Universidad de Atacama
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
- 64.5%
- SAT Range
- 1050–1250
- ACT Range
- N/A
- Avg GPA
- 3.4
- Size
- Large (19,712 students)
- Type
- N/A
- Student:Faculty
- 1:16
- Setting
- urban
- Graduation Rate
- 80.0%
- 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
Student life at UDA takes place in the context of Copiapó, a city defined by mining whose rhythms differ from metropolitan Chile. Many students come from the Atacama region and maintain family connections while studying. Housing is scattered through the city in rented apartments, as the university does not operate large dormitories. Cost of living is moderate by Chilean standards, lower than Santiago but higher than some southern cities. Social life centers on weekend gatherings, local bars and restaurants, and outdoor activities made possible by the reliable climate. The desert surroundings offer unique recreation: trips to the coast at Bahía Inglesa, exploration of desert landscapes, and visits to astronomical observatories that sometimes welcome students. Campus facilities include libraries, computer labs, and some sports facilities, though they do not match metropolitan university offerings. Student organizations cover academic interests, cultural activities, and some political engagement typical of Chilean universities. The small student body creates connections across disciplines, and graduates often find their university friendships remain important professionally in the tight-knit regional community. International students are rare, making those who do come a novelty appreciated for the perspectives they bring. The isolation of the setting creates bonds among students who share the experience of studying in this unusual place.
Location & Surroundings
Copiapó sits in a valley surrounded by the Atacama Desert, one of the world's most extreme landscapes. Annual rainfall sometimes measures in millimeters, and decades can pass between significant precipitation events. This creates a stark beauty: mineral-stained mountains, dry riverbeds, and skies of extraordinary clarity. The city itself has the practical character of a mining center, with services oriented around industry rather than tourism. Temperatures are moderate year-round, cooler than might be expected given the latitude because of elevation and Pacific Ocean influence. The coast is about an hour west, with beaches at Bahía Inglesa and other spots providing weekend escapes. Santiago lies over 800 kilometers south, connected by a full-day bus journey or short flights. The region's economy depends heavily on copper mining, with large operations like Candelaria and Ojos del Salado defining employment patterns. When copper prices are high, the region thrives; downturns affect everyone. The clear skies have attracted major astronomical observatories nearby, including the Atacama Large Millimeter Array (ALMA) further north. Cultural amenities are limited compared to metropolitan areas, with locals traveling south for major concerts, sporting events, or specialized shopping. Those who appreciate solitude and dramatic landscapes find the setting rewarding; those seeking urban excitement will struggle.
Costs & Career Outcomes
Tuition at UDA follows Chilean public university structures, with costs lower than private alternatives and financial aid available through the Gratuidad policy and Crédito con Aval del Estado. Students qualifying for Gratuidad attend tuition-free, a transformative policy for Chilean higher education. Those not qualifying can access loans with state backing that spread repayment over years after graduation. Living costs in Copiapó are moderate, with rent and food prices lower than Santiago. Many students reduce costs by living with family while studying. Working part-time is possible, particularly for students with mining industry connections who might find shift work compatible with class schedules. Career outcomes depend significantly on the mining industry's health. Engineers and geologists find ready employment when copper prices support expansion, with salaries in the industry often exceeding other sectors. Education and law graduates serve regional needs with steady if less lucrative employment. Those willing to work in remote mine sites can earn substantial incomes relatively early in careers. The alumni network is tight-knit within the Atacama region, with graduates often hiring from their alma mater. Career services connect students with internship opportunities at mining companies and regional employers. Those seeking careers outside the region face the challenge that UDA is less recognized nationally than metropolitan universities, though graduates who prove themselves overcome this quickly.
Campus Location
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