Universidad Católica de Colombia
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
- 65.1%
- SAT Range
- 1050–1250
- ACT Range
- N/A
- Avg GPA
- 3.4
- Size
- Large (27,886 students)
- Type
- N/A
- Student:Faculty
- 1:24
- Setting
- urban
- Graduation Rate
- 76.0%
- Retention Rate
- 77.0%
- 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
Campus life at Universidad Católica de Colombia reflects the energy of Bogotá itself. The main campus occupies several blocks in the Chapinero area, one of the city's most active neighborhoods for young people. Between classes, students fill the cafeterias and outdoor spaces, and the surrounding streets offer countless restaurants, cafes, and shops within walking distance. This urban setting means there is no traditional enclosed campus, but students generally appreciate being embedded in the city rather than isolated from it. Student organizations cover everything from professional development groups to cultural clubs, sports teams, and volunteer organizations. The university's Catholic identity shows up in various service initiatives, and many students participate in community outreach programs in lower-income neighborhoods around Bogotá. Intramural sports are popular, with soccer and volleyball drawing the most participants. The university fields competitive teams in several sports, though athletics do not dominate campus culture the way they might at an American university. Housing is not provided on campus, so students either live with family or rent apartments in nearby neighborhoods. Chapinero and surrounding areas offer options at various price points, and many students form apartment-sharing arrangements. The commute is a significant factor in student life, as Bogotá's traffic is notoriously difficult. Many students spend an hour or more traveling each way, which affects how much time they spend on campus outside of class hours.
Location & Surroundings
Bogotá stretches across a high plateau in the Andes Mountains at an elevation of about 2,600 meters, giving the city a cool, temperate climate that differs dramatically from the tropical lowlands most foreigners associate with Colombia. Temperatures stay relatively consistent year-round, typically ranging from 7 to 20 degrees Celsius, though the weather can shift quickly within a single day. Rain is common, especially from April to November, so students learn to carry an umbrella at all times. The Chapinero neighborhood where the university is located has evolved into one of Bogotá's most progressive and culturally active areas. The Zona G and Zona T nearby offer upscale dining and nightlife, while the traditional streets around the campus maintain a more accessible character. TransMilenio buses and the new metro system provide public transportation, though traffic congestion remains a constant challenge in this city of over eight million people. Beyond the immediate neighborhood, Bogotá offers world-class museums, including the Gold Museum and the Botero Museum, both of which are free to enter. The historic La Candelaria district provides a window into colonial architecture and history. On weekends, many students escape to the surrounding countryside, hiking in the Chingaza National Park or visiting towns like Zipaquirá with its famous underground salt cathedral. The city has improved significantly in terms of safety over the past two decades, though students still need to exercise common urban precautions.
Costs & Career Outcomes
Tuition at Universidad Católica de Colombia falls in the middle range for Colombian private universities. Current rates vary by program, with engineering and law programs typically costing more than humanities fields. Students should expect to pay between 6 and 10 million Colombian pesos per semester, roughly equivalent to $1,500 to $2,500 USD at current exchange rates. This is significantly more than public universities but less than elite private institutions like Universidad de los Andes. Financial aid exists in several forms. The university offers merit scholarships based on ICFES scores and academic performance, and need-based assistance is available through ICETEX, the Colombian government's student loan program. Many students work part-time to cover living expenses, and the university's location in a commercial district provides numerous employment opportunities in retail, restaurants, and offices nearby. Career outcomes vary substantially by program. Law graduates have strong employment rates, particularly those who pass the bar and secure positions at established firms. Engineering graduates benefit from Colombia's ongoing infrastructure investment, finding work in construction, technology, and manufacturing. The university maintains a career services office that connects students with internship and job opportunities, and alumni networks are reasonably active, especially in Bogotá. Graduates generally earn competitive salaries by Colombian standards, though like anywhere, success depends heavily on individual performance and the specific field of study.
Campus Location
Explore More
See your match score for Universidad Católica de Colombia
Find out how you compare to admitted students with a personalized admission assessment.
See your match score — Sign up free