Financial Information

The tuition for all programs at Maternidad La Luz includes classes, clinical rotations, and all materials and equipment. A tuition deposit is due three months before the first quarter begins or on the date stated in the acceptance letter. Full payment of tuition for each quarter is required by the first day of class. All fees are nonrefundable once classes for each quarter have begun.

If a student interrupts her program for a significant amount of time and returns to MLL, she will have to participate in at least one week of reorientation. The length of the reorientation will depend on the length of the absence. There is a fee for the reorientation.

If a student does not complete her homework within the three-month grace period after completing her program, there will be an administrative fee at the beginning of each month that the student still has outstanding homework.

Tuition for MEAC-Accredited Programs 

* If an applicant is not successful in the Advanced Placement process, $750 of this fee will be applied towards 1st Quarter tuition.

**See late tuition policy.

***Additional transcipts and clinical verifications are $10 each.

Students are given a receipt for all tuition and other fees paid. Ledgers are maintained in each student’s file and may be seen by appointment with a director.

Other Expenses

• The cost of living in El Paso is inexpensive in comparison to other cities. Students spend an average of $500 - $800 a month including rent, and housing is readily available in El Paso. We recommend that students arrive with sufficient time (at least a week) to find a place to live and to get somewhat settled before the program begins. There are often students looking for roommates. We will help students interested in sharing accommodations to get in touch with each other. Please write a letter or e-mail to Maternidad La Luz expressing housing requirements and let us know if we may give your contact information to other students.
• There are several required books that are used in the program. A list of these books is sent with the acceptance letter. We recommend all students have these books as references in their own libraries. Estimated cost of books is $500 to $750. All required books are also found in the MLL library.
• Students who are on-call need to provide their own pager or cell phone. The estimated cost of these devices is $10 to $20 per month.
• All midwifery and emergency equipment is provided at the center. No equipment needs to be purchased by the student.
• Scrubs, closed-toe shoes, and a watch with a second hand are to be worn during all shifts. Students need to purchase at least two sets of scrubs before starting at MLL. There are many used clothing stores in El Paso that sell scrubs at very low cost.
• It is recommended that everyone have health insurance.
• Each student must have reliable transportation during clinic hours; therefore finances for general car maintenance and insurance need to be considered.

Financial Aid

• Maternidad La Luz sponsors one scholarship to assist women of color in the study of midwifery. This scholarship covers tuition for the 2nd through 4th quarters for students enrolled in the One-Year Program.  Students may apply for this during the first quarter.
• There are some work-study scholarships available for the 5th through 9th Quarters. Students who complete the 4th Quarter may apply to orient new or short-term students, work as 3rd-on midwives, or do office or other work.
• Students who are enrolled in the Special Midwifery Residency will receive free tuition for Quarters 5 – 9 and a modest weekly stipend.
• Students who are enrolled in college may be able to arrange financial aid through their sponsoring university.
• Local women’s resource centers may provide grants.
• State work force agencies and state rehabilitation agencies have provided financial aid to Maternidad La Luz students.
• Private loans are available for those who qualify through their bank or credit union.
• Maternidad La Luz is not enrolled in the Title IV Federal Student Loan Program.

Refund Policy

To confirm placement in the program, an applicant is required to send in a signed contract and the first quarter deposit three months before classes begin or by the date designated in the acceptance letter.  A full refund of this deposit is given if the applicant notifies the Director within 72 hours of signing the contract.  If an applicant pays her deposit and cannot attend the class applied for, she may defer her start date up to one year.  If an applicant does not begin the program within one year of the original start date, she must re-apply.  Any money not refunded to her will be applied to her tuition.  If an applicant decides not to attend, she must notify the director at least 60 days before the first day of class to receive a refund of half of her deposit.  Otherwise all fees are nonrefundable.  All tuition is nonrefundable once classes for the quarter have begun.  

One half of PLEP enrollment fees will be refunded if the student informs the director within 60 days of payment that she no longer wishes to be enrolled in the PLEP.