Not nearly as strong academically as the University of Georgia, the University of Florida is nonetheless one of the better state schools in the Southeast. It is also huge: with just over 51,000 students, it ranks as one of the five largest schools in the country. It combines excellent academic programs with a heavy sports and party scene but is less southern (i.e. traditional) in character than many of its neighbors. Founded as a combination of land-grant institution and private seminary, UF is one of only a handful of public universities to belong to the Association of American Universities. Although the campus comprises a whopping 2,000 acres and 900 buildings, residence halls host only 7,000 students; the majority live off campus. In terms of undergraduate degrees, UF offers both Associates and Bachelors programs in 100 undergraduate majors; at the graduate level, 200 programs are available. Huge lectures are the norm, although an honors program offering smaller classes and research stipends is available for top students.