The origins of the University of Costa Rica (UCR) are located in the House of Teaching of St. Thomas, founded in 1814, converted-from 1843 - at the University of St. Thomas. About this legacy, in 1940 he created the University of Costa Rica, through Republic Act No. 0362. Since opening its doors in March 1941, this institution has channeled his work in accordance with a constant search, inexhaustible and free, truth, effectiveness and beauty, as established by the Constitution.

Its purpose is to promote the changes that society needs to achieve the common good through a policy directed to achieving true social justice, integral development, to full freedom and complete independence of our people. In the principles established in the Organic Statute, states as an essential function of the university community to ensure dialogue and free expression of ideas and opinions, the coexistence of different ideologies and schools of thought, without limitation mutual respect.

To accomplish its purpose the University of Costa Rica has a community of teachers, students and administrative staff dedicated to meet the primary activity of the organization, promoting the advancement of knowledge at its finest, and respond effectively to the needs generated by the development of society. Its core funding comes from the state contribution mandated by the Constitution of Costa Rica and other special laws.