Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro
A well-established university providing quality higher education. Offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs with dedicated faculty and supportive learning environment.
- Acceptance Rate
- 65.6%
- SAT Range
- 1050–1250
- ACT Range
- N/A
- Avg GPA
- 3.4
- Size
- Large (29,810 students)
- Type
- N/A
- Student:Faculty
- 1:17
- Setting
- suburban
- Graduation Rate
- 78.0%
- Retention Rate
- 75.0%
- Tuition (In-State)
- $4,000
- Tuition (Int'l)
- $8,000
Academic Programs
STEM
Business
Social Sciences
Humanities
Health
Arts
English Proficiency Requirements
Student Life & Environment
Life at Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro extends well beyond classroom walls into a community shaped by Mexican traditions and student energy. The main campus in Querétaro city serves as the hub of activity, though satellite campuses in Amealco, San Juan del Río, and other locations host their own communities. Students gather between classes at the central esplanade, grabbing food from cafeterias or the informal vendors who set up near campus gates selling tacos, tortas, and fresh fruit. Student organizations cover the full spectrum of interests. Political groups debate current events with the passion characteristic of Mexican university culture. Cultural organizations preserve and celebrate indigenous heritage alongside contemporary arts. Sports teams compete in regional university leagues, with soccer unsurprisingly drawing the biggest crowds and most participants. Basketball, volleyball, and athletics also maintain active programs with proper facilities and coaching support. Intramural leagues allow casual athletes to participate without the commitment required by competitive teams. The university calendar pulses with events that bring the community together. Día de Muertos celebrations transform campus spaces with altars and marigolds honoring deceased loved ones. Spring festivals feature traditional music, dance performances, and food representing Querétaro's culinary heritage. Academic conferences and guest lectures attract scholars from across Mexico and internationally, giving students exposure to leading thinkers in their fields. Student government provides opportunities for leadership and advocacy. Representatives work with administration on issues affecting student welfare, from transportation to academic policies. Campus media, including radio and publications, train aspiring journalists and provide platforms for student voices.
Location & Surroundings
Querétaro city offers UAQ students an exceptional setting that combines colonial beauty with modern economic opportunity. The historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site, features baroque churches, grand plazas, and restored colonial buildings now housing restaurants, galleries, and boutiques. Walking through the Centro Histórico feels like stepping back centuries while remaining connected to contemporary Mexico. Yet just beyond this historic core, modern Querétaro pulses with technology parks, manufacturing facilities, and shopping centers that define its current prosperity. The university's suburban campus provides a balance between academic focus and urban access. Public transportation connects students to downtown and surrounding neighborhoods affordably and reliably. The Querétaro Intercity Bus Terminal offers connections throughout Mexico, making weekend trips home or exploration adventures entirely feasible. The international airport, expanded to serve the region's growing importance, connects to major Mexican cities and select international destinations. Living costs in Querétaro sit below Mexico City levels while the quality of life often exceeds it. The city consistently ranks among Mexico's safest, a factor students and families appreciate. Neighborhoods near campus offer housing options from shared apartments to single rooms in family homes. Markets and supermarkets keep food costs reasonable, while cafes and restaurants cater to student budgets alongside more upscale dining options. Beyond the city, the surrounding region invites exploration. Peña de Bernal, one of the world's tallest monoliths, rises dramatically from the landscape an hour away. Wine country in the valleys around Tequisquiapan has developed into a genuine destination. The colonial towns scattered throughout the Bajío each offer distinct character and history worth discovering on free weekends.
Costs & Career Outcomes
Studying at Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro offers exceptional value compared to private Mexican universities or international alternatives. As a public institution, UAQ keeps tuition remarkably affordable, with semester fees generally ranging from 3,000 to 8,000 Mexican pesos (roughly $150 to $400 USD) depending on the program. Medical and engineering programs sit at the higher end due to laboratory and equipment costs, while humanities programs tend toward the lower range. Students should budget for additional costs beyond tuition. Enrollment fees, student services charges, and credential processing add another 2,000 to 4,000 pesos per semester. Books and materials vary significantly by major but typically run 3,000 to 6,000 pesos annually. Students in technical fields may need to purchase specific calculators, software licenses, or laboratory equipment. Living expenses in Querétaro are moderate by Mexican standards, with shared apartments near campus renting for 3,000 to 5,000 pesos monthly. Financial support comes through several channels. The federal government's Benito Juárez scholarship program provides monthly stipends to students from lower-income families. UAQ administers its own scholarship programs based on academic merit and financial need, including discounts on tuition ranging from 25% to full coverage. Graduates enter a regional economy that has transformed dramatically over the past two decades. Engineering graduates find strong demand in the aerospace sector at companies like Bombardier, Safran, and Airbus Helicopters. Starting salaries for engineers typically range from 15,000 to 25,000 pesos monthly. Business and accounting graduates enter a growing service economy through banks, consulting firms, and corporate finance departments.
Campus Location
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