Students at American International College achieve earnings that substantially exceed expectations, earning over $10,400 more than similar students at comparable institutions.
This earnings advantage, combined with strong outcomes for low-income students, demonstrates the college's effectiveness in supporting upward mobility.
American International College is a small private nonprofit institution in Springfield, Massachusetts, that serves as a stepping stone to middle-class careers for students from diverse backgrounds. With about 50% of students receiving Pell Grants and over 40% being first-generation college students, AIC provides broad access within a close-knit campus environment. The college's mobility quadrant designation as a "Mobility Engine" reflects its ability to help students from lower-income backgrounds achieve meaningful economic progress.
Graduates earn a median of $53,124 ten years after enrollment, with particularly strong outcomes in nursing and health-related fields. The college's value-added earnings of over $10,400 means students earn substantially more than similar students at other institutions, demonstrating AIC's effectiveness in supporting student success. While overall earnings place the institution in the middle tier nationally, the combination of strong access, personalized attention, and meaningful earnings growth makes it a solid choice for students seeking upward mobility.
As a small private college, AIC offers the intimate learning environment and individualized support that many students need to succeed, particularly those who are the first in their families to attend college. The Springfield location provides access to internships and career opportunities throughout western Massachusetts while maintaining affordable costs compared to many private institutions.
American International College's program portfolio reflects its focus on practical, career-oriented education that leads directly to employment. The Adult Health Nursing program stands out as the institution's flagship offering, graduating 68 students annually with strong median earnings of $67,602 ten years out. This program represents AIC's highest aggregate return, combining substantial enrollment with excellent financial outcomes that reflect the strong demand for nursing professionals in the regional healthcare market.
Psychology represents the college's approach to liberal arts education, graduating 20 students with more modest early-career earnings of $33,993. While these earnings are lower than nursing, they reflect the diverse career paths available to psychology graduates, many of whom pursue additional education or enter fields where earnings grow over time. The contrast between these programs illustrates how AIC serves students with different career goals and academic interests.
The college's small size means that program offerings are focused rather than comprehensive, but this concentration allows for strong faculty-student relationships and specialized career preparation. AIC's success in nursing demonstrates the institution's ability to develop programs that meet regional workforce needs while providing students with clear pathways to stable, well-paying careers.
American International College graduates achieve solid long-term financial outcomes, with median earnings of $53,124 ten years after enrollment. What makes these results particularly meaningful is that students earn over $10,400 more than similar students at other institutions, placing AIC among the stronger performers for earnings beyond expectations. This earnings advantage reflects the college's focus on career-oriented programs and personalized support that helps students maximize their potential.
The strongest financial returns come from AIC's nursing program, which graduates 68 students annually with median earnings of $67,602 ten years out. This program represents the college's highest aggregate return, combining substantial enrollment with excellent pay outcomes. Psychology, the college's largest program with 20 graduates, shows more modest earnings at $33,993, reflecting the broader career paths and additional education often required in that field. The contrast between these programs illustrates how major choice significantly impacts financial outcomes at AIC.
While AIC's overall earnings place it in the middle tier nationally, the consistent pattern of graduates earning more than expected suggests the college adds real value through its educational approach. The small class sizes, individualized attention, and career-focused programming help students develop the skills and connections needed for professional success, particularly in health-related fields where the college has established strong employer relationships.
American International College offers relatively affordable access to private higher education, particularly for low- and middle-income families. Low-income students pay a net price of $17,645 annually, while middle-income families see costs around $21,234 per year. These prices represent significant discounts from the sticker price and make AIC accessible to families who might otherwise find private education out of reach. High-income families pay $37,851 annually, which remains competitive within the private college market.
The college's financial aid approach focuses on making education accessible to first-generation and Pell-eligible students, who represent the majority of the student body. Most students graduate with manageable debt levels, with typical federal loan debt of $27,000 and Parent PLUS borrowing averaging $20,000. These amounts, while substantial, align with what graduates can reasonably expect to repay given AIC's solid earnings outcomes, particularly for students in high-return programs like nursing.
What makes AIC's affordability story compelling is the combination of reasonable net prices with strong earnings beyond expectations. Students not only pay less than at many private institutions but also achieve better-than-predicted financial outcomes, creating a favorable return on investment. The college's 0% federal loan default rate indicates that graduates are successfully managing their debt obligations, suggesting that the education investment pays off for most students.
American International College Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
