I'm finishing up my BA right now at Excelsior and I'm contemplating Graduate options. I just visited the AIU website and I am intrigued by the possibility of finishing an MBA in 10 months. AIU is a little more costly than I'd like but there is time value to money, and making the nearly $30k investment and getting an RA MBA in 10 months is attractive on balance. Would any of you who have any experience with AIU on the graduate level and particularly those of you who are in or have completed MBA program there pleae share your expieriences with us? I'd also like to know how your AIU MBA has been received by employers and propspective employers. I'm primarily interested in the Accounting and Finance concentration. Thank you in advance for any info!!!
Nothing against AIU, but there are other options that would allow you to complete a RA MBA in almost the same time frame (12-18 months) at a much lower cost. Off the top of my head, I believe that the California State University-Dominguez Hills MBA program can be completed in 18 months, and is much less expensive than AIU. Unless you're in a super-hurry to finish your MBA in 10 months, it would be well worth it for you to look into other programs.
Gunsmoke, I recently earned my BBA from AIU in Dec 2003, and am currently enrolled in the MBA program. Personally, I am very happy with my decision to attend AIU. I have found that the curriculum is solid and that both the instructors and administrative staff are responsive and caring. As for employers' perceptions of AIU, I cannot speak for all employers. However, since earning my Bachelor's, I have received a promotion (because of the degree) at my job working for the NJ state government. Although I have been extremely happy with AIU, it is very expensive. Considering I have the GI BILL/Navy College Fund along with employer reimbursement paying for my education, the cost of AIU has not really effected me. However, if you don't have educational benefits from the VA or a great deal of employer reimbursement, I cannot in good conscious recommend AIU because it is much too expensive. There are other good, and less expensive, options out there. In my opinion, I think Cal-State Dominguez may be the best option. The price is relatively low for its 18 month distance MBA program. Also, because of its name, a degree from Cal-State Dominguez Hills might have the possibility og bring perceived as a "better" degree from employers in your area. Whatever you decide, I wish you the best of luck
