History of the University
Inter American University of Puerto Rico is a private institution with a Christian heritage and an ecumenical tradition. It is a non-profit organization that provides college instruction to persons of both sexes. It was originally founded in 1912 as the Polytechnic Institute of Puerto Rico by the Reverend J. William Harris and offered elementary and secondary education on the land occupied today by the San Germán Campus. The first college level courses were started in 1921 and in 1927, the first group of students graduated with Bachelor’s Degrees.
In 1944, the Institution was accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. It was the first four-year liberal arts college to be so accredited outside the continental limits of the United States. This accreditation has been maintained since then. The programs of the University are authorized by the Board of Postsecondary Institutions of Puerto Rico and recognized by the Commonwealth’s Department of Education, which certifies teachers for the public school system of Puerto Rico. Also, the school is approved by the Puerto Rico State Approving Agency to provide academic training to the students under the various GI Bill® programs. "GI Bill®” is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
Inter American University’s tradition of public service, the geographical location of its instructional units and its continuing attention to student needs make it especially attractive and accessible to students from all the municipalities of Puerto Rico. The University participates in federal and state financial aid programs for qualified students.
Taking into account the individual preferences and the occupational aspirations of the people it serves, Inter American University of Puerto Rico also offers study programs leading to a pre-university certificate. By means of programs of short duration and a practical approach, the Technical Certificate Program develops competencies that enable students graduated from high school or its equivalent to enter the labor force or to strengthen the skills of those who already work.