It is our commitment to provide an excellent service along with the proper financial aid to help you cover the costs of the Optometry Program. Students who meet the eligibility requirements are offered the combination of aids that best meets their needs.
How to Apply for Financial Aid
Step 1
Get an FSA ID (account username and password) and complete your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on studentaid.gov. Use our School Code G42510.
Step 2
Attend to a Direct Loan Orientation Session
Step 3
Complete the Entrance Counseling on www.studentaid.gov. The EC is a mandatory information session that explains your rights and responsibilities as a borrower (only new students or if you are applying for financial aid first time in the School).
Step 4
Review your Financial Aid Offer on the InterWeb to accept, reduce, and/or decline your award(s) and fulfill all loan requirements before your financial aid can be credited to your student account.
Step 5
Complete the Master Promissory Note (MPN) on www.studentaid.gov. The MPN is a legal document that lists the terms and conditions under which you agree to repay the loan and explains your rights and responsibilities as a borrower (only new students or if you are applying for financial aid first time in the School).
Step 6
Accept the Registration Charges for the semester. Please refer to the Academic Calendar for deadlines.
Financial Aid Requirements
Students must meet all of the following criteria to be eligible to receive federal student aid:
- Be a United States citizen or eligible non-citizen
- Have a valid Social Security number
- Be enrolled at least as a half time student
- Not be in default in any previous student loans
- Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress
- Have a high school diploma or a recognized equivalent
- Be enrolled as a regular student
Financial Aid Programs
Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans
Financial need is not required. The student must be enrolled at least half-time. The borrower is responsible for interest during all periods.
Fixed interest rate of 8.08% for loans first disbursed between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025.
Origination Fee: 1.057% for loans first disbursed up to September 30, 2025.
The Annual Loan Limit for students of health professions is $40,500 The Aggregate Loan Limit for combined Subsidized/Unsubsidized loans is $224,000.
Federal Graduate PLUS Loan
Financial need is not required. The student must be enrolled at least half-time. A credit check is required for a Plus loan. The borrower is responsible for interest during all periods. The maximum annual amount is the student’s cost of attendance minus any other financial aid received.
Fixed interest rate of 9.08% for loans first disbursed between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025
Origination Fee: 4.228% for loans first disbursed up to September 30, 2025.
Institutional Scholarships
Every year an amount of Institutional funds is assigned to award scholarships to students with financial needs. Funds are also used to meet exceptional situations presented by students.
Alternative Loans
These loans provide supplemental funding when other financial aids do not cover costs. Alternative loans are also known as private loans and are offered by private lenders (banks or other financial institutions). These loans usually require a credit check. Students should first check on federal loan eligibility.
Cost of Attendance Bulletin
Inter American University of Puerto Rico provides its students this information bulletin regarding tuition, fees and other charges in effect, as approved by the Board of Trustees of this Institution. These costs apply for students in the regular, Avance, and Certificate programs. Also included is general information concerning norms for the payment of tuition and fees, deferred payments, adjustments and reimbursement when a student withdraws from a class after it was paid for.
The academic year consists of two (2) regular Semesters, and clinics during the Summer Session. The Master in Science in Public Health is offered in Trimesters.
I. ADMISSION
Masters in Science in Public Health Program | -with the application | $31.00 |
II. TUITION
Regular Program, first year students | ||
PR Residents | -annual (two semesters and June) | $30,500.00 |
Non-Residents | -annual (two semesters and June) | $31,500.00 |
Regular Program, second year students | -annual (two semesters) | $29,500.00 |
Regular Program, third year students | -annual (two semesters and July) | $29,000.00 |
Regular Program, fourth year students | -annual (two semesters) | $28,500.00 |
Summer & Special Students | -per credit hour | $1,500.00 |
Graduate – Masters in Science in Public Health | -per credit hour | $227.00 |
Auditing without credit | -50% of regular per credit cost of Special Students | |
III. FEES
Semester | Trimester | Summer | |
General Fees | $100.00 | $60.00 | $50.00 |
Student and Cultural Activities / Student Council | $62.00 | $42.00 | N/A |
Center for Access to Information | $40.00 | $27.00 | $12.00 |
Infraestructure | $100.00 | $67.00 | $55.00 |
Construction, Improvement and Maintenance | $63.00 | $44.00 | $31.00 |
Goods and Services | $55.00 | $37.00 | $28.00 |
IV. OTHER CHARGES
Certifications of Studies | -for each application | $2.00 |
Late Registration | -at registration | $50.00 |
Withdrawal or changes in courses, Total or Partial * | -upon withdrawal or change | $6.00 |
Additions of courses or changes of one course for another | -upon change | $6.00 |
Deferred Payment Arrangements | -with the arrangement | $6.00 |
Late Payment of Deferred Payment | -when lateness occurs | $25.00 for each installment |
Charge made by IAUPR or company contracted by the University for processing payments with checks | -per returned check | $26.00 |
Late Final Examination | -per exam | $19.00 |
Removal of Incomplete and related academic works | -with application, per course | $19.00 |
Laboratory Fees | -per course requiring it | $38.00 |
Clinic Fees | ||
1st and 2nd year | -per course requiring it | $38.00 |
3rd and 4th year | -per course requiring it | $200.00 |
Vehicles Access & Parking Fee | -per semester or trimester, up to a maximum of | $30.00 |
-per summer session | N/A | |
Identification Card Replacement | -with application | $7.00 |
Academic Evaluation Fee | -with application | $10.00 |
Graduation – Optometry Program | -with application | $200.00 |
Graduation – Master in Science in Public Health | -with application | $100.00 |
Transcripts | -per transcript | $6.00 |
Electronic Transcripts (digital) | -per transcript | $10.00 |
V. HOUSING
Bedroom | -per semester | $3,500.00 |
-per trimester | $2,100.00 | |
-per summer session | $700.00 | |
Admission Fee | -with the application | $25.00 |
Room contracts are signed for a period of five (5) months at a monthly rate of $700.00.
