Universidad Católica de El Salvador

Overview

Universidad Católica de El Salvador (UNICAES) is a private Catholic institution of higher education founded in 1982 by the Diocese of Santa Ana. Rooted in Christian values and academic excellence, UNICAES focuses on helping students build solid professional skills while strengthening ethical formation and civic responsibility. Today, it remains one of western El Salvador’s most recognized educational options for students interested in health sciences, education, and theological studies.

With its main campus in Santa Ana and extension centers in several departments, UNICAES offers accessible quality education with a strong emphasis on community service and social responsibility. The university is known for programs that combine theoretical training with practical learning, supported by modern facilities and student-centered guidance.

2. General Information

Name	Universidad Católica de El Salvador
Established	March 3, 1982
Type	Private Catholic University
Location	Santa Ana (Main Campus)
Website	www.unicaes.edu.sv
Student Population	Approx. 5,000
Motto	“Formando personas, transformando sociedad”

3. Fee Structure

Tuition varies by program, credit load, and administrative policies. Before enrolling, confirm the latest costs with UNICAES admissions, especially if you are comparing total costs across schools such as Universidad de El Salvador or private universities with different fee structures.

Program	Tuition Fee (per semester)
Undergraduate (Humanities)	$800 – $1,200
Undergraduate (Sciences)	$1,000 – $1,500
Medicine	$1,800
Graduate Programs	$1,200 – $1,800
Theology	$600 – $900

4. Academic Programs

Faculty of Health Sciences:
- Medicine
- Nursing
- Clinical Psychology
Faculty of Humanities:
- Education Sciences
- Theology
- Social Work
Faculty of Engineering:
- Civil Engineering
- Environmental Engineering
Graduate School:
- Master in Education
- Master in Family Therapy
- Master in Bioethics

Students who want to compare health or humanities tracks across institutions may also want to review options at schools like Universidad Centroamericana José Simeón Cañas, which is also well-known in El Salvador for its academic focus and student support services.

5. Facilities

University Hospital for medical training
Chapel and spiritual formation center
Modern science and computer laboratories
Comprehensive health sciences simulation center
Theological research library
Sports complex and athletic fields
Community health clinics

UNICAES facilities are designed to support both academic development and practical learning, especially in programs that require simulations, clinical experience, and research activities. If you are exploring other private university campus experiences, you can compare learning environments with Universidad Tecnológica de El Salvador, which is frequently considered by students seeking a more technology-oriented training pathway.

6. Accommodation

UNICAES offers limited on-campus housing primarily for students from rural areas. The university’s Student Life Office provides assistance in finding safe accommodations in Santa Ana, which is often considered more affordable than living in San Salvador.

University residence halls: $120/month (limited availability)
Shared apartments near campus: $150-$250/month
Homestay with local families: $200-$350/month (including meals)
Catholic student housing (for female students): $180/month

When planning a move, it’s helpful to budget not only for rent but also for transportation to classes and clinical or internship placements, which can affect daily commuting costs depending on your schedule.

7. Contact Information

Phone: +503 2447-7500
Admissions: +503 2447-7555
Email: info@unicaes.edu.sv
Address: Carretera a Metapán, Km. 1 1/2, Santa Ana

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