University of Florida, Gainesville

Since its founding over 160 years ago, the University of Florida has continually pushed the boundaries of knowledge forward. According to the school, the University of Florida, the state's largest university and the nation's fourth-largest, traces its beginnings to 1853. Now enrolling more than 50,000 students, UF is home to 16 colleges and more than 150 research centres and institutes.

Since 1985, UF has been a member of the Association of American Universities, including the top 62 public and private institutions in North America. Its freshmen retention rate of 96 per cent is among the highest in the U.S. The Milken Institute named UF one of the top five U.S. institutions in transferring biotechnology research to the marketplace (2006). UF was awarded $518.8 million - more than all other Florida universities combined - in sponsored research in 2005-2006.

The University is located on a 2,000-acre, suburban campus in Gainesville (population: 127,488), 70 miles from Jacksonville. Served by air and bus; major airport serves Orlando (90 miles); train serves Waldo (10 miles). School operates transportation to downtown area.