The Catholic University of Cordoba, founded in 1956, was the first private university in the country and is the only one in Argentina entrusted to the Society of Jesus. The UCC is a continuation of a historical tradition of commitment to education initiated by the Jesuits in the sixteenth century in Latin America. In 1610 the first Jesuits to arrive in Cordoba from Santiago del Estero founded the Collegium Maximum, which was the basis for higher studies were initiated in 1613. In 1621 Pope Gregory XV granted the power to confer graduate degrees, which was ratified by Felipe IV in 1622. Thus began the history of which is currently the National University of Cordoba (UNC) and the higher education Argentina.