<P> Miami University (also referred to as Miami of Ohio or simply Miami) is a public research university on a 2,138 - acre campus in Oxford, Ohio, 35 miles north of Cincinnati . The university was founded in 1809, although classes were not held until 1824 . Miami University is the second - oldest university in Ohio, and the 10th oldest public (32nd overall) university in the United States . Miami also has regional campuses in Hamilton, Middletown and West Chester, as well as the Dolibois European Center in Differdange, Luxembourg . The Carnegie Foundation classifies Miami University as a research university with a high research activity . It is affiliated with the University System of Ohio . </P> <P> Miami University is well known for its liberal arts education; it offers more than 120 undergraduate degree programs and over 60 graduate degree programs within its 8 schools and colleges in architecture, business, engineering, humanities and the sciences . In its 2017 edition, U.S. News & World Report ranked the university 79th among national universities and the 30th top public university in the United States . Additionally, Miami University is ranked 2nd best national university (1st among public institutions) for undergraduate teaching . Miami University is one of the original eight Public Ivy schools . </P> <P> Miami University has a long tradition of Greek life; five social Greek - letter organizations were founded at the university earning Miami the nickname "Mother of Fraternities". Today, Miami University hosts over 50 fraternity and sorority chapters, and approximately one - third of the undergraduate student population are members of the Greek community . Miami is renowned for its campus beauty, having been called "The most beautiful campus that ever there was" by Pulitzer Prize - winning poet Robert Frost . Additionally, Forbes ranked the city of Oxford first on its 2016 list of the best college towns in the United States . </P> <P> Miami's athletic teams compete in Division I of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and are collectively known as the Miami RedHawks . They compete in the Mid-American Conference (MAC) in all varsity sports except ice hockey, which competes in the National Collegiate Hockey Conference . </P>

How many fraternities and sororities are at miami university