Some universities host more than 50, 000 students, which makes them the size of a town! These schools graduate many high-flyers, but there are pitfalls, too. To find out whether a large college is right for you, visit schools with various size campuses. Tour a big university in a large city, then pick the largest community college in the US and inspect the atmosphere there. Opt for a secluded private college and then check out some middle-sized colleges. Note that if you are politically oriented and tend to express your opinions outspokenly, do not forget to consider the most liberal colleges in the US as they are more loyal and flexible. To make an informed decision, compare and contrast the state of the campus, the policies, the faculty, and the ambiance in general.
If you still set your heart on a dreamy large university, you should review the following options to find out how many colleges in the US are big enough to impress you. Please note that all of them are state-funded, so if you look for a private college, you might want to google top private colleges in the US.
List of the Largest Colleges in the US
Back in the beginning of the 16th century, there were no educational institutions in the US; today, it can take great pride in an array of the largest colleges in the US. The inception of Harvard University in Massachusetts in 1636, which is one of the oldest colleges in the US, heralded the outset of massive educational enlightenment in America. Currently, there is a multitude of universities in the country, some of which are renowned worldwide for their excellent quality of education. Some of the colleges are so gigantic in terms of its student body that they look like a separate universe alien to outsiders. Are you interested in this topic? If you are, check out the selection of the largest colleges in America based on undergraduate admissions.
University of Central Florida (UCF)
The largest college in the US has emerged relatively recently, in 1963, and was initially called the Florida Technological University. The then US President, John F. Kennedy pursued a specific objective: to conquer the moon. In fact, Florida is in the vicinity of Cape Canaveral where spaceflights have been implemented, and hence it was the most suitable place for forging a new institution. The University can boast about its title of an exemplary green establishment of 2010. Additionally, it is famous for its highest number of enrollees estimated to be 63,0016 in 2015. The largest college in America also has the largest college campus in the US comprised of eleven campuses in Florida and many others in different states. It’s collaboration with local schools, such as Valencia College, which is ranked seventh among the best community colleges in the US, has facilitated a program dubbed Direct Connect that seeks to ensure that students and alumni of these local schools are admitted to the UCF.
Texas A&M University (TAMU)
In 1862, Texas A&M appeared as a result of an act of Congress. Its current abbreviation stems from its former name Texas Agricultural and Mechanical University. Previously, the University offered a limited number of majors, including engineering, literature, and linguistics. Later, in 1936, A&M extended the scope of its work becoming a coeducational research establishment. TAMU began to specialize in the agricultural field, mechanics, and eventually in military disciplines. In 2015, its total enrollment reached 58,519 students. The college also brags about its twelve campuses, two of which, namely Dwight Look College of Engineering and School of Law, are the oldest (1880) and the newest (2013) campuses respectively. TAMU generates much publicity because of its extensive research expeditions having introduced 121 novel inventions in 2004. Moreover, the college is currently involved in approximately 500 research expeditions taking place in eighty countries. Its scientific work mainly focuses on crafting the biggest optical telescope in Chile and the extraction of low energy enriched uranium from a nuclear research reactor.
Ohio State University (OSU)
The University made its appearance in 1870. Roughly 64, 868 students go to Columbus each year to apply to the school. Judging by immense investments, OSU places an emphasis on research and possesses laboratories and other scientific facilities on its premises. According to Academic Ranking of World Universities, OSU occupies 79th place in the global ranking of universities.
Florida International University (FIU)
Situated in sunny Miami, the FIU is ranked 4th among the biggest colleges in the US. Its annual student intake has increased to 54,058 undergraduates. With regard to its history, its foundation can be traced back to a bill introduced in the Senate that stipulated the board of education to establish a school of higher education in Miami. In 2010, FIU College of Law was included in the top ten Best value schools. The University is comprised of two campuses, i.e. University Park and Biscayne Bay. Additionally, the FIU has a unique university-based research institution in the US known as The International Hurricane Research Center that aims to alleviate the damage of natural disasters, predominantly storms.
University of Florida (UF)
Founded in 1853, it was presented to the public as the University of the State of Florida. Its student body is made up of 52,519 undergraduates. Notably, the Global University Ranking ranks it as one of the most advanced schools in the field of Agricultural Science. Moreover, the UF is widely known as one of the top-notch research institutions, which has created more than 100,000 jobs during 2009-2010 fiscal year. Research programs of the UF initiated the emergence of over fifty organizations that deal with biotechnology.
Overall, it does not matter whether you study at one of the most expensive colleges in the US, one of the cheapest colleges in the US, or one of the largest colleges in the world, the bottom line is to make the most of your studying and become a better version of self.