The University of Washington is a large public research university located in Seattle, founded in 1861 and now serving as one of the nation's leading R1 research institutions. The most popular majors include computer and information sciences, social sciences, biological and biomedical sciences, business, engineering, health professions, and psychology, with computer science being the single most popular major with around 480 degrees awarded annually. The university is particularly renowned for its prestigious Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering, which ranks among the top programs nationally and leads the nation in public affairs, nursing, physics, education, and public health according to U.S. News rankings. The campus spans 700 acres in Seattle's University District, with convenient light rail connections to downtown Seattle and Capitol Hill that provide easy access to the city's vibrant cultural and business districts.