Founded in 1962, Universidad Centro Occidental Lisandro Alvarado (Lisandro Alvarado Central Western University) is a non-profit public higher-education institution located in the large city of Barquisimeto (population range of 500,000-1,000,000 inhabitants), Lara. Officially recognized by the Ministerio del Poder Popular para Educación Universitaria, Ciencia y Tecnología, Venezuela (Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology of Venezuela), Universidad Centro Occidental Lisandro Alvarado (UCLA) is a coeducational Venezuelan higher education institution. Universidad Centro Occidental Lisandro Alvarado (UCLA) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor degrees in several areas of study. This 60 years old Venezuelan higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations. UCLA also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, as well as administrative services.