THE ULTIMATE LIST OF THE BIGGEST UNIVERSITIES IN THE US

In the case of continuing education in the US, larger campuses are preferable. The size of an institution can have a significant impact on the opportunities and experiences that students have, as well as the community in which they live. Read on to learn more about the top, biggest, and oldest Catholic universities in the US.

Few people contest the value of education. If one wishes to succeed in this world, it is a necessary tool. Additionally, obtaining a higher education equips you with a few crucial tools that will help you succeed beyond success. Around the world, colleges and universities provide students with the best resources available to enable them to realize their potential and make the most of it. To help pass on their expertise and experience to their eager potential successors, brilliant brains come together in their particular fields.

For some, it may seem like a dream come true, but unfortunately, for others, it is still only a dream. In the modern world, one of the most costly indulgences for students is attending college. Of course, there are ways to get financial assistance or scholarships, but only a select few students are given this opportunity.

The Biggest Universities in the US

There are 4,313 higher education establishments in the US, ranging from two-year to four-year colleges to technical schools. The largest colleges in the United States provide their students with an abundance of resources and learning opportunities to support their academic success.

Of course, not everyone wants to attend one of the largest institutions; other people would rather learn in a more intimate, community-focused setting. Still, every year, thousands of students swarm the largest colleges.

Today, we’ll examine the nation’s largest institutions in more detail, learning what makes them special and why they matter so much. We’ll discuss their effects on society as well as our ranking of the top 10 American universities.

#1. Texas A&M University

The first public university in the state and one of the forerunners of the Texas A&M University System, Texas A&M University was founded in 1871. Five years later, the Agriculture and Mechanical College of Texas was established, with military designation and training mandated through 1965. At 73,284 students for the 2021–2022 academic year, the public land-grant research university has the biggest student body in the nation.

#2. University Of Central Florida

One of the twelve universities that make up the State University System of Florida is UCF, together with its two branches. Founded in 1963, the public, coeducational university has its main campus located in Orlando. There are two more facilities in Orlando: a branch in Daytona Beach and the Brevard School in Cocoa. With 70,406 students enrolled, the university has the second-largest enrollment in the nation.

#3. Ohio State University

Ohio State Institution is a land-grant institution located in Columbus that is a member of the state university system. The university was first established in 1870 as the “Ohio Agricultural and Mechanical College,” ranking seventh in the state. The General Assembly of the state changed its name eight years later and expanded its range of offerings.

#4. University Of Florida

For the 2021–2022 academic year, 60,613 students are enrolled at the fourth-largest institution in the nation. A public, coeducational university, U of F is a part of the large State University System of Florida. Gainesville’s comprehensive research university was established in 1906 after being granted land-grant status in 1853.

#5. Florida International University

There is another Sunshine State University with a distinct history that dates back to 1965. The Florida Board of Education and the Board of Regents were tasked with creating a new state university by Senate Bill 711. The unusual choice of Miami’s airfield as the location drew in three other leaders, including Chuck Perry, the first president of FIU, Ben Butler Waugh, and Nick Sileo.

#6. Illinois Urbana-Champaign University

In 2020, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) enrolled 52,679 students and had an outstanding 94% retention rate for undergraduates studying full-time. The school’s most popular majors include computer engineering, accounting, psychology, and economics.

#7. Minnesota University

With its main campus located in the Twin Cities and coeducational campuses in Duluth, Morris, Crookston, and Rochester, the University of Minnesota is a member of the state university system. The well-known main campus sprawls picturesquely in Minneapolis and St. Paul along both banks of the Mississippi River. Established in 1851 as a prep school for students of both sexes, it provided instruction on an irregular basis until the state was established seven years later.

#8. Georgia State University

GSU is a public, coeducational university that is a member of the Georgia University System. Its main campus, located in Atlanta’s downtown, was founded in 1913. The Andrew Young School of Policy Studies, Business, Education, Health and Human Services, Law, and Arts and Sciences are among the six colleges located in the same city.

#9. Arizona State University

Arizona State University is a public, coeducational university focused on research. ASU was founded in 1885, and with 54,866 students enrolled, it is the seventh-largest university in the US. Its main campus is located in Tempe. Roughly one-third of all ASU students are in this group; the remaining third attend classes virtually.

