Universidad Francisco Marroquín (UFM) is a private, non-profit university in Guatemala City, Guatemala. Founded in 1971, UFM is consistently ranked as the top university in Central America and one of the most prestigious in Latin America.
History and Mission
UFM was founded by a group of Guatemalan businessmen and intellectuals who were concerned about the low quality of higher education in the country. Their goal was to create a university that would provide students with a rigorous academic education based on the principles of liberty, individualism, and free markets.
Today, UFM’s mission is to “promote the development of a free and prosperous society by educating leaders who understand and value the importance of individual liberty, economic freedom, and the rule of law.”
Academic Programs
UFM offers a wide range of academic programs at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels. The university’s academic offerings are divided into five schools:
- School of Economics and Business
- School of Humanities
- School of Law
- School of Medicine
- School of Science and Technology
Faculty and Research
UFM has a faculty of over 400 professors, many of whom are internationally renowned scholars. The university’s research centers conduct cutting-edge research in a variety of fields, including economics, law, medicine, and public policy.
Campus and Facilities
UFM’s campus is located in the heart of Guatemala City. The campus is home to a variety of academic buildings, as well as a library, a student union, and a sports complex.
Student Life
UFM has a vibrant student life. The university offers a variety of student clubs and organizations, as well as a variety of athletic programs. UFM students also have the opportunity to participate in a variety of cultural and social events.
Rankings and Reputation
UFM is consistently ranked as the top university in Central America and one of the most prestigious in Latin America. In the QS World University Rankings 2023, UFM was ranked 41st in Latin America and 501-510th in the world.
Notable Alumni
UFM has a number of notable alumni, including:
- Mario Vargas Llosa, Nobel Prize-winning author
- Alvaro Arzu Irigoyen, former President of Guatemala
- Julio Francisco Matheu Duchez, former Vice President of Guatemala
- Juan Carlos Paiz Andrade, President of the Central American Bank for Economic Integration
- Álvaro Colom Caballeros, former President of Guatemala
- Sandra Torres Casanova, former First Lady of Guatemala
- Manuel Baldizón, former presidential candidate
- Alejandro Maldonado Aguirre, former President of Guatemala
- Jimmy Morales, former President of Guatemala
- Alejandro Giammattei Falla, current President of Guatemala
Conclusion
Universidad Francisco Marroquín is a leading private university in Guatemala. The university is committed to providing students with a rigorous academic education based on the principles of liberty, individualism, and free markets. UFM is consistently ranked as the top university in Central America and one of the most prestigious in Latin America.