3 September, 2026 Nermeen Nabil 0 Comments 1 category
Historic red-brick Old Main building at Arizona State University stands behind a courtyard fountain and landscaped lawn.
Arizona State University is the biggest college in Arizona.

GummyBone/Getty Images

  • Using Department of Education data, Business Insider ranked the biggest colleges by enrollment.
  • Some winners span several campuses, so enrollment does not always mean one single physical campus.
  • The biggest include the University of Alabama and Connecticut State Community College.

The country’s largest colleges aren’t always a single enormous campus packed with students.

From giant historic flagships to statewide community colleges, the biggest school in each state can look very different. But those who prefer larger colleges gain access to more majors, extracurriculars, and a diverse student body.

Business Insider compiled a list of every state’s largest college using provisional fall 2024 data from the Department of Education’s Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).

To better reflect the size of colleges’ in-person student populations, we subtracted students enrolled exclusively online from each institution’s total enrollment number. We then ranked schools using that adjusted figure. Students taking a mix of online and in-person classes remained in the count.

This means online-only or online-heavy institutions, such as the University of Maryland Global Campus, did not necessarily rank first, despite having overall larger student populations than other institutions in their states.

Some of the colleges in this ranking encompass more than one physical campus. Depending on the institution, the data may cover one campus or several campuses and locations reported together. Where IPEDS specifies a campus, that name is included in the slide description.

Because the data is provisional, they’re not necessarily an exact final count of how many students attended that fall.

Here are the largest colleges by enrollment in every state, excluding exclusively online students.

ALABAMA: The University of Alabama
Aerial view of Coleman Coliseum entrance with Alabama logo, flags, plaza, and parked vehicles.
Coleman Coliseum

CRobertson/Getty Images

Enrollment: 40,846

Exclusively online: 15.40%

Enrollment, excluding students exclusively online: 34,557

ALASKA: University of Alaska Anchorage
Modern glass buildings and parked cars sit among spring trees with snow-covered mountains in the background.

James Evans / University of Alaska Anchorage

Enrollment: 10,493

Exclusively online: 32.34%

Enrollment, excluding students exclusively online: 7,100

IPEDS data covers: The IPEDS institution includes UAA’s Anchorage and community campuses.

ARIZONA: Arizona State University
Curved brick W. P. Carey School of Business building with metal screens, courtyard trees, and walkway at Arizona State University.
McCord Hall houses the W P Carey School of Business at Arizona State University with modern academic architecture in Tempe Arizona

GummyBone/Getty Images

Enrollment: 79,818

Exclusively online: 4.81%

Enrollment, excluding students exclusively online: 7,5981

IPEDS data covers: Arizona State University Campus Immersion

ARKANSAS: University of Arkansas
Red brick historic building, Old Main, a landmark and symbol of the University of Arkansas Campus in Arkansas, with leafy trees and a black streetlamp under a blue sky.
Old Main, a landmark and symbol of the University of Arkansas Campus in Fayetteville, Arkansas.

BlazenImages/Getty Images/iStockphoto

Enrollment: 33,610

Exclusively online: 10.03%

Enrollment, excluding students exclusively online: 30,239

CALIFORNIA: University of California, Los Angeles
Royce Hall at UCLA stands behind a green campus lawn under a clear blue sky.
Royce Hall on the campus of the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).

Ward DeWitt/Getty Images

Enrollment: 47,335

Exclusively online: 1.66%

Enrollment, excluding students exclusively online: 46,550

COLORADO: University of Colorado Boulder
Aerial view of the University of Colorado Boulder campus with a packed football stadium among red-roofed buildings.
Campus of the University of Colorado-Boulder, seen from Green Mountain.

Jim Glab/Getty Images

Enrollment: 38,799

Exclusively online: 2.05%

Enrollment, excluding students exclusively online: 38,002

CONNECTICUT: Connecticut State Community College
Red brick campus building with glass atrium, clock tower, walkways, benches, and autumn trees under cloudy sky.