#10. University Of Texas At Austin

52,384 students from a wide range of bachelor’s, master’s, doctorate, and professional degrees and fields attend the ninth-largest institution. With outstanding graduate programs in theater, architecture, accounting, engineering, pharmacy, and other fields, its undergraduate and graduate programs are among the best in the United States.

Catholic Universities in the US

Catholic universities in the United States range in style from ultra-traditional to ultra-liberal, but they all provide excellent academic programs. The most well-known ones, like Villanova, Georgetown University, and Notre Dame, are undoubtedly familiar to you. However, there are also hundreds of smaller Catholic universities in the US that are among the simplest to get into because they have some of the best acceptance rates for US colleges and offer a wide range of degrees, both graduate and undergraduate. Let’s quickly review the main Catholic universities in the United States, their curricula, what sets them apart, and how to apply!

#1. Marquette University (WI)

Before Marquette’s doors opened as a liberal arts college for men, the institution was founded on a dream, was given a $16,000 grant, and required almost 30 years of labor. According to the school’s website, Rev. John Martin Henni, the founder, passed away only two days after Marquette opened its doors in 1881. The university’s crest honors Rev. Jacques Marquette, a French Jesuit explorer and missionary, from whom it takes its name.

#2. University of San Diego

The University of San Diego is a relatively new college in a setting where the oldest schools in the country stretch back to before American independence. Though it began as just an idea in 1937, the college’s first iteration was founded in 1949, with men and women being kept apart until 1972. As with the other universities on this list, students of different faiths are accepted. According to the school website, USD hosts a yearly All Faiths Service for students of different faiths in addition to holding 16 weekly masses.

#3. Gonzaga University (WA)

The history of Gonzaga started with Joseph Cataldo, an Italian priest who desired to establish a school to assist the local Native American tribes. With seven students when it debuted in 1887, the college that grew out of that concept became COED in 1948. Over seven thousand students and a men’s basketball team that consistently makes it to the NCAA tournament distinguish Gonzaga more than 130 years after it was founded.

#4. Fordham University (NY)

Originally named St. John’s College, Fordham was established in 1841 on a 100-acre site acquired for $29,750. St. John’s College changed its name to Fordham University in 1907. Among the many notable events in Fordham’s rich past are the author Edgar Allan Poe, who often visited the school’s library, and the school’s role in the first-ever live televised football game, which took place in 1939.

#5. Loyola Marymount University (CA)

Loyola Marymount University was created through the merger of two colleges, as its name implies. Following five years of sharing buildings and professors, Loyola College of Los Angeles and Marymount College merged to form one university in 1973. Although the university was founded in 1911, according to its website, the foundation of its mission is 500 years of Jesuit thought.

#6. Santa Clara University (CA)

Santa Clara University was founded in 1851 as a prep school for males and claims to be the oldest university in California. It started providing college courses in 1853, and in 1912, it changed its name from Santa Clara College to the University of Santa Clara. In 1985, Santa Clara University was formally established with yet another name change. SCU, a Silicon Valley institution, prides itself on fusing innovation, technology, and social concern with the Jesuit heritage of education.

#7. Villanova University (PA)

The Augustinian Order founded Villanova in 1842, and St. Thomas of Villanova, a Spanish friar and philosopher who lived a simple and charitable life in the 1500s, gave it its name.

#8. Boston College

Boston College was established in 1863, according to the school’s website, to serve the city’s sizable Irish Catholic immigrant population. The institution was initially referred to on the website as a “small streetcar college” for commuters.

#9. Georgetown University (DC)

According to the institution’s website, Georgetown is the oldest Catholic university in the country, having been established in the nation’s capital in 1789. Georgetown’s student body fell from 313 to 17, and the university struggled during the Civil War.

#10. University of Notre Dame (IN)

A French priest established Notre Dame in 1842 on 524 acres with two lakes; the first structure was a little log chapel. The founder, Rev. Edward Sorin, called the institution The University of Our Lady of the Lake in French, using his mother tongue as inspiration.

Best Public Universities in the US

In the United States, state governments provide the majority of funding for public universities rather than private endowments. State university systems, which include a wide variety of public universities across the USA, are found in many states. There are public universities in other states that are not members of any system. Along with the funding source, public universities in the United States must adhere to state educational standards.

