Founded in 1870, Syracuse University has a proud tradition of providing an environment in which students from diverse backgrounds come together to create, grow, and break boundaries. A private research university conveniently located in the heart of Central New York, Syracuse University is within easy driving distance of Toronto, Boston, Montreal and New York City. The total student population at Syracuse University represents all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries, and the school has established 29 centers and institutes that focus on research, often across disciplines, in a variety of areas. The University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications is ranked among the top communication schools in the nation and its athletic teams, known as the “Orange,” participate in NCAA Division 1.