The best universities in Mexico are public and private universities that offer excellent quality education. This list of the best schools in Mexico includes research facilities that administer an outstanding curriculum. Read this guide to see how Mexico schools ranked globally according to US News and World Report.
Education experts put the rankings of universities together according to surveys done by the academic community, and they looked into each educational institutions’ research output. There are many major universities in Mexico for in-person and online students to earn undergraduate degrees. Which is the biggest university, and which are the best universities in Mexico? Read this guide to find out.
What Attracts Students to Universities in Mexico?
Mexico City is known for its colorful and vibrant culture, and students are attracted to universities in Mexico because they carry the same feel on campus. This can lead to a great college experience. There are a wide range of available undergraduate and graduate programs for students who want to further their studies in a private or public university.
Mexico is one of the largest Spanish-speaking countries, making it a great option for studying a second language. In addition, living in Mexico is more affordable than other North American countries, so you don’t have to worry about financial issues while studying. Many schools in Mexico have a strong reputation, and are among the best in North America.
Mexico Schools Ranked: An Overview
| Mexico Rank | World Rank on Times Higher Education | World Rank on US News | Institution |
| 1 | 601-800 | 786 | Monterrey Institute of Technology |
| 2 | 801-1000 | 408 | National Autonomous University of Mexico |
| 3 | 801-1000 | 1118 | Metropolitan Autonomous University |
| 4 | 1001+ | 1045 | Autonomous University of San Luis Potosí |
| 5 | 1201+ | 1301 | University of Guadalajara |
| 6 | 1201+ | 1633 | Autonomous University Of Baja California |
| 7 | 1201+ | 1633 | Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla |
| 8 | 1201+ | 1018 | Instituto Politécnico Nacional |
| 9 | 1201+ | 1292 | Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León |
| 10 | 1201+ | 1501 | Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo |
The Best Universities in Mexico, Explained
The best universities in Mexico offer students unique experiences. Students have access to affordable food and cheap university tuition prices. As with every academic institution, the application process involves checking requirements, filling in admission forms, and providing documents detailing your academic performance.
Schools have various programs for undergraduates, master’s, and doctoral programs. The universities offer everything from modern languages to law schools. Below is a thorough description of this list of the best schools in Mexico.
1. Monterrey Institute of Technology
- Campus Locations: Eugenio, Valle Alto, Catarina, Laguna, Saltillo
- Acceptance Rate: 55%
- Graduation Rate: 69%
- US News Country Rank: 786
This university is a private institution founded in 1943 with a strong international reputation. It offers high-school, undergraduate degree programs, master’s, and doctoral degrees. The university upholds its culture of work, efficiency, entrepreneurship, and responsibility that fosters the growth of students. Local and international students can learn from research programs on offer.
2. National Autonomous University of Mexico
- Campus Locations: Acatlán, Aragón, Cuautitlán, Iztacala, Zaragoza
- Acceptance Rate: 8%
- Graduation Rate: Unknown
- US News Country Rank: 408
Founded in 1910, The National Autonomous University of Mexico is one of the biggest in Latin America. It offers undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs and education for high school students, preparing them for higher education. According to Statista, the National Autonomous University of Mexico is the second best University in Latin America by QS score.
It is a public education institution that delivers most of its regular programs in Spanish. Most programs also include a five-week Spanish language program for international students. Students will be happy to know that the National Autonomous University of Mexico has excellent research centers.
3. Metropolitan Autonomous University
- Campus Locations: Azcapotzalco, Cuajimalpa, Iztapalapa, Xochimilco, Lerma
- Acceptance Rate: 20%
- Graduation Rate: Unknown
- US News Country Rank: 1118
This university was founded in 1974 and has six academic divisions and a strong academic reputation. Its academic programs at the undergraduate level include natural sciences and engineering, including environmental engineering, communication sciences and design, social sciences and humanities, and sciences and arts for design.
It has 75 degree programs and 75 postgraduate programs, including doctorate degree programs. There are excellent facilities within the school like a library, sports facilities, medical centers, and bookshops.
4. Autonomous University of San Luis Potosí
- Campus Locations: Ciudad Valles, Ríoverde, Matehuala
- Acceptance Rate: 45%
- Graduation Rate: Unknown
- US News Country Rank: 1045
Autonomous University of San Luis Potosí, founded in 1624, is currently divided into 15 faculties, two academic units, and 12 research institutes. The school’s student population is 32,000 and offers 99 undergraduate programs and 88 postgraduate programs.
