Universidad del Norte
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
- 77.4%
- SAT Range
- 950–1150
- ACT Range
- N/A
- Avg GPA
- 3.1
- Size
- Large (20,660 students)
- Type
- N/A
- Student:Faculty
- 1:17
- Setting
- urban
- Graduation Rate
- 78.0%
- Retention Rate
- 78.0%
- 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 Universidad del Norte reflects the warmth, energy, and festive spirit of Colombia's Caribbean coast, where the cultural traditions of Barranquilla infuse campus activities with distinctive regional character. The tropical campus provides outdoor gathering spaces where students socialize between classes, while air-conditioned facilities offer refuge from the coastal heat during intensive study sessions. Student organizations span academic interests, cultural activities, athletic pursuits, and social causes, providing leadership development opportunities and community building beyond formal coursework. Athletic facilities support competitive and recreational sports, with particular enthusiasm for football, basketball, and volleyball reflecting Colombian sporting culture. The university's cultural center hosts performances, exhibitions, and events showcasing Caribbean artistic traditions alongside international cultural programming. Carnival season, culminating in Barranquilla's world-famous Carnival celebrations, transforms the city and campus with weeks of festivities, music, and dance that define Caribbean Colombian identity. Campus dining options provide affordable meals, while the surrounding neighborhoods offer diverse restaurants reflecting Barranquilla's culinary traditions featuring seafood, tropical fruits, and Arabic-influenced cuisine brought by Lebanese immigrants. Housing options center on off-campus apartments in nearby residential areas, as the university lacks substantial on-campus residential facilities. Transportation between home and campus typically involves buses, taxis, or private vehicles navigating the city's busy streets. The student body draws primarily from Caribbean Colombia, creating strong regional networks, while growing international enrollment adds diverse perspectives.
Location & Surroundings
Barranquilla provides Universidad del Norte with a setting in Colombia's largest Caribbean port city, where commercial vitality, cultural richness, and tropical climate create a distinctive educational environment. The city of approximately two million residents serves as the economic hub of Caribbean Colombia, with major port facilities, manufacturing operations, and commercial enterprises driving regional prosperity. The campus location in the city's northern sector offers modern urban amenities while the Caribbean Sea lies just minutes away in the beach communities of Puerto Colombia and Santa Veronica. Barranquilla's informal, friendly atmosphere contrasts with the formality sometimes associated with Colombia's Andean capital, with costeño culture emphasizing warmth, humor, and celebration. The city's famous Carnival, second only to Rio de Janeiro's in Latin America, showcases the cultural creativity and joy that characterize Caribbean Colombian identity. Climate features year-round tropical warmth with temperatures typically in the 80s Fahrenheit, humid conditions, and a rainy season from May through November. The international airport provides connections to Colombian cities, Caribbean destinations, and gateway cities for international travel. Cost of living remains moderate by Colombian standards and very affordable by international comparison, with comfortable living achievable on reasonable budgets. Cartagena's historic colonial architecture and Santa Marta's mountain-meets-beach scenery lie within a few hours' drive, providing weekend excursion options. The city continues developing culturally and economically, with university graduates contributing substantially to regional advancement.
Costs & Career Outcomes
Educational costs at Universidad del Norte reflect Colombian private university tuition structures, with annual fees varying by program from approximately 15 to 25 million Colombian pesos (roughly $3,500-$6,000 USD) depending on the field of study. Medical and engineering programs command higher fees reflecting resource requirements, while humanities and social science programs cost less. These costs, while significant in the Colombian context, remain modest by international standards, potentially offering value for international students seeking quality education at accessible prices. Living expenses in Barranquilla remain affordable, with students typically budgeting 1.5-2.5 million Colombian pesos monthly ($350-$600 USD) for housing, food, transportation, and personal expenses. Off-campus housing in student-friendly neighborhoods costs approximately 500,000-1,200,000 pesos monthly depending on accommodations and location. Scholarship programs including merit-based awards, need-based financial aid, and specialized funding for students from specific backgrounds help make education accessible. Many students work part-time to support educational costs, with the university facilitating employment connections. Career outcomes benefit from Uninorte's strong reputation throughout Caribbean Colombia, with graduates securing positions in regional industry, professional services, healthcare, and public sector organizations. The career services center provides job search support, resume assistance, and employer networking events connecting students with hiring organizations. Alumni networks extending throughout the Caribbean coast provide mentorship and professional connections. Starting salaries vary substantially by field and employer type, with engineering and health professionals typically commanding stronger initial compensation.
Campus Location
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