Established in 1978, Universidad Católica Nordestana (Nordestana Catholic University) is a non-profit private higher-education institution located in the suburban setting of the small city of San Francisco de Macorís (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants), Duarte. Officially recognized by the Ministerio de Educación Superior, Ciencia y Tecnología, República Dominicana (Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology of the Dominican Republic), Universidad Católica Nordestana (UCNE) is a small coeducational Dominican higher education institution formally affiliated with the Christian-Catholic religion. Universidad Católica Nordestana (UCNE) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor degrees in several areas of study. This 44 years old Dominican higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations. The admission rate range is 90-100% making this Dominican higher education organization a least selective institution. International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment. UCNE also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, as well as administrative services.