Refunds: If, for some reason, the student leaves the Residence Hall before the end of the signed contract, both the current and the following month will not be refunded.
VI. CHANGES IN TUITION, FEES AND OTHER CHARGES
The University reserves the right to revise charges and fees whenever:
- There is an increase in educational and general expenses and/or mandatory transfers
- Budget projections indicate a possible increase in these costs
- After careful analysis of any particular situation, the University administration determines that such changes are reasonable and justified
VII. MASTER PROMISSORY NOTE
- The Master Promissory Note represents a guarantee document for the collection of amounts owed to Inter American University of Puerto Rico.
- Bonafidestudents enrolled in the University must fill and submit the Master Promissory Note in the Bursar’s Office of his/her academic unit or campus.
- Students under 21 years of age must sign the Master Promissory Note with their father, mother or tutor. Students 21 years or older can sign the Master Promissory Note without father, mother or tutor consent.
VIII. PAYMENTS
The total cost of tuition fees and other charges is payable in its entirety at the time of registration.
The difference between the total cost of tuition, fees and other charges and the total amount of financial aid a student received (except for Work Study benefits) is payable at the time of registration.
Payments can be made through Money Orders, checks (drawn to Inter American University of Puerto Rico), cash, credit cards (Master Card, VISA, American Express, or Discover) and the ATH debit card.
Payment may also be made with MasterCard or VISA through the University web page.
VIIII. DEFERRED PAYMENT ARRANGEMENTS
The University grants students the privilege of a deferred payment for seventy-five percent (75%) of the total cost of registration per semester or trimester upon signing a duly notarized promissory note. To be eligible for deferred payment, students must have liquidated any debts from previous academic terms. In no case shall the total amount deferred exceed the balance of the debt after discounting the financial aid benefits and loans.
The Chief Executive Officer of the academic unit may, in exceptional cases, increase the percentage of the deferral if it is understood to be beneficial for the Institution, and after analysis that concludes that there is reasonable certainty that the debt will be paid.
The payment of the deferred total cost of tuition, fees and other charges of a semester becomes due seventy-five (75) days after first day of classes, and forty-five (45) days in the case of trimesters. The deferred amount for a semester is due in a maximum of three (3) equal installments, whereas for a trimester it will be two (2) equal installments.
The award of a deferred payment carries a fee to cover part of the administrative expenses of this service. There will be a charge of $25.00 on any installment not paid by its due date.
It is the responsibility of each student to know when payments are due and make the according arrangements.
THERE IS NO DEFERRED PAYMENT PLAN DURING THE SUMMER SESSIONS, except by the express authorization of the Vice President for Management, Finance and Systemic Services. This deferred amount must be paid within thirty (30) days from the last day of classes of the summer session for which the deferment was awarded.
X. ADJUSTMENTS AND REINBURSEMENTS
PARTIAL WITHDRAWAL
Per Semester or Trimester
100% of the cost of credits and laboratory fees (not including other fees) dropped before the start of classes.
75% of the cost of credits and laboratory fees (not including other fees) dropped during the first to third day of classes.
50% of the cost of credits and laboratory fees (not including other fees) dropped during the fourth and fifth day of classes.
THERE WILL BE NO REIMBURSEMENT AFTER THE FIFTH DAY OF CLASSES.
These adjustments will be applicable to students who pay the total cost of their tuition in CASH.
FEES AND OTHER CHARGES ARE NOT REFUNDABLE AFTER CLASSES BEGIN.
Per Summer Session
100% of the cost of credits and laboratory fees (not including other fees) dropped before the start of classes.
75% of the cost of credits and laboratory fees (not including other fees) dropped during the first or second day of classes.
50% of the cost of credits and laboratory fees (not including other fees) dropped during the third or fourth day of classes.
THERE WILL BE NO REIMBURSEMENT AFTER THE FOURTH DAY OF CLASSES.
These adjustments will be applicable to students who pay the total cost of their tuition in CASH.
