The
New York University was founded in 1831 by a group of eminent private
citizens in the early nineteenth century. At that time a major emphasis in
higher education was on the study of Greek and Latin, with little
attention to modern or contemporary subjects. The founders of New York
University intended to enlarge the scope of higher education to meet the
needs of persons aspiring to careers in business, industry, science, and
the arts, as well as in law, medicine, and the ministry. The opening of
the University of London in 1828 convinced New Yorkers that New York, too,
should have such a university.
It is today
recognized both nationally and internationally as a leader in scholarship.
Of the more than 3,000 colleges and universities in America, only 27
private institutions are members of the distinguished Association of
American Universities. New York University is one of the 27. Students come
to the University from all 50 states and from 120 foreign countries.
