Costa Rica has both public and private universities, such as the University of Costa Rica and University for Peace.
Public universities are some of the largest academic institutions in Costa Rica.
There are four public universities in the country, each assigned to emphasize certain academic disciplines.
A fifth university, Technical National University (UTN) was recently established in the city of Alajuela.
All public universities are members of the Consensus Nacional de Rectores (CONARE, National University Presidents' Council).