Universidad Autónoma de Nayarit
Universidad Autónoma de Nayarit (UAN) serves as the flagship public institution of higher education in the Pacific coastal state of Nayarit. Established in 1969 and granted autonomy in 1975, UAN has developed into a comprehensive university serving the educational needs of Nayarit and the broader region. The institution has grown to serve over 40,000 students through its network of academic units and preparatory schools. The university's mission emphasizes education, research, and cultural extension in service of regional and national development. UAN is committed to forming competent professionals with ethical values and social responsibility. The institution recognizes its special obligation to serve the diverse populations of Nayarit, including the significant indigenous communities of Huichol (Wixáritari), Cora (Náayeri), and other groups whose cultural heritage enriches the state. UAN holds recognition within Mexico's public university system through its ANUIES membership and program accreditations from organizations including COPAES-recognized bodies. The university has earned particular recognition for programs in agriculture, tourism, and health sciences that address regional economic priorities. Research initiatives focus on areas relevant to Nayarit's development, including sustainable agriculture, aquaculture, coastal ecology, and cultural preservation. The institutional identity reflects Nayarit's character as a smaller state where personal relationships and community connections remain strong. UAN serves as a major cultural institution, hosting events, supporting artistic development, and maintaining the university press that documents regional history and culture. Graduates typically maintain strong ties to their alma mater and contribute to the professional and civic life of Nayarit.
- Acceptance Rate
- 65.0%
- SAT Range
- 1050–1250
- ACT Range
- N/A
- Avg GPA
- 3.25
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- Retention Rate
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- Tuition (In-State)
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- Tuition (Int'l)
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Student Life & Environment
Student life at Universidad Autónoma de Nayarit reflects the character of a regional Mexican university serving students primarily from Nayarit and neighboring states. The Tepic campus provides gathering spaces, sports facilities, and student services that support academic and social life. Many students live with family or in nearby housing rather than in university dormitories, maintaining connections to their home communities while pursuing education. Student organizations cover academic, cultural, sports, and social interests, with activities that punctuate the academic calendar. The university celebrates traditional Mexican festivals and holidays, connecting academic life to broader cultural rhythms. Tepic itself is a pleasant mid-sized city with the amenities students need at prices lower than major Mexican urban centers. Weekend trips to Nayarit's beaches provide escape from academic pressures, with destinations like San Blas offering less developed alternatives to the crowded resorts further south.
Location & Surroundings
Tepic sits in the foothills of the Sierra Madre Occidental, enjoying a pleasant climate moderated by elevation despite its location in tropical Mexico. The city of roughly 400,000 people serves as the political and commercial center of Nayarit, offering urban amenities while maintaining a manageable scale and pace of life. The state's Pacific coast lies within easy reach, with beaches ranging from developed resort areas to quiet fishing villages that retain traditional character. The Sierra Madre mountains to the east provide opportunities for exploration of indigenous communities and natural areas that few tourists discover. Nayarit remains one of Mexico's less-visited states, offering authentic Mexican experiences without the crowds that fill more famous destinations. The regional cuisine reflects both coastal seafood traditions and the agricultural products of the interior valleys. Guadalajara, Mexico's second-largest city, lies about three hours southeast, providing access to major urban resources when needed.
Costs & Career Outcomes
Tuition at Universidad Autónoma de Nayarit follows Mexican public university fee structures, making higher education extremely affordable for students and their families. Annual costs for registration and fees typically amount to just hundreds of dollars, with the university subsidized by state and federal funding. Living costs in Tepic are quite low by Mexican and certainly by international standards, with students managing on modest budgets for housing, food, and personal expenses. Many students live at home or with extended family, further reducing costs. Career outcomes for UAN graduates connect to the regional economy and opportunities throughout Mexico. Healthcare graduates find positions in Nayarit's hospitals and clinics, while business and tourism graduates work in the state's commercial and hospitality sectors. Some graduates migrate to larger Mexican cities or even internationally for career opportunities their education enables. The university provides career guidance and connections to employers, though job placement ultimately depends on individual initiative and market conditions.
Campus Location
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