FINANCIAL AID OFFICE
Visit Financial Aid’s Office
Physical Address: 2nd floor of University Plaza
(787) 764-0000 ext. 86125
Front desk hours: Monday to Thursday: 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM; Friday: 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Schedule of Economic Assistance Officers: See document
The United States Department of Education grants federal aid so that students can pay for tuition and fees, lodging, transportation, books and other supplies. It can also help pay other related expenses, such as a computer and the care of dependents. As an initial step, the student must complete the Federal Financial Aid Application (FAFSA) every year. Some of the federal grants are:
- PELL Grant. This is a federal program that provides financial aid to undergraduate students who are enrolled in a first bachelor’s degree. However, in certain cases, a student enrolled in a graduate teacher certification program may qualify for a Pell Grant. The amount of money received may vary from year to year and depends on the financial need evidenced, among other requirements for student eligibility. Students who participate in the Exchange Program of the University of Puerto Rico (UPR) can apply for a Pell Grant. More information available in Pell Grant.
- Complementary federal scholarship for educational opportunity (FSEOG). This program provides additional assistance in the form of scholarships to undergraduate students with exceptional financial needs. For more information, visit FSEOG.
- TEACH Scholarships and for military services. These scholarships have special participation requirements. For more information visit TEACH.
- Federal loans with subsidy and without subsidy. Direct Loan Program subsidized loans are available to undergraduate students in financial need. It is the educational institution responsible for determining the amount that the student can borrow. The loan conditions are somewhat better because the Federal Education Department is the one who pays the interest on the loan while the student is enrolled at least half time. The period to pay the loan is activated automatically 6 months after graduating, to stop studying or to enroll in a lesser academic load than required. On the other hand, unsubsidized loans from the Direct Loan Program are available to undergraduate and graduate students. The student is responsible for the payment of all interest. In this loan, it is not necessary to demonstrate economic necessity. As in the subsidized loan, the educational institution determines the amount the student can borrow based on the cost of the studies and other financial aid received. Students who participate in the Exchange Program of the University of Puerto Rico (UPR) can apply for federal loans.
- PLUS loans. These loans are available to graduate students who do not have a negative credit history. The amount of the maximum loan amount is the cost of the studies determined by the educational institution. For more information visit the PLUS loan page.
- Study and work program. This program provides part-time employment to undergraduate and graduate students in financial need. It is administered by educational institutions, so you must go to the Financial Aid Office to find out if you can participate in it.
The Government of Puerto Rico also has financial aid for students. Likewise, as an initial step, the student must fill out the Federal Financial Aid Application (FAFSA) every year.
- Legislative Scholarship. The legislative assistance program provides supplementary assistance to the eligible student at the undergraduate and graduate levels. It is a requirement to show economic necessity. Visit the Financial Aid Office for more information about this scholarship.
The Río Piedras Campus has several programs to help its students, among which are:
- Jornal Work Program. It provides the opportunity for students to work in the different units attached to the faculties up to a maximum of 20 weekly hours that are paid according to the prevailing federal minimum wage and subject to the availability of funds. Undergraduate and graduate students from the Río Piedras Campus who are enrolled in a regular study program leading to an academic degree are eligible. Interested students must present their resume, class schedule with evidence of payment, the student identification card and the social security card in the administrative office of the corresponding faculty. For jornal work in any of the libraries of the Campus you can visit or call:
- General Library José M. Lázaro, 787-764-0000 Exts. 85516, 85517
- Law Library, 787-999-9702 or 787-999-9684
- Natural Sciences Library , 787-764-0000 Ext. 88372
- Architecture Library , (787) 764-0000 Ext. 85997
- Proposals for External Funds. A considerable number of the proposals that subsidize projects are accompanied by funds destined for students, either for jornal work or teaching assistantship. Regularly the persons in charge of managing the proposals are the ones who invite students to work on their project.
They are granted by employers, individuals, private companies, non-profit organizations, communities, religious groups and professional and social organizations. They are granted in accordance with the requirements established by the donors themselves. You can use the free scholarship search tool.
For more information visit Academy of Nutrition and Dietetic, Puerto Rico Chapter – Scholarships and Awards.
For more information visit ACEND – Grants and Scholarships.