
Florida Atlantic University, founded in 1964, is a large public institution that offers diverse experiences for its students. The university has grown to become one of the largest institutions in the state by enrolment, with over 30,000 students as of 2021, representing 180 countries, 50 states, and the District of Columbia. The university is also the most diverse public university in Florida, with a student body consisting of 61% ethnic minorities in 2021.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year of founding | 1964 |
| Initial enrollment | 867 |
| Enrollment as of 2021 | 30,000+ |
| Undergraduate enrollment as of fall 2023 | 24,717 |
| Number of degree programs | 170+ |
| Number of colleges | 10 |
| Number of campuses | 7 |
| Campus size | 850 acres |
| Number of countries represented by student body | 180 |
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What You'll Learn

Florida Atlantic University's student population growth
Florida Atlantic University (FAU) opened in 1964 with an initial student body of 867. The university has since grown to become one of the largest institutions in Florida by enrolment, with over 30,000 students as of 2021. This figure includes 24,663 undergraduates, 3,380 graduate students, 440 doctoral students, and 254 medical students. The student body is diverse, with 61% ethnic minorities and students from more than 180 countries.
FAU's growth can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the university has expanded its offerings beyond upper-division and graduate-level courses. In 1984, FAU admitted its first lower-division undergraduate students, which contributed to an increase in enrolment. Secondly, FAU has expanded its physical campuses. It began as a one-campus university but now has seven campuses spread across 120 miles. The main campus is in Boca Raton, with additional campuses in Jupiter, Davie, and Fort Lauderdale.
The university has also established new colleges and programs. In 2004, FAU and the University of Miami's Miller School of Medicine established a medical training program within the Charles E. Schmidt College of Biomedical Science. In 2010, FAU established its own College of Medicine. The Harbour Branch Oceanographic Institution (HBOI) joined FAU in 2007, creating the university's seventh campus dedicated to exploring the world's oceans and integrating marine science and technology.
FAU's dynamic learning environment and research-focused curriculum have contributed to its reputation and growth. The university is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) and offers over 180 undergraduate and graduate degree programs within its ten colleges. FAU has been recognised for its diverse student population and has been ranked as the 27th most diverse university in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. The university's acceptance rate for the incoming freshman class of fall 2021 was 60%.
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Diversity of students at Florida Atlantic University
Florida Atlantic University (FAU) is one of the largest institutions in the state of Florida by enrolment, with over 30,000 students as of 2021. The university has grown significantly since its opening in 1964, when it had an initial student body of 867. FAU has a dynamic and diverse student population, with students from a variety of backgrounds, ethnicities, and geographical locations.
The university has been recognised for its ethnic diversity, with a significant proportion of minority or international students. In 2021, the undergraduate student body consisted of 61% ethnic minorities, including students from more than 180 countries. FAU has been designated as a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) and is a member of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, reflecting its significant Hispanic population. The university also has a notable number of Pell-eligible students, first-generation students, African-American students, and other students of colour, with retention and graduation rates that outpace the university's overall rates.
In terms of gender diversity, FAU has a higher proportion of female students, with approximately 18,199 women and 12,606 men enrolled. The full-time undergraduate population consists of 58% women and 42% men, while the graduate student population is 60% women and 40% men. The university also has more female teachers than male teachers, with approximately 2,007 female faculty members and 1,545 male faculty members.
FAU attracts students of all ages, with an age diversity score of 84.78 out of 100. About 41.41% of students are considered traditional college-age (18-21 years old), which is lower than the national average of 60%. The university serves students from across the United States, with representation from 33 to 49 states, as well as Washington D.C. Additionally, FAU has a significant number of international students, with 11.78% of students coming from out of state and 7.61-11% from over 100 countries worldwide.
FAU offers over 180 undergraduate and graduate degree programs across its ten colleges, providing a diverse range of academic opportunities for its students. The university is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) and has been recognised for its strong student outcomes, including competitive graduate salaries and successful job placements. With its diverse student body, dynamic learning environment, and distinguished faculty, FAU offers a rich and inclusive educational experience.
