The founding of New York University in 1831 by a group of eminent private citizens was a historic event in American education. In the early 19th century, 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 their city, too, should have a university.

The first president of New York University's governing council was Albert Gallatin, former adviser to Thomas Jefferson and secretary of the treasury in Jefferson's cabinet. Gallatin and his cofounders said that the new university was to be a "national university" that would provide a "rational and practical education for all."

The result of the founders' foresight is today a university that is recognized both nationally and internationally as a leader in scholarship. Of the more than 3,000 colleges and universities in America, only 60 institutions are members of the distinguished Association of American Universities. New York University is one of the 60. Students come to the University from all 50 states and from 133 foreign countries.

The University includes 14 schools and colleges at six major centers in Manhattan. In addition, the University operates branch campus programs in Westchester County at Manhattanville College and in Rockland County at St. Thomas Aquinas College. Certain of the University's research facilities, notably the Nelson Institute of Environmental Medicine, are located in Sterling Forest, near Tuxedo, New York. Although overall the University is large, the divisions are small- to moderate-sized units — each with its own traditions, programs, and faculty.

Enrollment in the undergraduate divisions ranges between 115 and 6,850. While some introductory classes in some programs have large numbers of students, many classes are small. More than 2,500 courses are offered, leading to more than 25 different degrees.