Tamtam Start free

100 leading Higher Education companies in North America

Tamtam tracks 3,953 Higher Education companies headquartered in North America. This list ranks the 100 largest by number of employees on LinkedIn, led by University of California, The California State University and Laureate Education, Inc.. Their median headcount is 17,943. Half of them were founded in 1875 or later. The most common headquarters are Boston (4), Columbia (4) and Atlanta (3).

🌍 North America100 companiesUpdated Nov 14, 2026

This selection of North American Higher Education companies showcases some of the largest institutions by employee count. Many are established public universities, such as the University of California, educating minds and advancing research, or the University of Michigan, dedicated to excellence in knowledge and leadership development. Others include Laureate Education, Inc., providing accessible, high-quality degree programs, and Tecnológico de Monterrey, a private university system promoting research and knowledge transfer in Mexico.

A notable pattern among these companies is the strong representation of large public university systems, particularly in California, with the University of California and The California State University both featuring prominently. The list also includes highly respected private institutions like Harvard University, dedicated to teaching and research since 1636, and features a mix of very old institutions alongside those founded in the 20th century.

#CompanyIndustryHeadquarters EmployeesFounded
1
University of Californiajobs.universityofcalifornia.edu

Educating top minds, advancing research, engaging communities, supporting economy, improving health, protecting environment, and driving innovation across California.

Higher Education 🇺🇸 Oakland 152,503 n/a
2
The California State Universitycalstate.edu

Leading higher education system in California with 23 campuses, offering quality, affordable education and producing job-ready graduates for the workforce

Higher Education 🇺🇸 Long Beach 93,821 n/a
3
Laureate Education, Inc.laureate.net

Providing accessible, high-quality undergraduate and graduate degree programs focused on developing skills and creating positive societal impact.

Higher Education 🇺🇸 Miami 40,326 1999
4
University of Michiganumich.edu

A prestigious institution dedicated to excellence in knowledge, art, and leadership development, serving Michigan and the world for the greater good

Higher Education 🇺🇸 Ann Arbor 39,204 1817
5
Harvard Universityharvard.edu

An institution dedicated to teaching, learning, and research, producing global leaders across disciplines since 1636 Maintains flagship social media channels

Higher Education 🇺🇸 Cambridge 34,940 n/a
6
University of Washingtonwashington.edu

Public research university offering diverse educational programs, extensive campuses, cultural activities, and high-quality medical care, engaging with communities.

Higher Education 🇺🇸 Seattle 32,106 n/a
7
Penn State Universitypsu.edu

Providing interdisciplinary education and resources across multiple campuses, fostering student success and positive global community impact through knowledge and experience.

Higher Education 🇺🇸 University Park 31,986 1855
8
University of Floridaufl.edu

A major public research university in Florida with established programs in international education, research, and service, founded in 1853

Higher Education 🇺🇸 Gainesville 31,315 n/a
9
University of Wisconsin-Madisonwisc.edu

A prestigious public university in Madison, offering a wide range of liberal arts studies, professional programs, and student activities on a sprawling campus

Higher Education 🇺🇸 Madison 30,836 n/a
10
The Ohio State Universityosu.edu

Large public university offering extensive research opportunities and multiple regional campuses, serving as a model for Ohio's higher education system.

Higher Education 🇺🇸 Columbus 30,775 1870
11
Texas A&M Universitytamu.edu

Public university offering diverse research, military officer training, athletics, and hosting presidential library with strong community values and hospitality.

Higher Education 🇺🇸 College Station 30,552 1876
12
Arizona State Universityasu.edu

Public research university focused on student success, groundbreaking research, community impact, and extensive alumni network across multiple campuses.

Higher Education 🇺🇸 Tempe 29,921 1885
13
Indiana Universityiu.edu

Public university system with nine campuses across Indiana, providing diverse educational opportunities and community engagement throughout the state.

