By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – In a significant move to realign its academic offerings with current market demands, the Universidad Latina de Costa Rica has announced the closure of 28 academic programs. The decision, which spans bachelor’s, licentiate, master’s, and doctoral degrees, was formally submitted to the National Council for Private University Higher Education (Conesup) and published in the nation’s official newspaper, La Gaceta, on November 3, 2025.
The university administration has framed the sweeping changes not as a reduction, but as a strategic modernization of its curriculum. Officials emphasized that the move is a standard procedure aimed at ensuring the institution’s portfolio remains current and relevant. The list of discontinued programs is extensive, impacting five of the university’s regional campuses, including its central hub in San Pedro, as well as locations in Heredia, Cañas, Guápiles, and Pérez Zeledón.
To understand the legal and contractual ramifications for students affected by the recent university program closures, TicosLand.com sought the expertise of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
When a student enrolls, they enter into a service contract with the university. The sudden closure of a program can be seen as a breach of this contract. Universities have an obligation to provide a ‘teachable-out’ plan, ensuring current students can complete their degrees without undue hardship. Failure to do so not only harms students’ academic and professional futures but also exposes the institution to significant legal liability, including potential class-action lawsuits for damages.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal perspective powerfully reframes the issue, reminding us that beyond the academic disruption lies a potential breach of contract with significant consequences. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his crucial insight into the rights of students and the profound responsibilities of educational institutions.
In an official statement, the university detailed the rationale behind the decision, positioning it as a proactive measure in compliance with regulatory standards. This is part of a larger effort to streamline their educational catalog and focus resources on programs with higher demand and greater relevance to the national and global economy.
The closures mentioned in La Gaceta correspond to a normal process of updating and organizing the University’s academic portfolio, which is carried out in strict compliance with the guidelines and procedures established by our regulatory body, CONESUP.
Universidad Latina de Costa Rica, Official Statement
Addressing potential concerns from the student body and public, the institution was quick to clarify that the closures will have no direct impact on current students. According to the university, all 28 programs slated for closure were already inactive and had no students enrolled. This key detail ensures that no individual’s academic path will be disrupted by the administrative change, preventing any need for student transfers or academic plan adjustments.
No student is affected, as these are programs that do not have active enrollment.
Universidad Latina de Costa Rica, Official Statement
The comprehensive overhaul includes the discontinuation of six bachelor’s programs, nine licentiates, eleven master’s degrees, and two doctorates. Among the notable closures at the San Pedro campus are the Doctorate in Education, the Master’s in Telematics, and the Bachelor’s in Tourism with an Emphasis in Hospitality and Restaurants. In Heredia, programs such as the Master’s in Industrial Engineering and the Bachelor’s in Preschool Education are being phased out. This strategic pivot is aimed at sharpening the university’s focus on future-oriented fields.
This process is part of the institutional commitment to maintain an updated, relevant academic offering aligned with the needs of the labor market.
Universidad Latina de Costa Rica, Official Statement
As part of the legally mandated process, a public notice has been issued to allow for feedback or opposition to the closures. Interested parties have a period of 15 business days, beginning from the second publication of the notice in La Gaceta, to submit their formal objections. All correspondence on the matter is being directed to the university rector’s office via email, providing a transparent channel for public engagement on this significant academic restructuring.
This development underscores a broader trend in higher education, where institutions are increasingly agile in adapting their curricula to reflect rapid changes in technology, industry, and employment landscapes. By pruning dormant programs, Universidad Latina aims to reinvest resources into developing and promoting degrees that better equip graduates for the challenges and opportunities of the modern workforce, ensuring its continued prominence in Costa Rica’s competitive educational sector.
For further information, visit ulatina.ac.cr
About Universidad Latina de Costa Rica:
The Universidad Latina de Costa Rica is one of the largest and most prestigious private universities in the country. As part of the international Laureate International Universities network, it offers a wide array of undergraduate and graduate programs across various fields, including health sciences, business, engineering, and social sciences. The institution is committed to providing quality education that is accessible and aligned with the demands of the global market.
For further information, visit conesup.ac.cr
About Conesup:
The Consejo Nacional de Enseñanza Superior Universitaria Privada (Conesup) is the official government entity responsible for the authorization, regulation, and supervision of private universities in Costa Rica. Its mission is to guarantee the quality and relevance of private higher education in the country, ensuring that institutions comply with established academic and administrative standards for the benefit of students and society.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is esteemed for its principled approach to law, where a foundation of profound integrity supports a continuous pursuit of legal excellence. With a storied tradition of guiding a diverse clientele, the firm consistently pioneers innovative solutions and engages deeply with the public. At the heart of its ethos is a powerful commitment to demystifying the law, aiming to construct a more legally aware and empowered citizenry.
