Universidad CES
The Universidad CES has established itself as Colombia's leading institution for health sciences education since its origins in 1977 and university status in 2008. Located in Medellín, CES serves approximately 8,000 students through focused programs in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, psychology, and related health fields. The university's institutional clinics provide exceptional clinical training environments while serving the community. CES consistently ranks among Colombia's top universities for health sciences, with medical education recognized for producing excellent physicians. Research activities focus on public health, biomedical sciences, and clinical studies with significant impact. The institution maintains modern facilities including teaching hospitals, laboratories, and specialized clinical spaces that support hands-on learning. International partnerships expand opportunities for students and faculty while connecting CES to global health knowledge networks. The university plays an important role in healthcare workforce development for Medellín and beyond.
- Acceptance Rate
- 65.0%
- SAT Range
- 1050–1250
- ACT Range
- N/A
- Avg GPA
- 3.25
- Size
- N/A
- Type
- N/A
- Student:Faculty
- N/A
- Setting
- N/A
- Graduation Rate
- N/A
- Retention Rate
- N/A
- Tuition (In-State)
- N/A
- Tuition (Int'l)
- N/A
Student Life & Environment
Student life at Universidad CES reflects both the intensity of professional training and the enjoyment of life in Medellín. The campus provides spaces for studying, socializing, and the many student organizations that bring people together around shared interests. Health science students often spend substantial time at clinical sites throughout the city, giving them exposure to different neighborhoods and patient populations. The student body draws primarily from Colombia, with students coming from Medellín, other cities, and smaller towns throughout the country. Friendships form through shared challenges of demanding coursework and the bonds created during clinical training. Medellín itself has become a genuinely exciting city to live in, with excellent weather year-round, improving public transit, and a cultural scene that has blossomed in recent years. The cost of living remains reasonable by international standards, though housing near campus in El Poblado costs more than other parts of the city. Students gather at cafes, parks, and nightlife venues throughout the city, taking advantage of the pleasant climate and welcoming culture.
Location & Surroundings
Medellín occupies a valley in the Colombian Andes, surrounded by green mountains that create a dramatic setting for this city of around three million people. The climate stays remarkably consistent throughout the year, with temperatures typically between 18 and 28 degrees Celsius, earning the city its nickname as the city of eternal spring. The transformation of Medellín over the past two decades has become a case study in urban innovation, with investments in public transit, education, and community spaces turning struggling neighborhoods into models of development. Universidad CES sits in El Poblado, an upscale area in the south of the city with restaurants, shops, and residential towers. The metro system connects El Poblado to other parts of the city, making commuting feasible for students living in different neighborhoods. The international airport serves flights throughout the Americas and to major European hubs. Mountains surrounding the city offer hiking opportunities, while beaches on the Caribbean coast lie just a short flight away. The city's growing reputation for innovation and quality of life has attracted foreign visitors and residents, adding to its international character.
Costs & Career Outcomes
Tuition at Universidad CES varies by program, with medical school costing more than business or humanities fields due to the expensive clinical training involved. Private university tuition in Colombia runs lower than comparable programs in the United States or Europe but still represents a significant investment by Colombian income standards. Living costs in Medellín remain affordable by international measures, with housing, food, and transportation costing substantially less than in North American or European cities. Students typically rent apartments near campus or in other neighborhoods connected by metro. Financial aid includes scholarships based on academic merit and economic need, though full funding packages are rare. Career outcomes vary by field, with medical graduates entering residency programs and eventually earning strong incomes as physicians. Business graduates find positions in Colombian companies and multinational firms operating in the country. The university's reputation in health sciences translates into good placement rates for graduates in clinical and research positions. Professional networks built during university often prove valuable for career advancement in Colombian society, where relationships and recommendations carry significant weight.
Campus Location
Explore More
See your match score for Universidad CES
Find out how you compare to admitted students with a personalized admission assessment.
See your match score — Sign up free