The 50 Largest US Colleges and Universities

50 Largest US Colleges and Universities by Enrollment

Each year, CollegeXpress publishes a definitive ranking of the 50 largest universities in the US, offering a clear college size comparison for prospective students, families, and advisors. This list is ordered by total fall enrollment—including both undergraduates and graduate students—so you can see at a glance which institutions are the biggest colleges in the US and which rank among the largest schools by enrollment. Enrollment is measured by official reports to the U.S. Department of Education, reflecting all students registered for credit-bearing courses in a single term.

But why does college size matter? Knowing which universities have the most students can reveal a lot about campus life and resources. Large universities often boast extensive research facilities, a wider variety of majors, and a bustling array of student organizations. At the same time, very high enrollment can translate into larger class sizes and a more impersonal experience. Conversely, mid-sized campuses may offer a tighter-knit community and more direct faculty access.

This ranking also answers common questions about how and why enrollment figures are tracked. Enrollment counts include full-time and part-time students, on-campus and online learners, giving you a comprehensive view of campus scale. Recognizing the difference between raw headcount versus full-time-equivalent (FTE) measurements helps clarify how comparisons are drawn.

Whether you’re examining the top five institutions—each exceeding 50,000 students—or comparing schools in the 25–50 range, this list equips you to weigh the benefits and trade-offs of sheer size. From urban flagships to sprawling state schools, our college size comparison shines a light on the institutions shaping higher education demographics today.