University of Costa Rica, San Jose

The University of Costa Rica, is a public university situated in San Pedro Montes de Oca, in the province of San José. It is recognized as the oldest and largest higher learning institution in the country, having been originally founded as the University of St Thomas (Universidad de Santo Tomás) in 1843. With approximately 45,000 students enrolled throughout the year, it is also the most important research university in Central America and is considered among the most prestigious universities in Latin America.

UCR's main campus, Rodrigo Facio University City (Ciudad Universitaria Rodrigo Facio), is located in San Pedro Montes de Oca. In the QS World University Rankings, it currently holds the top position in Central America and the Caribbean, 19th place in Latin America, and ranks between 511th and 520th worldwide. Meanwhile, in the Webometrics Ranking of World Universities, UCR is ranked 4th in Central America and the Caribbean, 28th in Latin America, and 844th globally.