It has an autonomous status granted by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and is an ISO certified university.

The university's alumni include two Philippine Bar Examination topnotchers (first placers) and has graduated the founder and several members of Team Lakay Wushu.

It was the first higher learning institution in the highland city of Baguio established after World War II.

[7] The supposed master development plan was donated by the university when Baguio celebrated its centennial anniversary but was not approved due to the billion peso cost.

The senator said it was intended to reduce congestion in Baguio, citing that one-third of the city population consisted of students.

[21] In a memorandum order issued April 13, 2016, the university was granted the "Autonomous Status" by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).

[3][18] In the same year, CHED awarded Center of Excellence status to three of its programs, namely: Information Technology, Criminology, and Teacher Education.

[3] The Research and Development Center (RDC) was made operational on August 1, 1987, with the recommendation of the Philippine Accrediting Association of School, Colleges and Universities (PAASCU).

[23] University of the Cordilleras publishes the following research journals: The University of the Cordilleras Innovation and Nurturing Space (UCIANS) involves a technology business incubator (TBI) that focuses on the needed services of students in-school and outside campus as well as a geographic information system (GIS) Laboratory.

[26] The Technology Business Incubator Center serves to assist in the commercialization of research and intellectual property protection.

[27][28] The UC Athletic Office serves as the center for sports development of university students and employees.

Benjamin R. Salvosa had commissioned Dr. Rodolfo Cornejo to compose the hymn and march for the then Baguio Colleges.