New York University (NYU) was founded on April 18, 1831, by a man named Albert Gallatin. He wanted the university to be a school open to all, regardless o national origin, religious beliefs, or social background, or as he called it, a system of rational and practical education fitting for all and graciously open to all.Around that year approxamately 158 students were enrolled into the one college. Today, the student body consists of over 48,000 students and 14 colleges. Six of these colleges are in Manhattan and the others are placed all around the world.
Source: http://www.nyu.edu/about.nyu