FEES AND OTHER CHARGES ARE NOT REFUNDABLE AFTER CLASSES BEGIN.
- MILITARY LEAVES AND WITHDRAWALS
- Total Withdrawal Reinbursement:
- If a student is called to active duty, or is activated due to a national emergency, and presents official evidence to this effect, every effort will be made to ensure that the student may benefit from the different types of study programs available to avoid withdrawing from his or her courses. Withdrawals should be the last resort.
- In the case of total withdrawals, the reimbursement will be made in accordance with the provisions of federal Title IV and Military Tuition Assistance (TA).
The schedule for the return of unearned TA funds is based on a proportional daily calculation up to sixty percent (60%). To calculate reimbursement to the government, the university follow a daily formula where:
Number of Days Completed / Total days in the enrollment period* = Percent (%) Earned
A reimbursement will be calculated if the percentage is less than sixty percent (60%).
An example calculation follows:
Academic Term | Total days | Earned Days | Unearned % | Comments |
Semester | 111 | 66 | 40% | 60% of course completed |
Trimester | 90 | 54 | 40% | 60% of course completed |
Bimester | 65 | 39 | 40% | 60% of course completed |
Intensive | 11 | 7 | 40% | 60% of course completed |
Summer | 21 | 13 | 40% | 60% of course completed |
XI. Reimbursement by Course – Return TA Policy:
If a Service member using Tuition Assistance (TA) withdraws from a course before completing sixty percent (60%) of the period of enrollment, the Institution will calculate the amount of the Tuition Assistance (TA) the student did not earn and return these funds to the appropriate military service. The amount of unearned TA equals the difference between Tuition Assistance that was dispensed amount of Tuition Assistance that was earned. This earned TA calculation is based on a percentage of the calendar days completed divided by the total calendar days in the enrollment period. There is no return for students withdrawing after sixty percent (60%) of the academic term.
The formula is:
Number of Days Completed / Total days in the enrollment period* = Percent (%) Earned
* Total Days of the Term (from start to end date)
Estimated Cost of Attendance
ESTIMATED COST OF ATTENDANCE 2024-2025
ITEMS |
FIRST YEAR |
SECOND YEAR |
THIRD YEAR |
FOURTH YEAR |
Tuition Non-Resident Tuition PR Resident |
$31,500 $30,500 |
$30,000 |
$29,500 |
$29,000 |
Fees, including professional credential for 3rd and 4th year |
$1,220 |
$1,182 |
$4,660 |
$5,140 |
Books, Supplies & Equipment |
$7,243 |
$7,135 |
$1,938 |
$599 |
Housing on Campus Housing off Campus |
$8,400 $7,793 |
$8,400 $7,793 |
$8,400 $7,793 |
$ 8,872 |
Food Food Independent living with parents |
$6,382 $4,559 |
$6,382 $4,559 |
$6,382 $4,559 |
$6,382 |
Miscellaneous Personal Expenses |
$4,524 |
$4,524 |
$4,524 |
$4,524 |
Transportation |
$2,909 |
$2,909 |
$2,909 |
$2,909 |
TOTALS living on Campus $61,178 $60,532 $58,313 n/a
PR Resident
TOTALS living off Campus $60,571 $59,925 $57,706 $57,426
PR Resident
TOTALS living on Campus $62,178 $60,532 $58,313 n/a
Non-Resident
TOTALS living off campus $61,571 $59,925 $57,706 $57,426
Non-Resident
Changes in Tuition and Fees
The University reserves the right to review the charges whenever:
- There is an increase in educational and general expenses and/or mandatory transfers,
- Budget projections indicate a possible increase in these costs, and/or
- After careful analysis of any particular situation, the University administration determines that such changes are reasonable and justified.
Exit Counseling
Exit Counseling is mandatory for any student borrower who drop below half-time enrollment, graduate, or leaves school.
Important Information
Access your Federal loan history & Loan Servicer information
Manual del Estudiante Consumidor
Satisfactory Academic Progress Appeal Request Form
Guide Completing FAFSA 2022-2023
Términos y Condiciones para Aceptar Ayudas Económicas
Verification Documents
Please upload your verification documents 2021-2022 HERE
Request for Professional Judgment
Please select the following link to complete the Request for Professional Judgment https://www.inter.edu/uploaddocjuicioprofesional/
If you need the form in English, contact the Financial Aid Office at financialaid@opto.inter.edu
NSLDS Disclosure Students and parents who enter into a loan agreement with Federal Direct Loans will have their loan information submitted to NSLDS (the National Student Loans Data System) which is accessible by authorized agencies, lenders, and institutions.
Contact Information
| Office Email financialaid@opto.inter.edu |
| Raquel Rojas Registration Services Officer 787-765-1915 Ext. #1021 rrojas@opto.inter.edu |
| Sirimarie Martinez Director of Student Services (Admissions and Financial Aid) 787-765-1915 Ext. #1020 smartinez@opto.inter.edu |