Universidad de Colima

Colima, Mexico
56.1%
Acceptance Rate
1150
Avg SAT
24
Avg ACT
3.4
Avg GPA

A well-established university providing quality higher education. Offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs with dedicated faculty and supportive learning environment.

Admissions
Acceptance Rate
56.1%
SAT Range
1050–1250
ACT Range
N/A
Avg GPA
3.4
Campus & Students
Size
Large (30,271 students)
Type
N/A
Student:Faculty
1:20
Setting
urban
Outcomes & Cost
Graduation Rate
71.0%
Retention Rate
76.0%
Tuition (In-State)
$4,000
Tuition (Int'l)
$8,000

Academic Programs

22 programs

STEM

Biology · bachelorsChemistry · bachelorsComputer Science · bachelorsComputer Science · mastersEngineering · mastersEngineering · bachelorsMathematics · bachelorsPhysics · bachelors

Business

Business Administration · mastersBusiness Administration · bachelorsEconomics · bachelorsFinance · masters

Social Sciences

International Relations · mastersLaw · professionalPolitical Science · bachelorsPsychology · bachelors

Humanities

English Literature · bachelorsHistory · bachelorsPhilosophy · bachelors

Health

Medicine · professionalNursing · bachelors

Arts

Fine Arts · bachelors

English Proficiency Requirements

IELTS Minimum
6+
TOEFL Minimum
80+

Student Life & Environment

The Universidad de Colima maintains multiple campuses across the small state, with the main campus located in the city of Colima. This medium-sized city of approximately 150,000 residents offers a comfortable scale for student life. Traffic congestion and housing costs remain manageable compared to Mexico's major metropolitan areas, while sufficient amenities exist for student needs. The state of Colima itself provides remarkable geographic diversity within a compact area. Mountains rise to over 4,000 meters at the volcanic peaks, while tropical beaches lie within an hour's drive. Students can swim in the Pacific, hike cloud forests, and observe active volcanic activity all within a single weekend. This natural richness supports both scientific fieldwork and recreational adventure. Student organizations connect undergraduates around academic interests, sports, and cultural activities. The university's sports teams compete in regional conferences across multiple disciplines. Cultural programming brings music, theater, and art to campus throughout the academic year. The relatively small student body compared to massive metropolitan universities means tighter community bonds develop naturally. The city of Colima maintains colonial architecture in its central district, with a cathedral and government buildings surrounding a traditional plaza. Markets sell fresh tropical produce at prices that help student budgets stretch further. The slow pace of life in this agricultural region contrasts sharply with the frenzy of Mexico City or Guadalajara, appealing to students who want focus rather than distraction.

Location & Surroundings

Colima state occupies a unique position on Mexico's Pacific coast, small enough to know intimately yet containing remarkable diversity. The coastal city of Manzanillo serves as a major port and tourist destination with beaches, sport fishing, and resort hotels. The interior rises through agricultural valleys to forested mountains and active volcanoes. Students can experience tropical, temperate, and alpine environments all within the state's compact boundaries. The Volcán de Colima provides an exceptional natural laboratory just kilometers from campus. This active stratovolcano has erupted repeatedly in recent decades, allowing students and researchers to study volcanic processes in real time. The monitoring station on the mountain slope employs Colima graduates and collaborates with the university on seismic and geochemical research. Few universities anywhere offer such proximity to ongoing volcanic activity. Agricultural richness surrounds the city. Lime orchards carpet the valley floors, producing the essential ingredient for Mexican cuisine and beverages. Coconut palms line the coast. Coffee grows in the mountain zones. Students studying agriculture, food science, or rural development find their subjects growing all around them. Manzanillo's port connects Colima to global trade networks. Container ships arrive from Asia, unloading goods bound for distribution throughout Mexico. The logistics industry employs thousands and offers career opportunities for business and engineering graduates. The economic activity generated by the port supports the broader regional economy, benefiting university graduates seeking employment.

Costs & Career Outcomes

Graduates of the Universidad de Colima find employment throughout Mexico and internationally, with particular strength in fields connected to the institution's regional specializations. Agricultural graduates manage plantations, work for food processing companies, and serve in government agencies addressing rural development. The relationships between university faculty and industry leaders facilitate placement. Marine science graduates pursue careers in fisheries management, environmental consulting, and research institutions. Mexico's extensive Pacific and Gulf coastlines require professionals who understand marine ecosystems, and Colima's program produces well-prepared candidates. Some graduates continue to doctoral programs at Mexican and international universities before pursuing academic careers. As a Mexican public university, the Universidad de Colima offers education at costs far below private Mexican institutions or international alternatives. Tuition for Mexican students runs just a few thousand pesos per semester, making higher education accessible to families across income levels. International students pay higher fees but still find costs remarkably affordable by global standards. Living expenses in Colima rank among the lowest of any university city in Mexico. Rents for student housing run significantly below Mexico City, Monterrey, or Guadalajara levels. Food costs remain low thanks to abundant local agricultural production. Transportation within the city functions adequately without requiring personal vehicle ownership.

Campus Location

Rankings
#1001
QS World

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