When choosing a college, the size of the student body can significantly influence your experience.
Larger universities often provide diverse academic programs, a wide range of extracurricular activities, and a bustling campus life.
If you’re considering attending a university with a large undergraduate population, here’s a list of the 20 colleges with the most undergraduate students in the U.S., based on recent enrollment statistics.
1. University of Central Florida (UCF)
- Location: Orlando, Florida
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 58,749
Known for its expansive campus and strong focus on innovation, UCF offers over 100 undergraduate programs. The university’s large size supports a variety of clubs, research opportunities, and community engagement activities.
2. Texas A&M University
- Location: College Station, Texas
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 55,568
Texas A&M is renowned for its engineering, agriculture, and business programs. The campus is rich with traditions, and the Aggie spirit unites its massive student body.
3. Ohio State University (OSU)
- Location: Columbus, Ohio
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 47,277
OSU offers a balance of academic excellence and athletic prowess. With a wide variety of programs and a strong alumni network, it’s a top choice for many students.
4. Florida International University (FIU)
- Location: Miami, Florida
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 45,248
FIU’s vibrant campus life and emphasis on research attract students from around the world. The university is especially strong in business and international relations programs.
5. Arizona State University (ASU)
- Location: Tempe, Arizona
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 44,090
ASU is recognized for its innovation in education. It offers a wide range of programs, excellent facilities, and an emphasis on entrepreneurship.
6. University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin)
- Location: Austin, Texas
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 40,916
UT Austin boasts a vibrant campus in the heart of one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S. It is especially renowned for its business, engineering, and liberal arts programs.
7. Pennsylvania State University (Penn State)
- Location: University Park, Pennsylvania
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 40,600
Penn State is famous for its “We Are” spirit, outstanding academic offerings, and strong athletics program. The university is a hub for research and innovation.
8. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC)
- Location: Urbana-Champaign, Illinois
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 34,199
UIUC is a powerhouse in STEM fields, particularly computer science and engineering. Its diverse campus community adds to its appeal.
9. Michigan State University (MSU)
- Location: East Lansing, Michigan
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 38,491
MSU offers a mix of academic excellence and Big Ten athletics. Its agricultural and business programs are particularly strong.
10. University of Florida (UF)
- Location: Gainesville, Florida
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 35,405
UF consistently ranks among the top public universities in the U.S. Its strong emphasis on research and campus life make it a popular choice.
11. University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
- Location: Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 33,883
With its urban setting and strong academic reputation, the University of Minnesota attracts students seeking diverse opportunities.
12. Purdue University
- Location: West Lafayette, Indiana
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 33,646
Purdue is a global leader in engineering, technology, and business programs. Its collaborative environment fosters innovation and success.
13. Indiana University Bloomington (IU Bloomington)
- Location: Bloomington, Indiana
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 33,084
Known for its strong liberal arts and business programs, IU Bloomington offers a picturesque campus and a thriving cultural scene.
14. University of Arizona
- Location: Tucson, Arizona
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 31,522
The University of Arizona is a top-tier research institution with a warm climate and diverse academic programs.
15. University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
- Location: Los Angeles, California
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 31,543
As one of the most competitive public universities, UCLA excels in academics, athletics, and cultural diversity.
16. University of Michigan
- Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 31,329
U-M is a world-class university with top-tier programs in engineering, business, and health sciences. Its campus community thrives on creativity and innovation.
17. University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Location: Madison, Wisconsin
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 30,361
This flagship university offers a vibrant campus culture, exceptional academics, and a strong focus on research.
18. University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley)
- Location: Berkeley, California
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 30,300
UC Berkeley is renowned for its rigorous academic programs, especially in science, technology, and the humanities.
19. North Carolina State University (NC State)
- Location: Raleigh, North Carolina
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 26,150
NC State is a leader in STEM fields and has a strong focus on practical, hands-on learning opportunities.
20. University of Alabama
- Location: Tuscaloosa, Alabama
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 23,720
The University of Alabama is famous for its school spirit, competitive athletics, and strong academic programs in business and engineering.
Final Thoughts
Attending a university with a large undergraduate population has its advantages, including access to vast resources, diverse peer groups, and comprehensive academic programs.
However, it’s essential to consider whether such an environment suits your learning style and personal preferences.
Explore these colleges further to determine if one of them might be the right fit for your educational journey!