Some of the faculties in this school are accounting, administration, veterinary, chemistry, agronomy, communication, economics, humanities, social sciences, law, medicine, nursing, nutrition, and psychology.
5. University of Guadalajara
- Campus Locations: Cualtos, Cucosta, Cucsur, Culagos, Cunorte
- Acceptance Rate: 39%
- Graduation Rate: 53%
- US News Country Rank: 1301
The Universidad De Guadalajara is located in a historic city. Both the undergraduate and graduate programs of the university promote inclusivity and sustainable social development. There are 120,000 students enrolled in this Mexican university as it offers various academic areas like health sciences, engineering, arts, architecture and design, biological and agricultural science.
6. Autonomous University Of Baja California
- Campus Locations: Rosarito, San Quintín, Tecate, Valle Dorado in Ensenada, suburban region of Valle de Las Palmas
- Acceptance Rate: 75%
- Graduation Rate: Unknown
- US News Country Rank: 1633
The majority of students in this educational institution are local, and only two percent of students are international. It helps its students experience integral education while instilling social responsibility.
Their commitment to students is to offer a wide range of growth possibilities, a comprehensive tutoring system, knowledge dissemination, cultural and sports activities. You can also obtain an internship in a private or public sector.
7. Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla
- Campus Locations: Acatzingo, Atlixco, Chiautla, Chignahuapan
- Acceptance Rate: 35%
- Graduation Rate: Unknown
- US News Country Rank: 1633
Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, founded as a college in 1578 by Jesuits, later became a university in 1937. Students will enjoy attending this university as it hosts regular dance, theatrical events, and musical shows. Some of the school’s courses include biological sciences, sports science, sociology, economics, accounting and finance, and chemistry.
8. Instituto Politécnico Nacional
- Campus Locations: Unknown
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Graduation Rate: Unknown
- US News Country Rank: 1018
This university was founded in 1936 and is the biggest public university in Mexico. The university comprises 98 academic units, 293 courses, 76 technical career programs, 80 undergraduate, and 136 postgraduate programs. They don’t only focus on the students’ academic journey but also give opportunities for recreation and sports activities.
9. Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León
- Campus Locations: Nuevo León
- Acceptance Rate: 35%
- Graduation Rate: 59%
- US News Country Rank: 1292
This is a public research university founded in 1933 and home to 153,000 students. Local and international students would love to stay here because of its incredible sports stadium and hospital. There are also 37 research centers and 84 libraries. The university is known for providing social focus as it instills an awareness of regional, national, and global issues.
10. Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo
- Campus Locations: Morelia, Ciudad Hidalgo, Apatzingán
- Acceptance Rate: 54%
- Graduation Rate: Unknown
- US News Country Rank: 1501
This is a public and affordable university in Mexico founded in 1540. The school aims to provide quality education to contribute to economic, social, political, scientific, artistic, technological, artistic, and cultural development. The school offers health sciences, economic sciences, law, metallurgy, engineering, and agricultural sciences. If you are looking for affordable tuition fees, this school is a good option.
How We Created Our List of the Best Schools in Mexico
To create our list, we followed the Times Higher Education 2022 World University Rankings. This ranking was created by evaluating teaching, research, citations, international outlook, and industry outcomes of over 1,600 institutions worldwide. Complementary information was retrieved from the US News Best National University Rankings.
Is a Top University in Mexico Right for You?
A top university in Mexico is right for you if you’re looking for affordable living costs while still obtaining a high-quality education. The best universities in Mexico have both undergraduate and graduate degree programs like psychology, communication, and engineering.
Besides the academic experience, Mexico also has a great culture that students will love. If a top university is right for you, check out our list of the best schools in Mexico again.
Best Universities in Mexico FAQ
The most prestigious university in Mexico is the National Autonomous University of Mexico which is ranked 408 in the best global universities. The school has a total of 167,254 students. The university was also declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007 because of its architecture and modern art.
Yes, US citizens can study in Mexico as long as they successfully enroll in their chosen university. They also need to get a student visa and submit all needed requirements. A lot of universities welcome international students from all around the world. According to Statista, there were 2,999 students studying abroad in Mexico in the 2019/20 school year.
College in Mexico is not as expensive as a college in the US. In the US, the average tuition fee for private universities is $38,185 and the average tuition fee for public universities is $22,698, according to US News.
University is not free in Mexico for international students. Mexican citizens can attend some public universities and technological institutes for free. You can always check for scholarships to help you with your education and expenses.
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