Established in 1859, Universidad Nacional de Loja (National University of Loja) is a non-profit public higher-education institution located in the urban setting of the small city of Loja (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants). This institution also has branch campuses in the following locations: Zamora, Catacocha, Zaruma. Officially recognized by the Consejo de Aseguramiento de la Calidad de la Educación Superior del Ecuador (Council for Quality Assurance of Higher Education of Ecuador), Universidad Nacional de Loja (UNL) is a large coeducational Ecuadorian higher education institution. Universidad Nacional de Loja (UNL) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor degrees in several areas of study. This 163 years old Ecuadorian higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic record and grades. The admission rate range is 80-90% making this Ecuadorian higher education organization a least selective institution. International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment. UNL also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.