GENERAL OVERVIEW
Founded in 1965 with 357 students, the UCA now educates over 8,000 (It is the third largest in the country, surpassed only by the National University, supported by the Government, and another private university) through three main branches and offers 31 majors through the following departments: electrical, mechanical, civil, industrial & chemical engineering, computer sciences, architecture, philosophy, literature, journalism, mathematics, psychology, business administration, natural and agrarian sciences, environmental administration, law, sociology and economics. As part of its physical assets, the UCA has around 4,500 sq. meters of area in classrooms, and approximately 4,900 seats for students. Most academic programs result in the awarding of the degree of licentiate, a notch above an BA/BS in the United States, but less than a master's degree. The UCA also offer masters degrees in theology, business administration, health sciences and environmental administration, and has plans for additional masters degrees in education, engineering, economics and political science. It is the one of the few universities in the country that has its own radio station, a video production center and a complete press & editorial center to aid in attaining its goals. As of this writing, the UCA has given to the country about 10,000 graduates in the different programs that it provides, which is quite a record for a country this size. Members of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) direct this independent university and a vision of faith inspires it. The UCA enjoys the services of 264 faculty members, of whom 88 form the fulltime staff (another record for this country). This university is also the one that, on November 16, 1989, suffered the assasination of its President, academic Vice-President, the Superior of the Jesuit community who also headed the Human Rights Institute; two theology professors, the director of an educational program for the poor, and two employees who had taken refuge for the night, by the bullets of some 250 soldiers, who invaded the campus. Nevertheless, this university has always been, and continues to be, one of the top quality centers of superior education in El Salvador and in Central America, as can be confirmed by its teaching, academic research and social research & action (its three main divisions).RESOURCES
Full tuition comes to about $ 1,800 a year, but only 12% of the students pay this amount. About 34% pay from $ 500 to $ 700, and more than half the students pay the lowest amount: $ 380 to $ 400 a year. This differentiated tuition makes it possible to educate a wider cross-section of the population. Since El Salvador's illiteracy rate hovers around 50% and most children do not finish elementary school, those who reach university studies are indeed a privileged group, about 3% of the population, and less than 1% finish their studies and earn degrees. The average annual family income for an UCA student is $ 3,604. It is the UCA's hope that in the long run the type of education this privileged group receives will benefit the vast majority of the population through competent service inspired by social consciousness. The UCA depends on tuition and on donations from international sources, to carry out its mission. Through two loans of $2 and $9 million, the Interamerican Development Bank (BID) contributed significantly to the development of the UCA's 29 buildings and the academic preparation of its faculty. The buildings, efficient and attractive, are surrounded by tropical trees and plants. The Computer Center rivals the best in El Salvador. The four-story library with 80,000 books, 1,800 periodicals and other research materials provides space for 600 users at a time.
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