Courtesy of CT State

Enrollment: 36,315

Exclusively online: 22.82%

Enrollment, excluding students exclusively online: 28,027

IPEDS data covers: This university is one institution operating across multiple campuses.

DELAWARE: University of Delaware
DuPont Hall with white columns faces a green campus lawn under a clear blue sky.
DuPont Hall on the campus of the University of Delaware in Newark houses the schools construction and civil engineering department

Kirkikis/Getty Images

Enrollment: 24,412

Exclusively online: 7.12%

Enrollment, excluding students exclusively online: 22,673

FLORIDA: University of Central Florida
Aerial view of University of Central Florida UCF Downtown campus with high-rise buildings, roads, lakes, and a construction site under a cloudy sky.
University of Central Florida UCF Downtown campus

felixmizioznikov/Getty Images

Enrollment: 69,713

Exclusively online: 17.94%

Enrollment, excluding students exclusively online: 57,205

GEORGIA: University of Georgia
Aerial view of Athens, Georgia, USA, at dawn with the clock tower and surrounding civic buildings, church steeple, streets, and trees.
Athens, Georgia, USA at dawn.

Sean Pavone/Getty Images

Enrollment: 43,146

Exclusively online: 3.86%

Enrollment, excluding students exclusively online: 41,482

HAWAII: University of Hawai’i at Mānoa
University of Hawaii Mānoa campus sign stands before a modern building with palm trees and a bright blue sky.
University of Hawaii at Manoa is a public co-educational research university as well as the flagship campus of University of Hawaii.

mizoula/Getty Images

Enrollment: 20,028

Exclusively online: 7.78%

Enrollment, excluding students exclusively online: 18,470

IDAHO: Boise State University
Boise State University entrance sign stands beside a sidewalk, landscaping, trees, and a SPEED LIMIT 25 road sign.
Official Boise State University campus building and entrance sign in Boise Idaho

GummyBone/Getty Images

Enrollment: 27,198

Exclusively online: 19.27%

Enrollment, excluding students exclusively online: 21,957

ILLINOIS: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
A University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign building rises behind trees, with a stone tower and a red-tile roof.
Campus of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Laxmikant Maitri/Getty Images/iStockphoto

Enrollment: 59,238

Exclusively online: 15.55%

Enrollment, excluding students exclusively online: 50,026

INDIANA: Ivy Tech Community College
skyline of indianapolis indiana

Wirestock/Getty Images

Enrollment: 110,710

Exclusively online: 14.92%

Enrollment, excluding students exclusively online: 94,195

IPEDS data covers: Ivy Tech is a statewide institution with multiple campuses and locations.

IOWA: Iowa State University
Iowa State University signage and the I-State logo appear on a modern stadium building under a partly cloudy sky.
Jack Trice Stadium on the campus of Iowa State University.

Wolterk/Getty Images

Enrollment: 30,380

Exclusively online: 3.20%

Enrollment, excluding students exclusively online: 29,408

KANSAS: University of Kansas
Students walk outside the University of Kansas Budig Hall and Hoch Auditorium entrance on a sunny campus day.
Budig Hall and Hoch Auditorium at the University of Kansas.

Wolterk/Getty Images

Enrollment: 29,792

Exclusively online: 10.49%

Enrollment, excluding students exclusively online: 26,666

KENTUCKY: University of Kentucky
Large red brick institutional building with arched windows stands along a tree-lined campus walkway under a clear blue sky.
The historic Main or Administration Building at the University of Kentucky’s main campus in Lexington was rebuilt after a fire in 2001.

BD Images/Getty Images

Enrollment: 34,709

Exclusively online: 14.59%

Enrollment, excluding students exclusively online: 29,646

LOUISIANA: Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College
Aerial view of the Louisiana State University campus lawn, Memorial Tower, red-roofed buildings, and Tiger Stadium.
Memorial Tower on LSU campus is a memorial to Louisianans who died in World War I, with Tiger Stadium and the Pete Maravich Assembly center in the background.

