American International College

Pros: small-private-great athletic dept
Cons: neighborhood-may be too small for some

I am a 1991 graduate of AIC. I double majored in Criminal Justice and Psychology. I was given a partial academic scholarship and partial athletic scholarship for playing softball. I went on to law school in Boston and passed the CT Bar in 1994.
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Pros: Nice buildings, compact campus, hockey team, emphasis on athletics
Cons: Weak academic rep (deserved or not), expensive, very dangerous neighborhood, small selection of courses

I took a few courses at AIC while down the road at Western New England College. The Cooperating Colleges of Greater Springfield allows you to take courses at Springfield College, Bay Path (women only), Western New England College, Springfield Technical ...

Pros: Strong athletic program, good hockey team, new president, enhanced technology, doctorate program
Cons: Terrible neighborhood, scattered campus feels detached at times, crowded layout, subpar academic rep

I took a few classes at AIC while I was an undergrad at nearby Western New England College. I felt that AIC was a place that did a good job for its athlete-scholar base. I didn't feel like the academics were as challenging as those at Springfield College or Western New England, but they were nothing to besmirch.

AIC is probably best known for its TV ads wherein a dean of admissions does a used-car salesman type ad, promising "Try college for two weeks! No applications, not fees, nothing for an entire two weeks!" or something along those lines. It's pretty creative and the try-college-on-for-size program is wonderful for those on the fence about going to college.

AIC also just put in a nationally-backed technology upgrade. Until recently, few dorms had any technology. 2007 is a little late to get on the information superhighway in a serious way, but at least they are there now.

If you are an athlete, the culture at AIC will fit you well. But be warned... the neighborhood is rough. A pre-enrollment visit to AIC is must.