Savanna Hoffman
University is a time for students to explore new interests, develop meaningful relationships, and, of course, pursue their academic goals. For some, this journey takes place on sprawling campuses with bustling corridors and diverse student bodies. As of the 2023-2024 academic year, Tribhuvan University in Nepal held the distinction of enrolling the highest number of full-time equivalent students worldwide, with a staggering 482,000 students. Indira Gandhi National Open University, with its massive enrollment of around 7.14 million students, claims the title of the world's largest university system. In the United States, Arizona State University stands out with over 75,000 students, while New York University (NYU) boasts nearly 60,000 students across various programs. These institutions, with their impressive student numbers, showcase the diversity and magnitude of higher education worldwide.
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What You'll Learn
- Indira Gandhi National Open University: the largest university system in the world
- Tribhuvan University in Nepal: the highest number of full-time students
- Arizona State University: the largest college in the US
- University of Central Florida: the highest undergraduate enrollment in the US
- NYU: the most selective of the top 10 largest colleges in the US
Indira Gandhi National Open University: the largest university system in the world
With over 4 million students enrolled, Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) is the largest university in the world. Named after India's former prime minister, Indira Gandhi, IGNOU was established in 1985 with a budget of ₹20 million. The university was founded to serve the Indian population through distance and open education, providing quality higher education opportunities to all segments of society.
IGNOU is a public open and distance learning university located in Delhi, India. It is run by the central government of India and offers 333 academic programs through its 21 Schools of Studies. The university is supported by a network of 67 Regional Centres and 2,257 Learner Support Centres (LSCs) across India, with an additional 25 Overseas Study Centres in 15 countries. IGNOU reaches the remotest corners of India and serves diverse learners, including marginalized communities, persons with disabilities, and international students.
IGNOU has been recognised for its excellence in open, distance, and online learning systems, becoming the first Open University to receive the prestigious A++ accreditation from the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC). The university has also been ranked among the top ten "Institutes of National Importance and Central Universities" for its efforts to promote entrepreneurship and innovation.
In the academic year 2023-24, IGNOU achieved an all-time high in total registrations, with 753,286 students enrolling during the admission cycle of July 2023 and January 2024. Of these, 352,354 students enrolled in bachelor's degree programs, with the Bachelor of Arts (BAG) being the most popular choice, attracting 109,840 registrations.
IGNOU continues to play a significant role in shaping India's educational landscape through its strategic collaborations, groundbreaking research, and commitment to quality education.
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Tribhuvan University in Nepal: the highest number of full-time students
Tribhuvan University in Nepal currently holds the title of having the highest number of full-time students in the world. As of the 2023/24 academic year, Tribhuvan University had a staggering 482,000 registered students. This figure far surpasses that of other large universities around the globe.
The university with the second highest number of full-time students is Payame Noor University in Iran, with approximately 430,000 registered students. This is followed by Al-Azhar University in Egypt, which has around 270,000 students. Notably, a significant number of the universities with the highest student populations are located in Egypt.
While Tribhuvan University boasts an impressive student body size, it is worth noting that the definition of "full-time" may vary across countries and institutions. Additionally, some universities with large student populations may offer primarily online courses, which can impact the traditional notion of a university campus and its infrastructure.
In the United States, for example, the largest universities in terms of enrollment are often fully online colleges. Western Governors University, Southern New Hampshire University, and the University of Phoenix are among the largest, with enrollments surpassing 100,000 students in 2023-2024. However, when considering in-person enrollment, Arizona State University and Texas A&M University top the list, each serving more than 70,000 students.
The benefits of a large student body include increased diversity, cultural exchange, and a broader range of academic opportunities. Larger universities often have more resources due to higher funding, enabling them to attract top-tier faculty and provide state-of-the-art facilities, scholarships, and financial aid. However, smaller colleges offer their own advantages, such as a stronger sense of community and more personalized attention for students.
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Arizona State University: the largest college in the US
Arizona State University (ASU) is a public research university in Tempe, Arizona, founded in 1885. It is one of the largest public universities by enrolment in the United States, with a total undergraduate enrolment of 65,174 students in Fall 2023. The Tempe campus is ASU's largest campus, with more than 70,000 students enrolled in at least one class in Fall 2017. The university has over 183,000 students attending classes, with more than 74,000 students attending online courses and over 41,000 postgraduates.
ASU offers over 400 academic undergraduate programs and majors, as well as more than 450 graduate degree programs and certificates. The university is highly ranked in numerous areas, including being recognised as the country's most innovative school by U.S. News & World Report. It is also ranked fifth in the U.S. for research expenditures among universities without a medical school. ASU has a strong focus on sustainability, with initiatives such as the Burrowing Owl Conservation Project and a solar program that has helped the university achieve carbon neutrality.
