University Students In Barranquilla, Colombia: How Many Are There?

Barranquilla, Colombia, is a popular destination for international students. It is the birthplace of Shakira and Sofia Vergara and is known for its friendly locals, vibrant nightlife, and the Carnival of Barranquilla. With a range of highly-ranked universities, including the University of the North, Costa University Corporation, and Simón Bolívar University, Barranquilla offers a unique and immersive educational experience. As of 2018, the city had an enrollment of 135,655 students in higher education, making up 5.56% of the entire country's student population.

University of the North

The University of the North (Universidad del Norte in Spanish), also known as Uninorte, is a private university in Barranquilla, Colombia. It was founded in 1966 by a business group led by American entrepreneur Karl C. Parrish. The university started academic operations on July 11, 1966, with 58 students and 10 teachers offering courses in business administration and engineering.

The University of the North has grown significantly since its inception and is now recognised as one of the top universities in Colombia. It offers a wide range of academic programmes across ten divisions, including Engineering, Administrative Sciences, Humanities and Social Sciences, Health Sciences, Legal Sciences, and Basic Sciences. The university provides a diverse range of degrees, such as engineering, medicine, business administration, law, psychology, international relations, and architecture. In total, Uninorte offers 28 undergraduate programs, 62 professional specialisation programs, 50 master's programs, and 15 doctoral programs. The university also offers some specialisation programs in nearby ports, such as Santa Marta and Cartagena.

The University of the North is highly regarded for its engineering programs, which are accredited by the prestigious ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology) based in the United States. This international recognition underscores the university's commitment to academic excellence.

According to rankings, the University of the North is the highest-ranked university in Barranquilla. It boasts a student satisfaction rating of 4.8 out of 5.0 based on 488 student ratings. The university is also listed among the top five best universities in Colombia by a recent ranking from the Colombian consulting firm BOT SAS.

The University of the North has played a crucial role in addressing the growing need for higher education in the Caribbean region of Colombia. By providing quality education and contributing to regional development, the university has attracted students not only from Barranquilla but also from other parts of the country. The university's establishment and expansion have broadened the academic opportunities available to aspiring students in the region.

University rankings

Barranquilla, Colombia, is home to several universities, with the exact number ranging from 6 to 13 depending on the ranking system used. Here is a breakdown of some of the prominent university rankings in Barranquilla:

According to student ratings, the following universities in Barranquilla have been ranked based on student satisfaction:

• University of the North: 4.8/5.0 (based on 488 student ratings)
• Costa University Corporation: 4.5/5.0 (based on 86 student ratings)
• Autonomous University of the Caribbean: 4.4/5.0 (based on 307 student ratings)

EduRank uses research outputs, non-academic prominence, and alumni influence to rank universities. The rankings are determined by analysing citations, academic publications, and the popularity of recognised alumni. Here is the list of the top 11 universities in Barranquilla according to EduRank:

• Northern University (#117 in Latin America)
• Costa University Corporation (#228 in Latin America)
• University of the Atlantic, Colombia (#308 in Latin America)
• Simon Bolivar University, Colombia (#512 in Latin America)
• Autonomous University of the Caribbean (#541 in Latin America)
• American University Corporation (#764 in Latin America)
• Metropolitan University, Colombia (#809 in Latin America)
• Latin American University Corporation (#1164 in Latin America)
• Reformed University Corporation (#1199 in Latin America)
• Corporacion Universitaria Empresarial de Salamanca (#1391 in Latin America)
• University Corporation of Business Sciences, Education and Health (#1608 in Latin America)

UniRank provides a non-academic league table of universities based on web metrics such as web presence and visibility. Here is the list of the top Barranquilla universities according to UniRank's 2024 rankings:

• Universidad del Norte (Universidad del Norte)
• Universidad Simón Bolívar, Colombia
• Corporación Universitaria de la Costa (Costa University Corporation)
• Universidad del Atlántico
• Corporacion Universitaria Americana
• Universidad Autónoma del Caribe (Autonomous University of the Caribbean)
• Institución Universitaria de Barranquilla
• Universidad Metropolitana, Colombia (Metropolitan University)
• Corporacion Universitaria Latinoamericana (Latin American University Corporation)
• Corporacion Universitaria Reformada (Reformed University Corporation)
• Corporacion Universitaria de Ciencias Empresariales, Educacion y Salud (University Corporation of Business Sciences, Education and Health)
• Corporacion Universitaria Empresarial de Salamanca
• Fundación Universitaria Católica del Caribe

