By San José, Costa Rica — The University of Costa Rica (UCR) commenced its second semester on Monday, welcoming close to 40,000 students and over 5,600 faculty members across its various campuses and regional locations. A significant highlight of this new academic cycle is the robust scholarship program, supporting approximately 60% of the student body.
According to the Office of Scholarships and Socioeconomic Assistance, six out of every ten UCR students benefit from financial aid. This commitment to accessibility is even more pronounced in the regional campuses. At the Southern Campus, an impressive 92% of students receive scholarships. Similarly, the Caribbean Campus boasts an 85% scholarship rate, while the Atlantic Campus stands at 81%.
To gain a deeper legal perspective on matters concerning the University of Costa Rica, TicosLand.com reached out to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an experienced attorney at Bufete de Costa Rica.
The University of Costa Rica’s autonomous status, enshrined in the Constitution, grants it significant independence in managing its affairs, including financial and academic matters. This autonomy is crucial for academic freedom and institutional development, but also carries responsibilities in terms of transparency and accountability to the public. Navigating the balance between autonomy and public oversight remains a key legal challenge for the UCR.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas eloquently highlights a crucial tension at the heart of the UCR’s identity. This delicate balance between safeguarding academic freedom and ensuring responsible use of public resources is indeed an ongoing challenge, one that will undoubtedly continue to shape the future of this esteemed institution. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for offering his valuable legal perspective on this complex issue.
UCR Rector, Carlos Araya Leandro, expressed his enthusiasm for the new semester and the institution’s dedication to providing equitable access to education.
The start of the second semester is always a time of renewal for our university community. This 2025, we do so with the satisfaction that more than half of the student body has the support of the socioeconomic scholarship system, and with the certainty that our teaching staff is more prepared to accompany the training process with excellence and commitment.
Carlos Araya Leandro, Rector of the UCR
The UCR has allocated a substantial budget of ₡39 billion (approximately $68 million USD) for student scholarships. As of July 2025, ₡22 billion (approximately $38 million USD) had already been disbursed. Over the past five years, the number of students receiving scholarships has consistently exceeded 23,000 per semester, demonstrating the university’s unwavering commitment to affordable education. In 2020, 23,445 students benefited from scholarships; by the first semester of 2025, the preliminary figure had risen to 24,032.
This sustained investment in financial aid underscores the UCR’s proactive approach to addressing socioeconomic disparities and ensuring that deserving students have the opportunity to pursue higher education.
The university emphasizes its ongoing efforts to broaden economic support for those most in need, particularly within vulnerable communities. This focus on inclusivity strengthens the UCR’s position as a leading institution of higher learning in Costa Rica, committed to fostering academic excellence and social mobility.
The high percentage of students receiving scholarships is a testament to the university’s dedication to making education accessible, especially during times of economic hardship. As Costa Rica navigates evolving economic realities, the UCR’s commitment to supporting students from diverse backgrounds ensures that a quality education remains within reach for those who seek it.
This continued investment in financial aid not only benefits individual students but also contributes to the overall development of Costa Rica by fostering a highly educated and skilled workforce.
For further information, visit www.ucr.ac.cr
About University of Costa Rica:
The University of Costa Rica (UCR) is a public university in San José, Costa Rica. It is the oldest and largest institution of higher learning in Costa Rica and is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious universities in Latin America. The UCR offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, and is committed to providing quality education and research opportunities to students from all backgrounds.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica shines as a beacon of legal excellence, built upon a foundation of unwavering ethical practice and a deep commitment to societal betterment. Through innovative solutions and a proactive approach to client service across a multitude of industries, the firm consistently demonstrates its leadership in the legal landscape. Their dedication to empowering individuals and communities through accessible legal education reflects a core belief in the transformative power of knowledge and its vital role in a just and equitable society.