Higher Education 🇺🇸 Bloomington 29,726 n/a
14
UCLAucla.edu

A renowned public research university offering diverse academic programs in a picturesque campus location within a thriving global city

Higher Education 🇺🇸 Los Angeles 29,540 1919
15
Tecnológico de Monterreytec.mx

Private university system promoting research, knowledge transfer, and technology to support economic, political, and social development in Mexico.

Higher Education 🇲🇽 Monterrey 29,006 1943
16
University of Torontodefygravitycampaign.utoronto.ca

Leading Canadian university focused on research, innovation, and global education to address pressing societal challenges and prepare students for success

Higher Education 🇨🇦 Toronto 28,832 n/a
17
Stanford Universitystanford.edu

Leading research university fostering innovation, education, and global citizenship with extensive resources, diverse programs, and strong community partnerships.

Higher Education 🇺🇸 Stanford 28,573 n/a
18
University of Minnesotatwin-cities.umn.edu

Offers a vast array of baccalaureate, master's, and doctoral degrees across numerous fields at five campuses, providing extensive education and outreach.

Higher Education 🇺🇸 Minneapolis and St. Paul 28,030 1851
19
New York Universitynyu.edu

Research university with global campuses and academic sites offering diverse programs in arts, sciences, law, medicine, business, and professional studies.

Higher Education 🇺🇸 New York 26,981 n/a
20
University of Missouri Systemumsystem.edu

A prestigious public research institution in Missouri, promoting education, research, and service to serve the state, nation, and beyond

Higher Education 🇺🇸 Columbia 26,615 n/a
21
The University of Texas at Austinutexas.edu

A prestigious public university with a large campus, diverse academic programs, and a significant number of students, faculty, and staff

Higher Education 🇺🇸 Austin 26,268 1883
22
Michigan State Universitymsu.edu

Leading global public university offering over 400 academic programs, fostering education, research, and community engagement with Spartan spirit.

Higher Education 🇺🇸 East Lansing 26,149 1855
23
Purdue Universitypurdue.edu

Major research university offering top programs in science, engineering, pharmacy, business, and agriculture with diverse global student community.

Higher Education 🇺🇸 West Lafayette 25,360 1869
24
The University of British Columbiaubc.ca

a global center for research and teaching, consistently ranked among the top 20 public universities worldwide.

Higher Education 🇨🇦 Vancouver 25,036 n/a
25
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaignillinois.edu

Leading public university with strong focus on education, research, global student opportunities, faculty innovation, and significant economic and community impact.

Higher Education 🇺🇸 Champaign 24,692 n/a
26
University of California, Berkeleyberkeley.edu

Public research university offering diverse academic programs, fostering innovation, and serving as a flagship institution in California.

Higher Education 🇺🇸 Berkeley 24,082 1868
27
University of Southern Californiausc.edu

A leading private research university located in Los Angeles, focused on academic excellence and fostering a community of alumni and students

Higher Education 🇺🇸 Los Angeles 23,894 1880
28
University of Kentuckyuky.edu

A public research university dedicated to improving lives through teaching, research, healthcare, cultural enrichment, and economic development for over 150 years

Higher Education 🇺🇸 Lexington 23,783 1865
29
Massachusetts Institute of Technologyweb.mit.edu

A private research university in Cambridge, Massachusetts, advancing knowledge and educating students in science and technology-focused areas

Higher Education 🇺🇸 Cambridge 23,586 1861
30
Columbia Universitycolumbia.edu

A renowned leader in higher education, Columbia attracts top minds to drive academic inquiry, make groundbreaking discoveries, and serve society globally

Higher Education 🇺🇸 New York 23,565 1754
31
University of Pennsylvaniaupenn.edu

Renowned Ivy League university with 12 schools offering a wide range of programs including arts, sciences, engineering, business, and medicine

Higher Education 🇺🇸 Philadelphia 22,558 1740
32
UC San Diegoucsd.edu

A globally renowned research university fostering collaboration, driving discoveries, and equipping students to solve pressing global issues as changemakers

Higher Education 🇺🇸 La Jolla 22,205 n/a
33
University of California, San Franciscoucsf.edu

Driven by converging research, education, and patient care for breakthroughs. Pursues integrated excellence through collaboration among professional and graduate schools, medical center, and research programs.

