Universidade Federal da Paraíba
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
- 56.0%
- SAT Range
- 1050–1250
- ACT Range
- N/A
- Avg GPA
- 3.4
- Size
- Large (24,227 students)
- Type
- N/A
- Student:Faculty
- 1:23
- Setting
- urban
- Graduation Rate
- 76.0%
- Retention Rate
- 77.0%
- Tuition (In-State)
- N/A
- Tuition (Int'l)
- $8,000
Academic Programs
STEM
Business
Social Sciences
Humanities
Health
Arts
English Proficiency Requirements
Student Life & Environment
Student life at UFPB combines academic pursuits with the social pleasures of life in a coastal Brazilian city, though many students must balance their studies with work or family responsibilities. The campus provides libraries, computer labs, and study spaces where students can work between classes, though facilities sometimes struggle to meet demand. Student organizations range from academic societies to political groups to cultural organizations celebrating various aspects of Brazilian life. Sports facilities allow for recreation, with soccer naturally dominant but other activities also popular. The university restaurant system provides subsidized meals that make daily campus life affordable for students from modest backgrounds. Many students commute from various neighborhoods of Joao Pessoa or surrounding municipalities, shaping campus activity around class schedules rather than residential patterns. Those seeking housing near campus find relatively affordable options compared to larger Brazilian cities. Social events and celebrations mark the academic year, with festivals and parties that showcase the musical traditions of the northeast. Study groups form naturally as students navigate challenging coursework together, building friendships that often persist beyond graduation. The beach remains a constant presence in student life, with the city's coastal location providing relief from academic stress whenever a few free hours appear.
Location & Surroundings
Joao Pessoa offers an appealing combination of urban amenities, natural beauty, and affordable living that makes student life pleasant despite economic challenges. The city's beaches rank among Brazil's most beautiful, providing spaces for relaxation and recreation that students actually use rather than merely admire from afar. The tropical climate means warm weather year-round, with the rainy season providing relief from occasional heat rather than creating significant obstacles. Living costs in Joao Pessoa remain lower than in major Brazilian cities like Sao Paulo or Rio de Janeiro, stretching student budgets further. The city maintains a manageable scale, lacking the overwhelming size and complexity of Brazil's megacities while still offering cultural venues, restaurants, and entertainment options. Historic architecture in the city center reflects centuries of Brazilian history, from colonial times through various periods of development. The location provides access to other northeastern destinations, with the rich cultural traditions of the region available for exploration. For students from the interior of Paraiba or neighboring states, Joao Pessoa offers a taste of cosmopolitan life without the alienation that might come from relocating to a distant metropolis. The city's identity as a state capital brings governmental functions and associated employment opportunities. Natural areas near the city allow for hiking, wildlife observation, and escape from urban surroundings when desired.
Costs & Career Outcomes
Graduates of UFPB enter a regional job market where university credentials provide significant advantages, though employment challenges affect Brazil broadly and the northeastern region particularly. Those with degrees in health fields find opportunities in the public health system and private practice, with doctors, nurses, and other health professionals serving a region that continues to need more trained practitioners. Engineering graduates contribute to infrastructure development and industrial activity in the state, while education majors fill teaching positions throughout the school system. The federal government and state public sector employ many graduates, offering stability that private employment in the region cannot always match. Some graduates pursue opportunities in southern Brazil or abroad, representing a loss of talent for the region but also building networks that sometimes bring resources and connections back home. Graduate programs at UFPB and elsewhere provide pathways for those interested in research or academic careers. The career services available through the university have expanded, though they may not match the resources available at institutions in more prosperous regions. Alumni networks provide informal job connections, with graduates helping each other navigate the professional landscape. The reputation of a federal university degree carries weight with employers who understand the competitive admissions process and rigorous coursework required to graduate.
Campus Location
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