The Times Higher Education World University Rankings are a prominent ranking system that evaluates universities worldwide. Here is how universities in Barranquilla fared in the 2024 rankings:

• Costa University Corporation ranked #501 in the THE Interdisciplinary Science Rankings.
• Three universities in Barranquilla were ranked in the THE Latin America Rankings.
• Costa University Corporation was ranked highest among two listed universities in Barranquilla in the overall THE World University Rankings.

QS University Rankings are another well-known ranking system. Here is how the universities in Barranquilla performed in the 2024 QS rankings:

• University of the North ranked #52 among universities in Latin America and the Caribbean, making it the highest-ranked university in Barranquilla according to these rankings.
• Autonomous University of the Caribbean was ranked in the QS University Rankings: Latin America and the Caribbean.

Overall Best University in Barranquilla:

According to a meta-ranking composed of 108 university rankings, the University of the North is ranked as the best university in Barranquilla. It is also listed in the largest number of rankings among the universities in the city.

Student satisfaction

Barranquilla, Colombia, is home to several esteemed universities that cater to a diverse student body. Understanding student satisfaction within this context is essential to enhancing the overall quality of higher education in the region. This report will delve into the key dimensions of student satisfaction and explore how different forms of interpersonal interactions impact satisfaction levels among students in Barranquilla's higher education institutions.

Barranquilla boasts a vibrant higher education landscape, with a range of institutions offering diverse academic programmes and experiences. As of 2018, the Atlántico department, which includes Barranquilla, had an enrolment of 135,655 students in higher education, representing 5.56% of the entire country's student population.

Among the prominent universities in the region are the University of the North, Costa University Corporation, University of the Atlantic, Simón Bolívar University, Autonomous University of the Caribbean, and Metropolitan University. These institutions cater to both local and international students, with the latter comprising various nationalities, creating a diverse and enriching academic environment.

Overall Student Satisfaction

• Academic Aspects: Students are highly satisfied with their academic programmes and the quality of teaching by lecturers. The mean satisfaction scores for these aspects are among the highest, indicating a strong positive perception of the educational offerings.
• Institutional Aspects: While students express moderate satisfaction with institutional attributes such as campus facilities and student support, there is room for improvement in these areas to enhance the overall student experience.
• University Life: Students' satisfaction with their university life tends to be lower compared to other aspects. This highlights the importance of institutions focusing on students' holistic experiences, addressing areas beyond academics to ensure a well-rounded and fulfilling university life.

According to rankings by THE World University Rankings, QS World University Rankings, and Scimago Institutions Rankings, the University of the North consistently achieves high student satisfaction ratings, scoring 4.8 out of 5.0 based on 488 student ratings. Costa University Corporation also performs well, with a rating of 4.5 out of 5.0 from 86 student ratings. The Autonomous University of the Caribbean receives a rating of 4.4 out of 5.0 from 307 student ratings.

Interpersonal Interactions and Student Satisfaction

Interpersonal interactions play a pivotal role in student satisfaction, and this is evident in the context of Barranquilla's universities as well. Both student-faculty and student-student interactions influence students' overall satisfaction levels.

Student-Faculty Interactions

Student-faculty interactions, particularly formal interactions, are significant in predicting student satisfaction. For instance, students' satisfaction with the teaching of their instructors is closely linked to the quality of formal interactions they have with lecturers outside the classroom. This highlights the importance of accessibility and the availability of lecturers for clarification and academic support.

Student-Student Interactions

Student-student interactions, especially informal ones, emerge as a strong predictor of student satisfaction across various aspects, including academic, institutional, and university life. This suggests that fostering a sense of community and encouraging collaborative learning environments is essential for enhancing overall student satisfaction.

Universities can focus on enhancing formal and informal student-student interactions to create a supportive and engaging learning environment. Additionally, promoting accessible and meaningful student-faculty interactions can further bolster satisfaction levels, particularly regarding academic aspects. By addressing these dimensions of student satisfaction, Barranquilla's universities can foster a dynamic and enriching academic community, contributing to the holistic development of their student body.