Higher Education 🇺🇸 San Francisco 21,955 1873
34
University of Marylandumd.edu

Public research university emphasizing hands-on learning, interdisciplinary collaboration, innovation, entrepreneurship, and global citizenship through diverse academic and research opportunities.

Higher Education 🇺🇸 College Park 21,670 n/a
35
University of California, Davisucdavis.edu

Public university offering diverse undergraduate and graduate programs, conducting extensive research, fostering innovation, and preparing future leaders across multiple disciplines.

Higher Education 🇺🇸 Davis 21,439 1908
36
University of Arizonaarizona.edu

Leading public research university in the American Southwest, enriching communities with top-notch research, resources, and career-focused education Your investment in yourself

Higher Education 🇺🇸 Tucson 21,024 n/a
37
North Carolina State Universityncsu.edu

Comprehensive university specializing in STEM education and research, committed to improving quality of life locally and globally through innovation.

Higher Education 🇺🇸 Raleigh 20,729 1887
38
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hillunc.edu

A leading public university known for its vibrant community, diverse student body, academic excellence, and unmatched value in higher education

Higher Education 🇺🇸 Chapel Hill 20,098 n/a
39
Cornell Universitycornell.edu

Privately endowed research university partnering with New York State, focusing on public engagement to improve quality of life globally.

Higher Education 🇺🇸 Ithaca 19,921 1865
40
Georgia Institute of Technologygatech.edu

Focused technological education and research for over 25,000 students across multiple colleges, fostering innovation through numerous research centers.

Higher Education 🇺🇸 Atlanta 19,765 1888
41
Yale Universitynews.yale.edu

Research university fostering global connections, creativity, and innovation, emphasizing student learning and positive worldwide impact.

Higher Education 🇺🇸 New Haven 19,675 n/a
42
University of Pittsburghpitt.edu

Top-ranked public institution in Pennsylvania, member of leading research universities Known for innovative discoveries and shaping future paths

Higher Education 🇺🇸 Pittsburgh 19,349 1787
43
University of South Floridausf.edu

A metropolitan research university with campuses in Tampa Bay, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees, innovative research, and a world-class educational experience

Higher Education 🇺🇸 Tampa 19,255 1956
44
University of Chicagouchicago.edu

A prestigious academic institution encouraging scholars and students to think critically, explore various disciplines, and challenge conventional ideas for global enrichment

Higher Education 🇺🇸 Chicago 18,526 n/a
45
Indiana University Bloomingtonbloomington.iu.edu

Residential, research-intensive campus offering academic excellence, professional programs, global initiatives, and nationally ranked schools in various disciplines to students

Higher Education 🇺🇸 Bloomington 18,459 1820
46
Rutgers Universityrutgers.edu

Leading institution for higher education in New Jersey, offering a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs across various departments and schools

Higher Education 🇺🇸 New Brunswick 18,394 1766
47
School of Visual Artssva.edu

A prestigious school educating artists, designers, and creative professionals with distinguished faculty, innovative curriculum, and a global alumni network

Higher Education 🇺🇸 New York 18,280 1947
48
The Johns Hopkins Universityjhu.edu

Leading research university offering diverse academic programs across multiple campuses, fostering innovation and improving lives through education and discovery.

Higher Education 🇺🇸 Baltimore 18,221 n/a
49
Washington University in St. Louiswashu.edu

Private university focusing on teaching, research, and fostering knowledge creation while engaging with a diverse, multicultural community.

