Head-to-head comparison
American InterContinental University System vs Chandler-Gilbert Community College: which has better ROI?
Option A Chandler, AZ
American InterContinental University System
- Net price / year
- $15,172
- Earnings, 10 years
- $36,144
- Payback
- No payback
Option B Chandler, AZ
Chandler-Gilbert Community College
- Net price / year
- $12,726
- Earnings, 10 years
- $51,111
- Payback
- 18.5 yrs
Chandler-Gilbert Community College has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $50,904 in 18.5 years versus not at all at American InterContinental University System, on median earnings of $51,111 vs $36,144 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | American InterContinental University System | Chandler-Gilbert Community College |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $15,172 | $12,726 |
| Total net cost | $60,688 | $50,904 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $36,144 | $51,111 |
| Median debt | $31,000 | $7,000 |
| Payback | — | 18.5 yrs |
| 20-year net return | -$305,008 | $4,116 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
The short answer
Which is cheaper, American InterContinental University System or Chandler-Gilbert Community College?
Chandler-Gilbert Community College, at $12,726 a year after aid versus $15,172 — a gap of $2,446 a year, or $9,784 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
The short answer
Do American InterContinental University System or Chandler-Gilbert Community College graduates earn more?
Chandler-Gilbert Community College graduates report a median $51,111 ten years after entry, $14,967 more than the $36,144 at American InterContinental University System. 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.
The short answer
Which leaves students with less debt, American InterContinental University System or Chandler-Gilbert Community College?
Chandler-Gilbert Community College: its completers carry a median $7,000 in federal loans versus $31,000 at American InterContinental University System, a difference of $24,000. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
The short answer
Which graduates more of its students?
30% of students finish at Chandler-Gilbert Community College, against 9% at American InterContinental University System. 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.