Florida's University Enrollment: Thousands Of Students Attending

Florida has the fourth-highest college student enrollment of any state, with over 850,000 students getting their degrees in the Sunshine State. The University of Central Florida is the biggest college in Florida, with over 68,000 students. In 2022, seven Florida colleges had student enrollments of over 40,000, and three Florida schools are among the top 10 largest colleges in the U.S.

The University of Florida, a public land-grant research university in Gainesville, is the third-largest U.S. public university by student population and the fifth-largest single-campus university in the country, with 54,814 students enrolled in fall 2023. The University of Florida is about two miles away from downtown Gainesville, a college town bolstered by the school's more than 50,000 students.

University of Central Florida: 68,346 students

The University of Central Florida (UCF) is a public research university with its main campus in Orange County, Florida. It is the biggest college in Florida, with a total student enrollment of 68,346. This makes UCF the second-largest university in the entire US, after Texas A&M.

UCF offers a wide range of academic programs, with 244 bachelor's, 219 master's, and 81 doctoral programs across 13 colleges. The university has a diverse student body, with almost half of its students identifying as minorities as of fall 2022. The school is also officially designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution, with around 28% of its students being of Hispanic heritage.

UCF's student population includes 43,513 undergraduates and 4,955 graduate students. The gender breakdown of the full-time undergraduate population is 55% women and 45% men, while graduate students are 56% women and 44% men. The university attracts students from a variety of geographic locations, with 7.84% of students coming from out of state and 3.58% from outside the country.

The University of Central Florida has a rich history, founded in 1963 as Florida Technological University. Its initial focus was on providing personnel educated in science, technology, engineering, and math to support the growing US space program. Over time, the university expanded its academic scope, and in 1978, it was renamed the University of Central Florida to reflect its diverse range of programs.

UCF has experienced significant growth and development over the years, with enrollment increasing from 20,302 when John C. Hitt became the university's fourth president in 1992, to over 68,000 students in 2022. The university has invested in new facilities, including an on-campus football stadium, a new basketball arena, and additional on-campus housing. UCF has also established notable partnerships with major research institutions and expanded its academic offerings.

The University of Central Florida offers a comprehensive educational experience with a focus on research and innovation, making it a top choice for students seeking a diverse and dynamic learning environment.

Florida International University: 55,609 students

Florida is the fourth state in the nation with the most college students, with over 850,000 students pursuing their degrees in the state. The University of Central Florida is the largest college in Florida, with over 68,000 students.

Florida International University (FIU) is the second-largest school in the state and the seventh-largest university in the country, with 55,609 students enrolled in 2022. The university's main campus is located in Miami and occupies a 342-acre city block. FIU offers over 190 in-person degree programs and over 130 online options. The university's acceptance rate for 2022 was 59%, and it received 17,343 undergraduate applications that year.

FIU's student body is incredibly diverse, with students from 142 countries. The university has a strong research focus and is designated as a Carnegie Very High Research Institution, the only public university in South Florida to achieve this distinction. FIU's research efforts tackle unique issues faced by Miami, such as climate change and globalizing economy.

The university provides numerous opportunities for students to get involved outside of the classroom, with over 300 academic associations, honour and professional societies, cultural organizations, and interest groups. FIU also has three art and history museums on campus and 17 intercollegiate athletic teams in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).

With a large student body, FIU ensures that there is something for everyone. The university offers a range of degree programs, extracurricular activities, and resources to support its diverse student population.

University of Florida: 55,211 students

The University of Florida in Gainesville has a student population of 55,211, making it the third-largest university in the state and the eighth-largest in the country. The university was founded in 1853 and spans 2,000 acres. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 34,924 (as of Fall 2023) and offers over 100 undergraduate programs.

The University of Florida is a public institution with a semester-based academic calendar. It is ranked #30 in National Universities and #7 in Top Public Schools. The in-state tuition and fees are $6,381, while the out-of-state tuition and fees are $28,658. The university is home to the Florida Gators sports teams, who compete in the NCAA Division I Southeastern Conference. The Gator football team, in particular, competes in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, commonly referred to as "The Swamp," and is known for being the namesake of the popular sports drink Gatorade.

The University of Florida has a rich history, with the first women being admitted in 1947 and the first African American student enrolled in 1958. The university's retention rate is 97%, with a 4-year graduation rate of 77% and a 6-year graduation rate of 90%. The student-to-faculty ratio is 16-to-1, according to 2022 NCES data. The university is located about two miles from downtown Gainesville, a classic mid-sized college town known for its indie music scene and charming historic districts.

University of South Florida: 49,600 students

The University of South Florida (USF) is a public research university with campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Sarasota-Manatee. It is one of 12 members of the State University System of Florida and is dedicated to empowering students to maximize their potential for lifelong success.

USF serves around 50,000 students, including over 36,000 undergraduates, 9,000 graduate students, 1,500 doctor of medicine students, and 1,400 non-degree-seeking students. The university is one of the 40 most diverse universities in the nation, with students representing nearly 150 countries and all 50 states. The student body is roughly 60% female and 40% male, and as of Fall 2022, the student diversity profile was approximately 50% White, 9% African American, 23% Hispanic, 9% Asian, and 4% two or more races.

USF offers over 180 degree programs at 14 colleges, including business, engineering, arts, and USF Health. The university is classified among "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity" and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). USF's annual budget is over $2 billion, and it generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion.

USF's sports teams are known as the South Florida Bulls and compete in the American Athletic Conference of NCAA Division I. The university's main campus is located in Tampa, and it offers a wide range of services and resources to support its large and diverse student body.

Florida State University: 44,161 students

Florida is the fourth state in the nation with the most college students. There are over 850,000 students in total getting their degrees in the Sunshine State. Florida State University (FSU) is one of the largest colleges in Florida, with a total student enrollment of 44,161. The university has a gender distribution of 41.56% male (18,352 students) and 58.44% female (25,809 students). There are 32,936 undergraduate and 11,225 graduate students at FSU. The university also has 36,031 full-time and 8,130 part-time students.

FSU is a public institution that was founded in 1851. It has a semester-based academic calendar and offers a wide range of degree programs, including associate, bachelor's, master's, specialist, doctoral, and professional degrees. The campus size is 486 acres, and the university is located in Tallahassee, the state capital of Florida. Tallahassee is known for its historical museums and opportunities to engage in local politics. FSU is the oldest continuous site of higher education in Florida, operating since 1851. The university also has a branch campus in Panama City, Florida, and the Republic of Panama.

FSU has been designated as a preeminent research university in the state by the Florida Legislature due to its meeting of rigorous benchmarks. The university has a large and diverse student body, with learners from 130 different countries. The campus system includes nearly 400 buildings, and the school's operating budget is close to $2 billion. FSU offers many opportunities for students, including study abroad programs and distance learning.

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