The University of Kansas is a major public comprehensive research and teaching university. KU offers the highest-quality academic programs (146 undergraduate degree, 216 graduate degree, and 103 certificate programs.) Top ranked programs in special education, public administration, occupational therapy, speech-language-pathology, education, and physical therapy provide outstanding undergraduate and graduate academic opportunities. Excellent programs in architecture, art, business, design, education, engineering, journalism, law, medicine, music, nursing, pharmacy, social welfare, and other fields prepare students for professional careers. The University Honors Program is one of the best in the nation. KU is one of the top schools for military veterans/active service members. More than 100 international study abroad and cooperative undergraduate research programs are available. The academic programs are supported by 12 libraries and several museums including art and natural history. New structures in the campus' Central District include a student union and an integrated science building that features 21 teaching labs, 41 research labs, and a clean room suite. Students have many service opportunities within the community. The diverse student population is 26 percent minority, 53 percent female, and comes from all 50 states and 117 countries. The university has renewable scholarships for undergraduate students - beginning as first-time freshmen and transfer students. The university provides a full range of student services including Hawk Link (an academic program to assist students of color and/or first-generation college students to navigate KU); a child daycare center, a career center, a health center, legal services, academic and personal counseling; a financial aid office; money management services, a veteran services center, a writing center, and indoor and outdoor recreation facilities. On-campus housing provides options from residence halls and apartments to scholarship halls. Our nearly 1,000-acre campus features many natural areas where students can study or take a break from classes. There are many part-time employment opportunities on campus and in businesses throughout the city. Opportunities to meet other students outside of class are vast, with hundreds of student organizations registered on campus. The university is in the NCAA Division I and our unique mascot, the Jayhawk, and our Rock Chalk Chant are known worldwide.
