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American InterContinental University-Atlanta vs Paine College: which has better ROI?

Private for-profit, Atlanta GA · vs · Private nonprofit, Augusta GA

The verdict

Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but American InterContinental University-Atlanta comes closer — median earnings $36,144 against a $65,928 total, vs $33,338 at Paine College. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureAmerican InterContinental University-AtlantaPaine College
Net price / yr$16,482$16,670
Total net cost$65,928$66,680
Median earnings, 10 yrs$36,144$33,338
Median debt$31,000
Payback
20-year net return-$310,248-$367,120

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, American InterContinental University-Atlanta or Paine College?

American InterContinental University-Atlanta, at $16,482 a year after aid versus $16,670 — a gap of $188 a year, or $752 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do American InterContinental University-Atlanta or Paine College graduates earn more?

American InterContinental University-Atlanta graduates report a median $36,144 ten years after entry, $2,806 more than the $33,338 at Paine College. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

Which graduates more of its students?

21% of students finish at American InterContinental University-Atlanta, against 14% at Paine College. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

American InterContinental University-Atlanta vs Paine College: frequently asked questions

Is American InterContinental University-Atlanta or Paine College a better value?
American InterContinental University-Atlanta comes closer, but neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings — the field you study decides it here more than the school.
Which is cheaper, American InterContinental University-Atlanta or Paine College?
American InterContinental University-Atlanta: $16,482/yr net price after aid versus $16,670/yr at Paine College — a difference of $188 a year, or about $752 over four years.
Do American InterContinental University-Atlanta or Paine College graduates earn more?
American InterContinental University-Atlanta graduates earn a median $36,144 ten years after entry, versus $33,338 at Paine College — a $2,806 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.