22 best universities in Colombia in 2026

Colombia's top-ranked university, founded in 1948, the national academic benchmark.

Colombia's largest and most prestigious public university, founded in 1867.

Secular university founded in 1886, a national reference in law and social sciences.

Major public university in Medellín, one of Colombia's most prestigious, founded in 1803.

Jesuit university in Bogota founded in 1623, one of Latin America's most prestigious.

Elite private university near Bogota, known for its medicine and communication programs.

Bogota university founded in 1653, national reference in law and political science.

Cali university recognized for management and software engineering.

Public university in Cartagena de Indias, strong in health, social sciences and tourism.

Best private university of the Caribbean coast, in Barranquilla, strongly international.

Private Bogota university strong in psychology, law and the social sciences.

Public university in Manizales, known for its medicine and environmental sciences.

Historic public university in Popayán, founded in 1827, in the so-called university city.

Medellín university recognized for management, engineering and internationalization.

Catholic university in Medellín, founded in 1936, strong in engineering, design and health.

Major public university in Cali, renowned for engineering and public health.

Excellence-driven public university in Bucaramanga, one of Colombia's best.

Private university in Medellín known for law, communication and design.

Bogota university specialized in health, with a highly regarded medical school since 1977.

Major public university in Tunja, national reference in teacher training and engineering.

Public Bogota university linked to the armed forces, strong in health, law and engineering.

Colombia's first university, founded in 1580, Dominican-inspired and present nationwide.