The University of Illinois at Chicago, or UIC, is a state-supported, non-denominational, public research university. It is a member of the University of Illinois system and is the largest university in the Chicago area with 25,000 students and 15 colleges, including the nation's largest medical school. Annual research expenditures exceed $290 million. As of June 17, 2007, the entire institution was accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.