CRobertson/Getty Images

Enrollment: 41,705

Exclusively online: 12.30%

Enrollment, excluding students exclusively online: 36,576

MAINE: University of Maine
University of Maine building exterior with glass entrance, landscaped gardens, and trees under a partly cloudy sky.
University of Maine

: Edwin Remsburg/VW Pics via Getty Images

Enrollment: 12,029

Exclusively online: 20.50%

Enrollment, excluding students exclusively online: 9,563

MARYLAND: University of Maryland
McKeldin Library's red brick facade and white columns stand under a clear blue sky with people on the steps.
McKeldin Library, University of Maryland, College Park with students on the front, in the winter

Shuke Li/Getty Images

Enrollment: 41,725

Exclusively online: 4.00%

Enrollment, excluding students exclusively online: 40,057

IPEDS data covers: University of Maryland-College Park

MASSACHUSETTS: Boston University
Boston University Center for Computing and Data Sciences rises behind autumn trees beside a reflective river at dusk.
Boston University Center for Computing and Data Sciences building view from the water in Boston, Ma

JHVEPhoto/Getty Images

Enrollment: 37,737

Exclusively online: 14.37%

Enrollment, excluding students exclusively online: 32,314

MICHIGAN: University of Michigan
Aerial view of the University of Michigan Law Quadrangle and surrounding Ann Arbor campus buildings in autumn.
Aerial view of the Gothic-style University of Michigan campus with detailed stone buildings and green spaces, contrasting with the urban backdrop of Ann Arbor

Nicholas Klein/Getty Images

Enrollment: 52,855

Exclusively online: 2.80%

Enrollment, excluding students exclusively online: 51,376

IPEDS data covers: University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

MINNESOTA: University of Minnesota
Smith Hall, School of Chemistry, at the University of Minneapolis: building entrance framed by trees, columns, lawn, and campus walkways.
Smith Hall School of Chemistry

Wolterk/Getty Images

Enrollment: 56,666

Exclusively online: 3.63%

Enrollment, excluding students exclusively online: 54,608

IPEDS data covers: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

MISSISSIPPI: University of Mississippi
Lyceum Building at Ole Miss, showing pathway and gardens
Lyceum Building at Ole Miss, showing pathway and gardens

Gerald Zaffuts/Getty Images

Enrollment: 26,449

Exclusively online: 7.20%

Enrollment, excluding students exclusively online: 24,545

MISSOURI: University of Missouri
Aerial view of the iconic Jesse Hall and historic Columns on the Francis Quadrangle at the University of Missouri campus in Columbia
Aerial view of the iconic Jesse Hall and historic Columns on the Francis Quadrangle at the University of Missouri campus in Columbia.

Wirestock/Getty Images

Enrollment: 31,543

Exclusively online: 11.28%

Enrollment, excluding students exclusively online: 27,986

IPEDS data covers: University of Missouri-Columbia

MONTANA: Montana State University
Montana State University entrance sign stands in front of trees and landscaping on campus.
Montana State University

arlutz73/Getty Images

Enrollment: 17,135

Exclusively online: 5.30%

Enrollment, excluding students exclusively online: 16,226

NEBRASKA: University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Aerial view of Memorial Stadium with Nebraska football field and surrounding downtown Lincoln buildings.
Aerial view of Memorial Stadium with the Nebraska football field and surrounding downtown Lincoln buildings.

Wirestock/Getty Images

Enrollment: 24,393

Exclusively online: 6.96%

Enrollment, excluding students exclusively online: 22,696

NEVADA: University of Nevada, Las Vegas
UNLV entrance sign stands in a desert landscape with tall palm trees under a clear blue sky.

jetcityimage/Getty Images

Enrollment: 32,911

Exclusively online: 11.67%

Enrollment, excluding students exclusively online: 29,071

NEW HAMPSHIRE: University of New Hampshire
Red brick campus building with white columns, ivy, and people walking across a sunny lawn.