Student population

Barranquilla, Colombia, is home to several universities, including the University of the North, Costa University Corporation, University of the Atlantic, Simón Bolívar University, Autonomous University of the Caribbean, Metropolitan University, and Latin American University Corporation. According to official information from the Ministry of Education, as of 2018, enrollment in higher education in the department of Atlántico, where Barranquilla is located, was 135,655 students, representing 5.56% of the entire country. This number includes students enrolled in both public and private universities in the region.

The University of the North, also known as Uninorte, is one of the top-ranked universities in Barranquilla and the country. In 2024, it was ranked #1 in Barranquilla and had the highest student satisfaction rating among universities in the city, with a score of 4.8 out of 5.0 based on 488 student ratings. The university offers a variety of programs, including Latin American studies, international business, engineering, and volunteering and social transformation. It also provides opportunities for international students to immerse themselves in the local culture and improve their language skills by taking courses in Spanish alongside local students.

Costa University Corporation, ranked #2 in Barranquilla, also has a strong reputation, placing #501 in the THE Interdisciplinary Science Rankings in 2024. The university is known for its programs in computer science and engineering.

The University of the Atlantic, ranked #3 in Barranquilla, focuses on research and has a notable presence in the Scimago Institutions Rankings.

Simón Bolívar University is another prominent institution in Barranquilla, ranked #512 in Latin America. It is recognised for its contributions to social studies and humanities.

The Autonomous University of the Caribbean, with a student satisfaction rating of 4.4 out of 5.0, is also a well-regarded institution in the city.

Metropolitan University, ranked #7 in Barranquilla, completes the list of the top universities in the city.

While specific enrolment figures for each university were not readily available, the collective enrolment across these institutions contributes to the overall student population in Barranquilla, making the city a vibrant hub for higher education in Colombia.

University living costs

The cost of living for students in Barranquilla, Colombia, is relatively affordable compared to other cities in Latin America and worldwide. Here is a breakdown of the expenses you can expect as a university student living in the city:

Accommodation

The cost of accommodation in Barranquilla varies depending on the location and type of accommodation. According to 2025 data, the monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from 893,517.06 to 1,500,000.00 COP. Outside the city centre, rents for a one-bedroom apartment are slightly higher, ranging from 950,000.00 to 1,800,000.00 COP. Utilities, including electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage collection, for a 915-square-foot apartment can cost between 280,000.00 and 600,000.00 COP per month.

Food

The cost of food in Barranquilla is generally lower than in other cities. A meal for one person at an inexpensive restaurant can cost around 80,000.00 COP, while a meal for two at a mid-range restaurant can range from 80,000.00 to 175,000.00 COP. Fast-food options are also available, with a McDonald's combo meal or equivalent costing around 27,000.00 COP. For groceries, you can expect to pay around 5,000.00 COP for a loaf of fresh white bread, 3,000.00 COP for a litre of milk, and 3,000.00 to 4,000.00 COP for a kilo of tomatoes.

Transportation

Transportation costs in Barranquilla are reasonable. A one-way ticket for local transportation is approximately 2,500.00 COP, while a monthly pass costs around 80,000.00 to 140,000.00 COP. Taxi fares vary depending on distance and waiting time. A taxi ride for 8 kilometres with a normal tariff starts at 4,000.00 COP, and waiting time is charged at around 25,000.00 COP per hour.

Utilities and Entertainment

Internet services in Barranquilla are relatively affordable. A monthly plan for internet service with speeds of 50 Mbps or more and unlimited data can cost between 80,000.00 and 140,000.00 COP. For entertainment, a cinema ticket for one person is approximately 15,000.00 COP.

Education

According to a 2018 report from the Ministry of Education, enrolment in higher education in the department of Atlántico, where Barranquilla is located, was 135,655 students, representing 5.56% of the entire country. The University of the North, Costa University Corporation, and Autonomous University of the Caribbean are among the top-ranked universities in Barranquilla.

Overall Living Costs

The average cost of living in Barranquilla, including rent, is estimated to be $789 per month, placing it in the top 30% of the least expensive cities globally. The median after-tax salary in Barranquilla is $406, which can cover living expenses for about half a month.

Frequently asked questions