The educational experience at ASU is characterised by innovation, entrepreneurship, and a commitment to serving the public interest. The university has a diverse student body, with a large percentage of minority and first-generation college students. ASU offers a wide range of scholarships, with 7,542 students receiving donor-funded scholarships in the 2024 fiscal year. The university also has a high retention rate of 85% for first-year students.
ASU's faculty includes Nobel laureates, Pulitzer Prize winners, and Fulbright U.S. scholars, ensuring that learners receive individualised support. The student-to-faculty ratio is 18 to 1, providing a favourable learning environment. The university's curriculum has evolved over the years, and it now offers various programs, including liberal arts, sciences, design, arts, engineering, journalism, education, and business.
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University of Central Florida: the highest undergraduate enrollment in the US
As of the 2023/24 academic year, Tribhuvan University in Nepal had the highest number of registered students worldwide, with 482,000 students. However, when it comes to the United States, the University of Central Florida (UCF) stands out for its impressive undergraduate enrollment numbers.
UCF, located in Orlando, Florida, has experienced significant growth in its student population over the years. In 2016, the university enrolled over 60,000 students, with 59,548 undergraduates in the fall of 2023. This number further increased to 59,649 undergraduates in the fall of 2024, making UCF the largest university by enrollment in Florida. The university's total student population, including graduate and professional students, reached 69,818.
UCF's student body is diverse, attracting students from all 67 Florida counties, all 50 states, and 157 countries. The university offers a wide range of academic programs to choose from, with the ten largest undergraduate disciplines being business management and administration, health professions and related fields, psychology, education, engineering, biology, multi/interdisciplinary studies, computer and information sciences, hospitality, and social sciences.
The University Honors Program, administered by the Burnett Honors College, is a notable feature of UCF, catering to 500 accomplished incoming undergraduates annually. This program offers smaller class sizes and the opportunity to engage in individual research projects or collaborate with faculty members. Additionally, the Honors in the Major program allows juniors and seniors to conduct original research and write an undergraduate honors thesis within their major.
UCF also boasts a substantial operating budget of $2 billion for the 2024 fiscal year, with researchers receiving $229 million in funding. The university has a strong focus on research and innovation, with its faculty holding an impressive number of doctorate degrees. UCF's commitment to accessible education is evident, with 71% of undergraduates receiving financial aid.
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NYU: the most selective of the top 10 largest colleges in the US
As of the 2023-2024 academic year, Tribhuvan University in Nepal was reported to host the highest number of full-time students worldwide, with 482,000 registered students. However, focusing on the United States, a country that boasts some of the most prestigious academic institutions globally, here is some information on NYU, the most selective of the top 10 largest colleges in the US.
With nearly 60,000 students enrolled across over 400 programs, New York University (NYU) is the only private school among the top 10 largest colleges in the US. NYU is also the most selective of these institutions. About 11,000 NYU students live in university housing in New York's Greenwich Village or Brooklyn Heights. NYU students can find community in the big city at the NYU Center for Student Life or among the 300 student clubs and organizations.
The largest universities in the United States by enrollment are fully online colleges. Western Governors University, Southern New Hampshire University, and the University of Phoenix surpass 100,000 enrolled students. The largest universities by in-person enrollment are Arizona State University and Texas A&M University, with more than 70,000 students each. Arizona State University enrolled the most students out of any college, with almost 65,200 undergraduates and 14,400 graduate students. Texas A&M University's student body of nearly 75,000 shares a similar population to the city of DeSoto in Dallas.
The University of Central Florida in Orlando, Florida, has the highest undergraduate enrollment of any university in the US, with over 69,000 students. Texas A&M University and Ohio State University follow with over 68,000 and 61,000 students, respectively. The University of Michigan is slightly smaller, with roughly 33,000 undergraduates and 20,000 graduate students, and it admits just 18% of applicants.
The advantages of larger universities include more funding, which can result in improved infrastructure, renowned faculty, and enhanced academic opportunities. Additionally, larger universities attract a diverse student body, creating a multicultural community that enriches the learning experience and prepares students for a global future. The distribution of resources within a campus can also impact the perception of a school's size.
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Frequently asked questions
Indira Gandhi National Open University in India is the largest university system globally, with around 7.14 million students enrolled.
Arizona State University is the largest college in the US with over 75,000 students.
Tribhuvan University in Nepal had the highest number of registered students for the 2023/24 academic year, with 482,000 students.
