Established in 1971, Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja (Technical University of Loja) is a private higher-education institution located in the urban setting of the small city of Loja (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants). 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 Técnica Particular de Loja (UTPL) is a small coeducational Ecuadorian higher education institution formally affiliated with the Christian-Catholic religion. Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja (UTPL) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor degrees, master degrees in several areas of study. This 51 years old Ecuadorian higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations. The admission rate range is 60-70% making this Ecuadorian higher education organization a somewhat selective institution. International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment. UTPL also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, sports facilities, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.