Florida Atlantic University (FAU)

History & Identity: Florida Atlantic University was established in 1961 and officially commenced classes in 1964, becoming the fifth public university in Florida's State University System. Situated in Boca Raton with additional campuses across Southeast Florida—including Jupiter, Fort Lauderdale, Dania Beach, Davie, and Fort Pierce—the institution now serves over 30,000 students through more than 180 degree programs across ten colleges. FAU prides itself on being the most ethnically diverse public university in Florida and is recognized as a Hispanic-Serving Institution.

Academic Strengths & Student Opportunities: FAU maintains a strong balance of accessibility and academic rigor. Its student-to-faculty ratio hovers around 24:1, enabling personalized learning, while average class sizes remain moderate for both lecture and lab settings. The university is nationally ranked for programs in business, engineering, computer science, nursing, and honors curricula, including the Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College and University Scholars Program. Student life is vibrant, with NCAA Division I athletics, extensive internship offerings, research opportunities, and over 300 student organizations.

Research & Community Impact: FAU has emerged as a research powerhouse, doubling its research spending in recent years and earning classification as a doctoral-level research university with high research activity. Its Research Park in Boca Raton fosters innovation—housing tech firms, startup incubators like FAU Tech Runway, and serving as a hub for economic development. The Jupiter campus pairs FAU programs with world-class research institutions such as the Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience. FAU also extends its expertise through specialized centers like the Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, focused on marine science and oceanography.