Founded in 1857, Universidad de Atacama (University of Atacama) is a non-profit public higher-education institution located in the small city of Copiapó (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants), Atacama. Officially recognized by the Comisión Nacional de Acreditación, Chile (National Accreditation Commission), Universidad de Atacama (UdA) is a medium-sized coeducational Chilean higher education institution. Universidad de Atacama (UdA) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor degrees in several areas of study. This 165 years old Chilean higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations. UdA also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, as well as administrative services.