Courtesy of the University of New Hampshire

Enrollment: 13,554

Exclusively online: 4.89%

Enrollment, excluding students exclusively online: 12,891

IPEDS data covers: University of New Hampshire-Main Campus

NEW JERSEY: Rutgers University
A drone view of Rutgers University at sunrise in New Brunswick, New Jersey.
A drone view of the Rutgers University at sunrise in New Brunswick, New Jersey

Wirestock/Getty Images/iStockphoto

Enrollment: 52,269

Exclusively online: 7.56%

Enrollment, excluding students exclusively online: 48,316

IPEDS data covers: Rutgers University-New Brunswick

NEW MEXICO: University of New Mexico
Aerial view of the University of New Mexico campus and the surrounding city with a mountain range under a clear blue sky.
UNM Campus with Sandia mountains from a drone, showing the duck pond, Popejoy hall, and the Zimmerman library.

Aaron Seltzer/Getty Images

Enrollment: 23,124

Exclusively online: 15.74%

Enrollment, excluding students exclusively online: 19,484

IPEDS data covers: University of New Mexico-Main Campus

NEW YORK: New York University
NYU flags hang above an ornate entrance on a multi-story brick campus building.

peterspiro/Getty Images

Enrollment: 56,832

Exclusively online: 6.15%

Enrollment, excluding students exclusively online: 53,339

NORTH CAROLINA: North Carolina State University
An aerial view of the North Carolina State University campus, the Memorial Belltower (center) and surrounding area in Raleigh, North Carolina.
An aerial view of the North Carolina State University campus, the Memorial Belltower (center) and surrounding area in Raleigh, North Carolina.

LanceKing/Getty Images/iStock

Enrollment: 38,464

Exclusively online: 7.68%

Enrollment, excluding students exclusively online: 35,510

IPEDS data covers: North Carolina State University at Raleigh

NORTH DAKOTA: North Dakota State University
Tree-lined campus or civic building with a buffalo statue sits under large white clouds beside a quiet street.

Courtesy of Justin Eihler, NDSU Campus Photographer

Enrollment: 11,952

Exclusively online: 8.82%

Enrollment, excluding students exclusively online: 10,898

IPEDS data covers: North Dakota State University-Main Campus

OHIO: Ohio State University
Brick walkway lined with lamp posts runs through a landscaped campus courtyard between academic buildings.
Richard C. Larkins Plaza on November 7, 2020 at Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio.

BSPollard/Getty Images

Enrollment: 61,443

Exclusively online: 6.47%

Enrollment, excluding students exclusively online: 57,468

IPEDS data covers: Ohio State University-Main Campus

OKLAHOMA: University of Oklahoma
University of Oklahoma stadium façade with OU logos, arched windows, gates, and parked cars under a cloudy sky.
Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium at The University of Oklahoma

wellesenterprises/Getty Images

Enrollment: 30,851

Exclusively online: 15.69%

Enrollment, excluding students exclusively online: 26,009

IPEDS data covers: University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus

OREGON: Oregon State University
Red brick academic building with arched central entrance stands behind a green lawn and large trees.
Weatherford Hall in Oregon State University

Strekoza2/Getty Images

Enrollment: 37,163

Exclusively online: 35.20%

Enrollment, excluding students exclusively online: 24,080

IPEDS data covers:  Students associated with more than one OSU location.

