In the U.S. system of higher education, an “independent private university” is one that is independent in ownership, control and basic financing. The University of Miami is free to choose its own goals in response to the needs of its students, community, and various partners in education and research. In addition, UM is nonprofit, dedicating all its resources to the educational mission.

A university in the U.S. is typically more comprehensive than a college. It has one or more undergraduate schools, graduate programs, professional schools and the authority to confer a range of academic degrees. At UM, 9,000 undergraduate students from every state and 114 nations study in eight schools and colleges. More than half of their classes have 16 or fewer students; more than 75 percent have 26 or fewer. In contrast, public universities, which must answer to state governments, may have as many as 25,000 to 50,000 undergraduates.

The University of Miami is the most innovative private research university in the Southeastern United States, with a well-earned reputation for academic excellence and for a deep commitment to students and their families and to a global, diverse view.

Last year, the University of Miami awarded about 2,000 bachelor’s degrees, 1,200 master’s degrees, 390 J.D.’s (law), 144 M.D.’s (medicine), 97 Ph.D.’s (doctor of philosophy) and 19 other doctorates. UM has been named the No. 2 institution in the world by postdoctoral fellows for its faculty mentorship, quality of life and other factors.