It was founded in 1966 by a business group led by American entrepreneur Karl C. Parrish.

It started academic operation on July 11, 1966, with 58 students and 10 teachers in courses of business administration and engineering.

According to a recent ranking by Colombian consulting firm BOT SAS, Universidad del Norte is listed among the five best universities in the country.

It offers degrees in industrial, mechanical, systems, civil, electrical and electronic engineering.

The university also offers some specialization programs in the nearby ports of Santa Marta and Cartagena.