Universidad del Este (UNE) is a private non-profit institution of higher education and a component of the Ana G. Méndez University System of Puerto Rico. Founded in 1949 as Puerto Rico Junior College, it grew into a four-year institution in 1992 and finally evolved into a university in 2001. A professionally oriented institution, Universidad del Este offers occupational, liberal arts, education, health, science and business programs leading to certificates, associate, bachelor, and master's degree programs in different disciplines.