Universidad Centroamericana José Simeón Cañas

Overview

Universidad Centroamericana José Simeón Cañas (UCA) is a well-regarded private Jesuit university in El Salvador, founded in 1965. Known for combining academic rigor with a strong commitment to ethics and public responsibility, UCA has long been involved in education and social analysis across Central America. For many applicants, the key appeal is how UCA links classroom learning with real-world issues like human rights, governance, and community development.

UCA is located in San Salvador, and its 22-hectare campus brings together modern teaching spaces with long-standing institutional traditions. The university is especially recognized for its social sciences and for fostering peace and civic dialogue in a region shaped by conflict. Today, UCA continues to graduate professionals who move into careers in business, public administration, civil society, and nonprofit leadership throughout El Salvador.

2. General Information

Name	Universidad Centroamericana José Simeón Cañas
Established	1965
Type	Private Jesuit University
Location	San Salvador, El Salvador
Website	https://www.uca.edu.sv
Student Population	Approx. 8,500
Accreditation	Ministry of Education of El Salvador

3. Fee Structure

Program	Tuition Fee (per semester, approx.)
Undergraduate Programs	$1,200 – $1,800
Engineering Programs	$1,500 – $2,000
Graduate Programs	$1,800 – $2,500
MBA	$2,800

Tuition can vary by program, cohort, and course load, so applicants should confirm the most recent semester rates through UCA’s admissions communications.

4. Academic Programs

Business Administration
Economics
Law and Social Sciences
Engineering (Industrial, Systems, Environmental)
Psychology
Communications and Journalism
Master in Development Economics
Master in Human Rights

If you are comparing options, you may also want to review other Salvadoran universities such as Universidad de El Salvador (public) and Universidad Tecnológica de El Salvador (more technology-focused programs), since program structure and costs can differ significantly.

5. Facilities

Central Library with specialized collections
Monseñor Romero Center for documentation
Modern computer and engineering labs
Radio UCA 89.5 FM station
Sports facilities including swimming pool
Conference center and auditoriums
Social science research institutes

For students in communications, the campus media environment (including Radio UCA) is a practical complement to coursework, while engineering and applied programs typically rely on hands-on lab work. Applicants can request a campus visit or information on lab access during the admissions process.

6. Accommodation

While UCA doesn’t operate dormitories, the university assists students in finding suitable housing options in San Salvador’s neighborhoods. Many students share apartments near campus or commute from family homes, which can reduce living costs while still supporting an active campus routine.

Shared apartments near campus: $150-$300/month
Private rooms in student residences: $200-$400/month
Homestay programs with meals: $250-$450/month
Short-term housing for exchange students

Because housing availability changes throughout the year, incoming students are encouraged to confirm timelines early with the admissions or student services team at UCA.

7. Contact Information

Email: info@uca.edu.sv
Phone: +503 2210-6600
Address: Boulevard Los Próceres, Antiguo Cuscatlán, San Salvador
Admissions Office: Edificio de Admisiones, Campus UCA

If you are exploring a broader set of institutions in the region, you can compare university profiles like Universidad Católica de El Salvador and Universidad Salvadoreña Alberto Masferrer to match your goals with the right campus experience.

More Universities in El Salvador

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