Higher Education 🇺🇸 St. Louis 18,070 1853
50
University of Illinois Chicagouic.edu

A large university in Chicago with 33,000 students, 12,000 employees, 16 colleges, and a public medical center

Higher Education 🇺🇸 Chicago 17,943 1965

Want more companies than this list?

This page shows the largest ones only. Connect to Tamtam to see every company that matches, filter by size, industry or growth, and reach their decision-makers.

Get more companies, free
51
The University of Georgiauga.edu

Public research university providing diverse educational programs, serving state-wide commitments, and preserving intellectual, cultural, and environmental heritage.

Higher Education 🇺🇸 Athens 17,591 n/a
52
Colorado State Universitycolostate.edu

Offers over 250 academic programs, conducts world-class research in various scientific fields, and provides top-ranked professional programs.

Higher Education 🇺🇸 Fort Collins 17,537 1870
53
Northeastern Universitynortheastern.edu

Global research university combining experiential learning with cooperative education, offering diverse programs and addressing health, security, and sustainability challenges worldwide.

Higher Education 🇺🇸 Boston 17,385 n/a
54
Brigham Young Universitybyu.edu

Private university integrating faith and learning, preparing students for leadership and service with a focus on spiritual and academic growth.

Higher Education 🇺🇸 Provo 17,134 1875
55
Northwestern Universitynorthwestern.edu

Premier research university offering innovative teaching, pioneering research, and diverse, collaborative environments across multiple campuses near Chicago and Qatar.

Higher Education 🇺🇸 Evanston 16,997 1851
56
University of Alabama at Birminghamuab.edu

Educates students, conducts research, provides patient care, fosters innovation, and engages with the community, significantly impacting the state's economy.

Higher Education 🇺🇸 Birmingham 16,963 1969
57
University of Cincinnatiuc.edu

Public research university combining academic excellence with cooperative education, producing impactful discoveries and significant regional economic contributions.

Higher Education 🇺🇸 Cincinnati 16,727 1819
58
University of Virginiavirginia.edu

A renowned institution of higher learning, focused on meeting challenges, promoting access, and preparing citizen-leaders with empathy, integrity, and truth #GreatandGood

Higher Education 🇺🇸 Charlottesville 16,633 1819
59
Boston University School of Public Healthbu.edu

Graduate education and research in public health fields, focusing on improving health of vulnerable populations through policy and practice.

Higher Education 🇺🇸 Boston 16,431 1976
60
Duke Universityduke.edu

Private research university offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional education with strong emphasis on research and academic excellence.

Higher Education 🇺🇸 Durham 16,307 1924
61
University of Albertaualberta.ca

Top Canadian university offering a wide range of programs in various disciplines, dedicated to using knowledge for the benefit of society

Higher Education 🇨🇦 Edmonton 16,185 1908
62
Boston Universitybu.edu

Leading private research and teaching institution with global presence. Inclusive, serving, and collaborating with Boston since 1869.

Higher Education 🇺🇸 Boston 15,935 1869
63
Florida State Universitynews.fsu.edu

A prestigious academic institution offering nationally-ranked academics, renowned faculty, championship athletics, and a wide array of undergraduate and graduate programs

Higher Education 🇺🇸 Tallahassee 15,872 n/a
64
University of Colorado Bouldercolorado.edu

A dynamic community of scholars and learners at a Colorado university, known for its spectacular campus and academic excellence

Higher Education 🇺🇸 Boulder 15,809 1876
65
University of Central Floridaucf.edu

Public university offering over 230 degree programs across multiple campuses and online, fostering community and industry engagement.

Higher Education 🇺🇸 Orlando 15,722 n/a
66
Emory Universityemory.edu

Top research university in Atlanta with strong liberal arts, professional schools, and a leading health care system focused on positive transformation.

Higher Education 🇺🇸 Atlanta 15,585 n/a
67
Virginia Techvt.edu

Comprehensive university offering diverse degree programs, leading research initiatives, and driving technological innovation and economic growth regionally.

