The UPN logo creates the image of a reliable educational institution that helps students unlock their potential and achieve career growth. The emblem symbolizes modern approaches in the education system followed by Universidad Privada Del Norte.
UPN: Brand overview
In 1994, a group of academics and business leaders in Trujillo, Peru, founded Universidad Privada del Norte (UPN) with the goal of offering high-quality education in northern Peru.
Initially, the university focused on business and engineering programs in high demand in the region. In its early years, UPN had few faculty members and students.
In the 2000s, the university entered a period of rapid growth. Infrastructure was expanded, and new faculties and academic programs were introduced. A milestone was reached 2007 when UPN joined Laureate International Universities, a global educational network that opened up new development opportunities.
Between 2010 and 2015, the university expanded its geographic reach by opening new campuses in Lima and Cajamarca. This made education more accessible to students from various regions of Peru.
From 2016 to 2020, UPN continued modernizing its facilities and updating its curricula. The university also established partnerships with several international organizations and universities to enhance its academic offerings.
By 2023, Universidad Privada del Norte had become one of Peru’s leading private universities, offering various programs and educational opportunities.
Throughout its history, UPN has remained committed to providing high-quality education and has continually adapted to meet the evolving demands of the job market and academic standards.
Meaning and History
What is UPN?
This is one of the leading universities in Peru, offering students a wide range of educational programs in fields such as engineering, architecture, business, and medicine. The institution provides a practical approach to education, combining theoretical knowledge with real-world projects and internships at top companies. The campuses are equipped with modern laboratories, libraries, and research centers, while the faculty combines academic training with professional experience to deliver high-quality education that meets international standards.
Before 2013
The designers took a creative approach to developing the UPN logo, reflecting the university’s desire to appear progressive. It does not have a century-old history or longstanding traditions, but it is committed to modernity, which is evident in every aspect, including its visual identity.
The gray text “UNIVERSIDAD PRIVADA DEL NORTE” is arranged to resemble steps. The first word is placed on a separate line, while the remaining words are below. They are left-aligned so that the initial letters form a straight line. These improvised steps lead to a door—a thin vertical stripe that divides the logo into two conceptual parts: the university’s full name and its symbol.
Behind the door lies a large “N,” referring to the word “Norte.” This letter is rendered in the same gray color as the main text, creating a cohesive look. However, the fonts differ: the standalone “N” uses a contrasting serif typeface with rectangular serifs, while the text on the right features a slightly condensed sans-serif with evenly thick lines.
A white stripe runs through the entire “N,” representing the trail of a departing airplane. The airplane is depicted above and appears as a gray-and-yellow arrow: two differently colored triangles joined at the center. It symbolizes growth, innovation, and creative thought while also serving as an arrow pointing in the right direction. The yellow color adds variety, breaking up the uniform grayness of the UPN logo.
2013 – today
Universidad Privada Del Norte updated its logo in 2013 as part of a rebranding effort to appeal to modern prospective students. The previous visual identity was more traditional, while the new design emphasizes modernity and innovation. The minimalist style aligns with the expectations of a younger generation that values simplicity and clarity.
The university’s symbol is a geometric abstraction consisting of the number 1 and its mirrored reflection. The elements are aligned vertically and perfectly matched in height, creating precise symmetry in the emblem. This graphic mark can be interpreted in several ways:
- A roadway (viewed from above) symbolizes forward movement.
- An upward-pointing arrow represents growth, progress, and energy.
- The number 1 expresses Universidad Privada Del Norte’s position as a leader.
Additionally, the number 1 reflects that all university graduates can become leaders as they acquire the knowledge and skills to achieve their career goals. The logo highlights that UPN is not merely an educational institution but a place where students grow, improve, and aim for new heights.
The university’s name is positioned on the right, divided into four lines. The top-level features the large abbreviation “UPN,” which dominates the rest of the text. The bold and clear letters are easy to remember, helping the university maintain its recognition.
The remaining lines contain “UNIVERSIDAD PRIVADA DEL NORTE,” written in an uppercase, sans-serif font. The strict geometric style conveys confidence, stability, and reliability, emphasizing the institution’s seriousness and building trust with prospective students. The straight, bold letters are vertically elongated, mirroring the upward-pointing arrow in the symbol.
The perfect balance of the UPN emblem is disrupted only by the bright orange background. This vibrant color is aimed at young people attracted to creative designs. Orange is associated with optimism, enthusiasm, energy, and inspiration—qualities that help students unlock their potential. All other logo elements are rendered in calm black, symbolizing a serious approach to education and strict adherence to standards.