PENNSYLVANIA: Pennsylvania State University
Old Main at Pennsylvania State University stands behind a lawn with flags and pedestrians on a clear autumn day.
The Old Main building on the campus of Penn State University in autumn sunny day

Dmitry Vinogradov/Getty Images

Enrollment: 50,737

Exclusively online: 0.63%

Enrollment, excluding students exclusively online: 50,416

IPEDS data covers: Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus

RHODE ISLAND: University of Rhode Island
Stone academic-style building with a clock cupola stands behind trees under a partly cloudy blue sky.
The Great Hall

wgmi2003/Getty Images/iStockphoto

Enrollment: 17,210

Exclusively online: 4.75%

Enrollment, excluding students exclusively online: 16,392

SOUTH CAROLINA: University of South Carolina
McKissick Museum entrance with tall columns, red banners, trees, benches, and two people on the front steps.
McKissick Museum on the campus of the University of South Carolina

Wolterk/Getty Images

Enrollment: 38,532

Exclusively online: 9.13%

Enrollment, excluding students exclusively online: 35,013

IPEDS data covers: University of South Carolina-Columbia

SOUTH DAKOTA: South Dakota State University
Student Union building with glass entrance, walkway, lawn, bike rack, and bicycle under a partly cloudy sky.
University Student Union on the campus of South Dakota State University.

Wolterk/Getty Images

Enrollment: 12,056

Exclusively online: 19.08%

Enrollment, excluding students exclusively online: 9,756

TENNESSEE: University of Tennessee
University of Tennessee campus buildings and Neyland Stadium area line a quiet road under cloudy skies.

Cheri Alguire/Getty Images

Enrollment: 38,728

Exclusively online: 8.20%

Enrollment, excluding students exclusively online: 35,552

IPEDS data covers: The University of Tennessee-Knoxville

TEXAS: Texas A&M University
Large campus buildings and rooftops with a tower are seen from an elevated viewpoint under a hazy sky.

Riley Davidson/Getty Images

Enrollment: 78,321

Exclusively online: 5.55%

Enrollment, excluding students exclusively online: 73,971

IPEDS data covers: Texas A&M University-College Station

UTAH: Utah Valley University
Utah Valley University building with an American flag stands before snow-dusted mountains under a blue sky.

Courtesy of Jay Drowns, UVU Marketing

Enrollment: 46,807

Exclusively online: 14.22%

Enrollment, excluding students exclusively online: 40,152

VERMONT: University of Vermont
Red brick campus building with a central tower and trees under a clear blue sky.

peterspiro/Getty Images

Enrollment: 14,476

Exclusively online: 3.15%

Enrollment, excluding students exclusively online: 14,020

VIRGINIA: Northern Virginia Community College
NOVA Northern Virginia Community College sign stands in front of a beige campus building with leafless trees.
Northern Virginia Community College – Annandale Campus

Matt McClain/The Washington Post via Getty Images

Enrollment: 56,457

Exclusively online: 22.96%

Enrollment, excluding students exclusively online: 43,493

IPEDS data covers: NOVA operates across multiple campuses.

WASHINGTON: University of Washington
A large campus fountain sprays in front of red brick buildings under a partly cloudy sky.

gmc3101/Getty Images

Enrollment: 56,997

Exclusively online: 2.91%

Enrollment, excluding students exclusively online: 55,341

IPEDS data covers: University of Washington-Seattle Campus

WEST VIRGINIA: West Virginia University
Aerial view of a university campus with brick buildings beside a river and wooded hills at sunset.

BackyardProduction/Getty Images/iStockphoto

Enrollment: 23,643

Exclusively online: 12.51%

Enrollment, excluding students exclusively online: 20,685

WISCONSIN: University of Wisconsin-Madison
Bascom Hall with flags and a large badger banner overlooks people relaxing on a green campus lawn.

JHVEPhoto/Getty Images

Enrollment: 51,044

Exclusively online: 2.85%

Enrollment, excluding students exclusively online: 49,590

WYOMING: University of Wyoming
Glass greenhouse structure stands beside a brick building on a landscaped lawn under a partly cloudy sky.

GummyBone/Getty Images

Enrollment: 10,813

Exclusively online: 20.97%

Enrollment, excluding students exclusively online: 8,545

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Category: Business

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