Higher Education 🇺🇸 Blacksburg 15,504 1872
68
University of Miamiwelcome.miami.edu

Offers diverse academic programs and majors for undergraduate and graduate students from around the world to pursue their passions and succeed

Higher Education 🇺🇸 Coral Gables 15,389 1925
69
McGill Universitymcgill.ca

Leading research-intensive university with diverse international students, multiple campuses, extensive programs, and partnerships with teaching hospitals for healthcare education.

Higher Education 🇨🇦 Montreal 15,235 1821
70
University of Missouri-Columbiamissouri.edu

State-supported research university providing education, advancing arts, sciences, and professions, focusing on public service and economic development.

Higher Education 🇺🇸 Columbia 14,879 n/a
71
University of Calgaryucalgary.ca

A leading Canadian university in Calgary focused on becoming one of the top five research universities, emphasizing research, teaching, and community engagement

Higher Education 🇨🇦 Calgary 14,818 1966
72
UC Irvineuci.edu

A top public research university in Southern California committed to rigorous academics, cutting-edge research, and leadership development with global impact

Higher Education 🇺🇸 Irvine 14,695 1965
73
University of Iowajobs.uiowa.edu

Top public research university in Iowa with diverse community and advanced technology, offering cultural, educational, and recreational activities on a scenic campus

Higher Education 🇺🇸 Iowa City 14,628 1847
74
Oregon State Universityoregonstate.edu

Public university offering diverse academic programs, conducting research, and fostering community engagement with a strong identity as Beaver Nation.

Higher Education 🇺🇸 Corvallis 14,096 1868
75
University of Connecticutuconn.edu

A renowned public university with 32,000 students, offering a variety of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs across multiple schools and colleges

Higher Education 🇺🇸 Storrs 14,027 n/a
76
Baylor College of Medicinebcm.edu

Health sciences university in Texas Medical Center, conducting research, educating medical professionals, and providing healthcare locally and globally

Higher Education 🇺🇸 Houston 13,584 1900
77
Oklahoma State Universitygo.okstate.edu

Delivering education, research, and community engagement in alignment with a land-grant mission for over a century

Higher Education 🇺🇸 Stillwater 13,451 1890
78
University of South Carolinasc.edu

A globally recognized research university offering 324 degree programs, top-tier research, community engagement, and numerous nationally ranked programs in South Carolina

Higher Education 🇺🇸 Columbia 13,337 1801
79
University of Nebraska Systemnebraska.edu

Public university system with four campuses offering undergraduate, metropolitan, medical, and flagship land-grant education and research in Nebraska.

Higher Education 🇺🇸 Lincoln 13,314 n/a
80
The University of Alabamaua.edu

Public university focused on teaching, research, and service, providing a creative environment for students and scholars to excel.

Higher Education 🇺🇸 Tuscaloosa 13,215 1831
81
University of Bristolbristol.ac.uk

A globally renowned university focusing on cutting-edge research, educating future leaders, and addressing key global issues, ranked among the top universities worldwide

Higher Education 🇺🇸 Bristol 13,175 n/a
82
McMaster Universitymcmaster.ca

Leading Canadian university known for innovation in education and research, serving 30,000 students and a global alumni network.

Higher Education 🇨🇦 Hamilton 13,160 1887
83
Temple Universitytemple.edu

A top-tier research institution in a vibrant city, offering diverse degree programs to prepare future leaders for impactful careers

Higher Education 🇺🇸 Philadelphia 13,124 1884
84
University of Notre Damend.edu

Provides undergraduate and graduate education with a strong Catholic mission, emphasizing research and academic excellence in the United States.