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Florida Atlantic University's initial student body
Florida Atlantic University (FAU) opened on 14 September 1964 with an initial student body of 867 students across five colleges. The first degree awarded by the university was an honorary doctorate given to President Lyndon B. Johnson on 25 October 1964.
The university was built on the existing Boca Raton Airport and 5,860 acres of adjacent land, most of which was acquired from Japanese-American farmers from the failing Yamato Colony. FAU was the first public university in the Miami metro area, initially offering only upper-division and graduate-level courses. The university's original intention was to "complement the state's community college system, accepting students who had earned their associate degrees from those institutions".
On-campus housing for students was first added in September 1965 with the opening of Algonquin Hall. In 1971, FAU expanded beyond a one-campus university with the opening of its Commercial Boulevard campus in Fort Lauderdale. In 1984, FAU admitted its first lower-division undergraduate students, and the student body has since grown to over 30,000, with students from 180 countries and all 50 states.
FAU has been ranked as the most diverse public university in Florida, with Pell-eligible students, first-generation students, African-American students, and Hispanic students outpacing the university's overall retention and graduation rates. The university has produced over 185,000 alumni and offers over 180 undergraduate and graduate degree programs within its 10 colleges.
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The number of international students at Florida Atlantic University
Florida Atlantic University (FAU) is a diverse university with a significant number of international students. As of 2021, the university enrolled over 30,000 students, representing 180 countries, 50 states, and the District of Columbia. This includes 24,663 undergraduates, 3,380 graduate students, 440 doctoral students, and 254 medical students.
FAU's international student population is substantial, with approximately 2,419 international students and scholars in the F and J visa classifications as of October 2024. These students represent 104 countries worldwide. The university also offers more than 100 student organizations that represent different cultures and backgrounds, catering to its diverse student body.
FAU's diverse and inclusive environment is reflected in its recognition as the most diverse public university in Florida. The university eliminates historical achievement gaps between minority and white students, with Pell-eligible students, first-generation students, African-American students, and Hispanic students outpacing overall retention and graduation rates.
FAU's international students contribute to its vibrant student life, which includes various clubs, organizations, and activities. The university offers over 400 student organizations and numerous research opportunities. With more than 100 research centers and institutes, FAU provides international students with a dynamic and engaging academic experience.
The university's main campus is in Boca Raton, with additional campuses in Fort Lauderdale, Dania Beach, and Jupiter. The beautiful South Florida location offers a unique experience for international students, with warm weather, beautiful beaches, and cultural attractions nearby.
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Breakdown of students by degree type
Florida Atlantic University (FAU) is a public research university with campuses and sites located along the South Florida coastline. It was founded in 1964 and initially served only upper-division and graduate-level students. However, in 1984, FAU began admitting lower-division undergraduate students, leading to a significant increase in its student population.
FAU has grown to become one of the largest institutions in Florida by enrolment, with over 30,000 students as of 2021. The university offers a wide range of academic programs, with more than 180 undergraduate and graduate degree programs within its ten colleges.
As of 2021, the breakdown of students by degree type at FAU is as follows:
- Undergraduate students: 24,663
- Graduate students: 3,380
- Doctoral students: 440
- Medical students: 254
FAU's undergraduate student body is diverse, with 61% ethnic minorities and students from over 180 countries. The university is ranked as one of the most diverse institutions in Florida's State University System and is recognised for its strong student outcomes.
FAU's graduate programs include master's and doctoral degree programs. The university also has a College of Medicine, established in 2010, which offers medical training in collaboration with the University of Miami's Miller School of Medicine.
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Frequently asked questions
As of 2021, Florida Atlantic University has over 30,000 students enrolled, with 24,663 undergraduates, 3,380 graduate students, 440 doctoral students, and 254 medical students.
There are 10 colleges at Florida Atlantic University, offering over 170 degree programs.
Florida Atlantic University opened on September 14, 1964, with 867 students in five colleges.











