#1. UC Berkeley

One of the best public universities in the country is the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). U.S. News has UCLA and UC Berkeley tied for 20th place. With an acceptance rate of 9%, UCLA, a public university in Los Angeles, is among the most competitive in the country. UCLA’s ranking indicates that it is one of the best public universities in the country. They offer more than 125 majors, so almost every student can pursue their own academic interests.

#2. UCLA

The University of California, Los Angeles, is ranked #2 among the top public colleges in the United States (UCLA). UC Berkeley and UCLA are both ranked #20 by U.S. News. UCLA, a public university in Los Angeles, is one of the most competitive in the United States, with an acceptance rate of 9%. Being among the top public colleges in the nation is reflected in UCLA’s ranking. Nearly every student at UCLA can follow their academic interests because of its more than 125 majors.

#3. University of Michigan

The University of Michigan—Ann Arbor is the next-best public university on our list, coming in at number 25 in the US right now. It is among the top public universities in the Midwest, according to the University of Michigan ranking. It is very selective, with an acceptance rate of only 20%. As a result, entry needs a very well-written application. For individuals seeking an MS in Education, the University of Michigan is among the best universities in the United States.

#4. University of Virginia

The University of Virginia (UVA) is the next institution on our list of public universities. The UVA, which is based in Charlottesville, is tied for 25th place. One of Virginia’s top public institutions, UVA is extremely selective, with an acceptance rate of only 21 percent. The university’s standing as one of the top public schools in the US is reflected in the UVA rating. The business programs at UVA, both undergraduate and graduate, are well regarded.

#5. University of Florida

According to U.S. News, the University of Florida, one of the top public universities in the South, is ranked #29 nationally. The University of Florida, which is renowned for its top sports programs and has a 30% acceptance rate, is situated in Gainesville. A well-known sports drink has the name of the Florida Gators. As one of the best public universities for students to consider, the University of Florida is reflected in this list.

#6. UNC-Chapel Hill

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is the next stop. UF and UNC are tied for 29th place, but UNC’s admission rate is significantly lower at 19%. In addition to having highly regarded business and nursing programs, UNC is ranked #15 among the Best Value Schools. UNC’s position as one of the top public colleges in the country attests to the abundance of experiences available.

#7. UC Santa Barbara

UC Santa Barbara (UCSB) is the next university on our list of the best public institutions. As part of the UC system that also includes UCLA and UC Berkeley, UCSB is one of the best public institutions in California. UCSB has a 29% admission rate and is ranked #32 nationally. The excellent standard of instruction offered at UC campuses is reflected in the UCSB ranking.

#8. UC Irvine

The second UC school on our list of public universities is UC Irvine. Slightly south of Los Angeles, UC Irvine is now ranked #34 with a 29% acceptance rate. Its Division I sports teams and high research output have earned it national recognition. UC Irvine, one of the top public colleges in the United States, is a fantastic choice for a lot of people.

#9. UC San Diego

The second public university on our list is UC San Diego. UC San Diego, together with UC Irvine, is now ranked #34 and is located in La Jolla, California. 33,300 undergraduate students reside on the urban campus, which covers an area of more than 2,000 acres. One of the best public institutions, UC San Diego, has an admittance rate of 34% and provides a thorough and convenient education.

#10. UC Davis

The last UC school in our ranking of the top public universities is UC Davis. Near Sacramento, at number 38 in the nation, is UC Davis. With a 49% admission rate, UC Davis is well-known for its biological and agricultural departments. It started as a UC Berkeley farm school.

Top Art Universities in the US

The United States has some of the top universities and colleges in the world for the arts, culture, entertainment, and design sectors for degrees in art and design. Students typically pick careers in the arts with little hesitation and wholeheartedness. Upon receiving your high school diploma, you can immediately enroll in a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) program.

The following are a few of the top American universities that grant degrees in the arts:

#1. Parsons School of Design at The New School

Parsons is the top-ranked US school and the third-ranked institution worldwide for design studies, according to the QS World Rankings 2021. Students are exposed to a creative and critical-thinking atmosphere at Parsons School of Design. The faculty’s main goal is to produce graduates who are ready to share their opinions regarding world affairs.

