Universities in Costa Rica - Public Universities

Public Universities

Public universities are the largest and most prestigious academic institutions in the country. Currently there are four public universities in Costa Rica, each assigned to emphasize on certain academic disciplines. A fifth university known as Universidad Técnica (UTCR, Technical University) was recently established in the city of Alajuela. All public universities are members of the Consejo Nacional de Rectores (CONARE, National University Presidents Council).

• Instituto Tecnológico de Costa Rica (ITCR, Costa Rican Institute of Technology): also known as the TEC, is located in Cartago, Costa Rica. It has the mission of: "To contribute to the integral development of the country, by means of the formation of human resources, research and extension; keeping the scientific-technical leadership, the academic excellence and the strict attachment to the ethical, environmental and humanists norms, from a state university perspective of quality and competitiveness at national and international level". The ITCR has a partnership with Intel which allowed the Institute to upgrade its curricula and place its best students within the company.

• Universidad de Costa Rica (UCR, University of Costa Rica): its main campus is located in San Pedro, in the province of San José. It is the oldest, largest, and most prestigious institution of higher learning in Costa Rica. Its origins trace back to 1832. Approximately 40,000 students are enrolled at UCR.

• Universidad Estatal a Distancia (UNED, Distance State University): focused on distance learning it is well known to have its main offices in Sabanilla and many local branch campuses for classes and exams.

• Universidad Nacional (UNA, National University): this university located in Heredia has a strong department of life sciences. About 30,000 students attend UNA.