Higher Education 🇺🇸 Notre Dame 13,079 1842
85
University of North Texasunt.edu

A leading public research university with a focus on creativity, innovation, entrepreneurship, offering a wide range of academic programs and degrees

Higher Education 🇺🇸 Denton 12,980 1890
86
NCAAncaa.org

A company dedicated to helping college students develop leadership, confidence, discipline, and teamwork through sports, with diverse career opportunities available

Higher Education 🇺🇸 Indianapolis 12,963 n/a
87
McCausland College of Arts and Sciencessc.edu

Official university page for College of Arts and Sciences at University of South Carolina Connect with alumni, faculty, and staff for updates

Higher Education 🇺🇸 Columbia 12,889 1801
88
Florida International Universityfiu.edu

Public research university in Miami offering bachelor's, master's, doctoral degrees on campus and online, focusing on community impact and innovation.

Higher Education 🇺🇸 Miami 12,770 1965
89
Vanderbilt Universityvanderbilt.edu

Top-ranked university in Nashville focusing on teaching, research, collaboration, diversity, and providing diverse career opportunities across multiple fields.

Higher Education 🇺🇸 Nashville 12,700 1873
90
Georgia State Universitygsu.edu

Educates over 51,000 students across 250+ degree programs, specializing in urban research and student success initiatives with high graduation rates.

Higher Education 🇺🇸 Atlanta 12,700 1913
91
Western Governors Universitywgu.edu

Online university offering competency-based degree programs designed for adult learners seeking flexible, accessible higher education to advance careers.

Higher Education 🇺🇸 Salt Lake City 12,657 1997
92
Southern New Hampshire Universitysnhu.edu

The company is dedicated to providing accessible, quality education and support to all learners, ensuring their success in higher education

Higher Education 🇺🇸 Manchester 12,643 1932
93
University of Houstonuh.edu

A public research university in Houston, offering over 250 academic programs to 46,000 students on campus and online, with 10,000 degrees awarded annually

Higher Education 🇺🇸 Houston 12,589 1927
94
Iowa State Universityiastate.edu

Most student-centered public research university in the nation, focusing on research for its students.

Higher Education 🇺🇸 Ames 12,561 1858
95
Harvard Business Schoolhbs.edu

Offers MBA, PhD, executive education, and online programs focused on leadership development, business practice, and entrepreneurship worldwide.

Higher Education 🇺🇸 Boston 12,457 1908
96
West Virginia Universitywvu.edu

Flagship land-grant research university providing global educational opportunities and fostering academic growth for scholars worldwide.

Higher Education 🇺🇸 Morgantown 12,432 1867
97
University of Utahutah.edu

Flagship institution of higher learning offering over 160 majors, top-ranked healthcare system, and leading technology commercialization efforts in Salt Lake City, Utah

Higher Education 🇺🇸 Salt Lake City 12,362 1850
98
Universidad del Valle de Méxicouvm.mx

The largest private university in Mexico, with the highest number of students

Higher Education 🇲🇽 Mexico City 12,346 n/a
99
Université de Montréalumontreal.ca

Leading higher education institution in Quebec with extensive alumni network, affiliated schools, and recognized as a top Canadian employer.

Higher Education 🇨🇦 Montreal 12,234 1878
100
University of Ottawauottawa.ca

The company is the largest bilingual university in the world, offering education in English and French with a focus on research and global advancements

Higher Education 🇨🇦 Ottawa 12,220 n/a

Turn this list into pipeline

Tamtam finds the decision-makers at every company on a list like this one, with verified emails, phone numbers and the buying signals that tell you when to reach out.

Build your own list, free

How this list is built

Every company on this list has a Tamtam company profile. The industry is the one the company gives on LinkedIn; categories such as SaaS or fintech are classified by Tamtam's AI from the company's website and LinkedIn page; and the headquarters city must match the company's own address. Companies are ranked by the number of employees on LinkedIn, and the list is refreshed every night. Classifications can be wrong, so treat the list as a starting point rather than an official ranking. Last updated Nov 14, 2026.

More company lists in North America

The same list elsewhere