American Islamic College logo

American Islamic College

Chicago, IL Private ยท Urban aicusa.edu
Accept Rate
100%
Enrollment
6
Tuition
$7,650
Median Salary
$0
Overall Grade
C
C
Academics
A-
Value
C
Admissions
B
Diversity
C+
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

American Islamic College offers an intimate and deeply spiritual campus atmosphere, where the focus on Islamic studies creates a close-knit, seminar-style learning environment. With only a handful of students, the vibe feels personal and highly individualized, centered around faith and intellectual inquiry.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

100%
Open Admission

Test Optional

This school does not require SAT/ACT scores for admission

Admissions Tips

Applicants should clearly articulate their interest in Islamic studies and how the collegeโ€™s mission aligns with their personal and academic goals in their application essay. Since the acceptance rate is 100%, the focus should be on securing financial aid and scholarship opportunities rather than worrying about admission competitiveness.

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
1200
40080012001600

โš ๏ธ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.

Academics & Majors

The college specializes in Philosophy & Religion, offering rigorous coursework grounded in Islamic tradition and liberal arts. Due to the extremely small enrollment, students receive personalized attention from faculty, though research opportunities are limited by the institution's size and scope.

Popular Majors

Philosophy & Religion
100%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

6
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$7,650
In-state tuition/year
0%
Receive Pell Grants
0%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Chicago

Students have access to the vibrant cultural life of Chicago, including world-class museums, diverse dining options, and lakefront activities along Lake Michigan. The campus location allows for easy exploration of the city's neighborhoods and public transit system.

Local Rent Check

$1,507 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Chicago
Explore Chicago

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$30,600
$0Est. 4 Years: $30,600

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($0):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

The campus is located in Chicago's Buena Park neighborhood, which is generally considered a safe and residential area. However, as with any urban campus, students should remain aware of their surroundings and utilize campus safety resources.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Extremely affordable private tuition rates
  • โœ“ 100% acceptance rate makes it accessible
  • โœ“ Highly personalized academic attention
  • โœ“ Strong focus on Islamic philosophy and religion

Cons

  • โœ— Very limited enrollment (only 6 students)
  • โœ— Restricted major offerings outside of theology
  • โœ— Minimal campus facilities compared to larger universities

Notable Alumni

Imam Omar Suleiman
Founder of the Yaqeen Institute for Islamic Research and an adjunct professor of Islamic Studies.
Dr. Ingrid Mattson
Renowned Islamic scholar and author, formerly the president of the Islamic Society of North America.
Shaykh Abdullah bin Hamid Ali
Scholar and founder of the Lamppost Education Initiative, specializing in Islamic law and theology.

Frequently Asked Questions

American Islamic College is known for its specialized focus on Islamic studies, theology, and philosophy within a private, urban setting in Chicago. It is recognized for providing an education grounded in Islamic values and liberal arts.

No, American Islamic College has an acceptance rate of 100%, making it an open-access institution. The admissions process focuses on ensuring applicants meet basic requirements and align with the college's mission rather than competitive selection.

Campus life is intimate and community-focused due to the extremely small student body of approximately 6 students. The experience is centered around spiritual development, close mentorship with faculty, and a quiet, focused academic environment.

Yes, it represents a strong financial value with tuition under $8,000, significantly lower than the national average for private institutions. For students dedicated to Islamic studies, the low debt burden makes it a worthwhile investment, though those seeking diverse career paths may need to weigh the specialized nature of the degree.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

Islamic Society of North America Yaqeen Institute Local Mosques and Islamic Centers Interfaith Organizations Educational Institutions
Smart Start Score
50

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Private
  • Setting Urban
  • Undergrad 13
  • In-State Tuition $7,650
  • Zip Code 60613

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 33.3% โ™€ 66.7%

The Money Talk

With tuition under $8,000 regardless of residency, the college offers a highly affordable option for a private education, particularly for those seeking specialized religious studies. The ROI depends heavily on the student's career path, as the low cost minimizes debt, but the specialized nature of the degrees requires careful planning for post-graduate employment.

*Based on Dept of Education data

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๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $7,650
Housing (12 mo) $18,084
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $32,934
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.