience, what else can be applied as transfer credit towards the degree I want to pursue?
The university will evaluate any previously completed college coursework (C or better) for transfer credit, when applicable. We will also evaluate any certifications (e.g., MSCE, MCP, etc; and DSST examinations) and work experience prior to, during or after your military service.
How many credit hours can I expect to get for my military training and experience?
It varies. Each military person will have varying amounts of transferable credit based on years of service and specific training. However, a survey completed by ACE in 1998 found the average number of academic credits awarded was 14 semester hours, which equates to about 21 quarter credits.
Your Prior Learning Assessment Specialist will help you get the most credit for your program and develop the best personal degree plan so that you have an opportunity to achieve your educational needs and goals.
What are DSST examinations, and how can they help me?
DSSTs are the DANTES Subject Standardized Tests that provide another avenue to demonstrate proficiency in a subject area in a non-traditional way. DSSTs are offer in a variety of subject areas, such as Business, Physical Science, Humanities, Social Science and Applied Technologies.
Where can I take DSST exams?
Military personnel can take DSSTs free of charge. Talk to your Education Service Officer or Test Control Officer for more information and testing procedures. Study materials and practice examinations are available at most of these offices.