#2. Rhode Island School of Design (RISD)

The Fine Arts program at Rhode Island School of Design provides both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree. At RISD, Fine & Studio Arts is one of the majors. Undergraduate students have the option to select an elective from a total of six concentrations in addition to their major. The concentrations offered by RISD are comparable to those at other colleges.

#3. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

Professional artists who are well-known worldwide for their works teach in the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s (MIT) Art, Culture, and Technology (ACT) department. This curriculum integrates many facets of the idea of art, including design, history, culture, and technology. Every course that ACT offers starts with theory instruction and ends with applying that theory to real-world situations.

#4. School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC)

Among the art world’s most esteemed establishments in the country is the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. With its rich historical legacy, SAIC’s location is highly advantageous, especially in light of Chicago’s standing as one of the US’s most magnificent cities.

#5. Cranbrook Academy of Art

In the United States, the small, private Cranbrook Academy of Art is located close to Detroit. It also boasted the fourth-best graphic design program in the country and the second-best ceramics program in the country.

Around 141 graduate students are enrolled at this small school, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). In addition to photography, print media, sculpture, and metalsmithing, Cranbrook offers master’s degrees in architecture, painting, and photography.

The Oldest Universities in the US

Three of the historic US universities below date to the 17th century and all of them were established before the American Revolution began in 1765, even if none of them can claim to be the oldest university in the world.

All five of the colleges listed here are members of the esteemed Ivy League and have succeeded in fusing their rich historical background with a persistent dedication to advancement and creativity.

#1. Harvard University

Originally known as New College, Harvard University is a university situated in Massachusetts. Subsequently, the name was changed to Harvard College in honor of John Harvard, the university’s first benefactor, who left the university half of his financial estate as well as his 320-volume scholar’s library in his will.

#2. The College of William and Mary

The College of William & Mary is the oldest university in the American South and was the first institution of higher learning in the country to impose an honor code on students. It was named for the British co-monarchs who were in power at the time and who granted the university its royal charter, the first for any university in the US.

#3. St John’s College

Originally established as King William’s School, the first “free” school in the Maryland colony, St. John’s College (SJC) is a private liberal arts college. “Free” in this sense refers to granting students freedom via education.

#4. Yale University

The next oldest university in the US on our list is Yale University, which was first established as a “Collegiate School.” It is presently ranked 17th in the world. In honor of a donation from British East India Company governor Elihu Yale, it was christened Yale in 1718.

#5. College of Pennsylvania

First in the US to provide undergraduate and graduate programs, Benjamin Franklin founded the University of Pennsylvania, also known as Penn.

#6. College of Moravia

The tiny Moravian College is the next-oldest university in the US. The college, which is situated in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, was founded in 1742 as Bethlehem Female Seminary, the first boarding school for young women in the US, by 16-year-old Countess Benigna von Zinzendorf.

#7. University of Delaware

The University of Delaware (UD), which is situated in Newark, was first established as the “Free School” and has undergone many site changes. In order to avoid a rivalry with the University of Pennsylvania, Delaware was excluded from the Pennsylvania colony until 1776, and as a result, the university was not granted a charter.

#8. University of Princeton

Princeton University was first established as the College of New Jersey by New Light Presbyterians to teach ministers. Several landmarks from its lengthy history are still there, including Nassau Hall, the university’s oldest structure, which was constructed in 1756.

What is the Number One University in the USA?

Harvard University

The largest endowment of any university worldwide is found at this Ivy League school, which is also the oldest in the nation. Harvard University is a private university located outside of Boston in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Which State Has the Best Universities in the USA?

California is the state with the greatest number of colleges in the United States and the biggest concentration of highly regarded universities. Stanford University, Pomona College, and the California Institute of Technology are a few of the top-ranked universities on the list.

What Is the Hardest College to Get Into?

Harvard College

A rating and review website called Niche just released their list of the “2023 Hardest Colleges to Get Into.” According to statistics obtained from the U.S. Department of Education about acceptance rates and SAT/ACT scores, they discovered that Harvard University was, predictably, the hardest college to get admission to.

Summary

Explore the vast realm of American higher education by reading our article that highlights the top universities. Explore the different offerings of these educational giants, which have shaped the academic landscape for countless students and left a lasting impression on the educational landscape of the country, from lively campuses to an abundance of academic options.