Long Island University was chartered by the New York State Education Department in 1926 in Brooklyn, NY, as a nonsectarian, coeducational, privately supported university established to provide “effective and moderately priced education” to people from “all walks of life.” From its beginning, admission to the University has been based solely on merit and promise. Large numbers of immigrants and children of immigrants have enrolled at Long Island University in their quest to achieve the American dream. Today, more than 11,300 students* study, learn and grow at the original campus, located in the heart of thriving downtown Brooklyn.

The phrase “Access and Excellence” embodies the University’s mission to inculcate a passion for learning and a willingness to explore new ideas in people from every socioeconomic background and from every corner of the globe. From modest beginnings with its first class of 312 students, the University’s enrollment has grown to 24,480 students. These men and women receive a superb education from over 650 full-time faculty members in fields ranging from education and the arts to health sciences, pharmacy, business and public service. Upon graduation, they go on to enjoy highly successful careers and join a growing community of more than 167,000 Long Island University living alumni.

*Includes high school students enrolled in one or more degree-credit courses and continuing education and pharmacy students.
**Includes high school students enrolled in one or more degree-credit courses and continuing education students.