Founded in 1809, Miami's name reflects the history of the Native American tribe that once inhabited the Miami Valley region of Ohio. Miami maintains strong ties with the Miami Tribe, now located in Oklahoma. The main campus in Oxford, Ohio (35 miles north of Cincinnati) encompasses 2,138 acres and includes 188 buildings. Regional locations include Hamilton, Middletown, and West Chester, Ohio and the European Center in Luxembourg.

Based on Fall 2015 enrollment, 16,387 undergraduates and 2,520 graduate students study on the Oxford campus. Regional campuses in Hamilton, Middletown, and West Chester enroll 4,900 combined. About 230 students per year leave Oxford to study at Miami's Luxembourg campus for a semester or year. Miami offers bachelor's degrees in over 120 areas of study. Graduate students choose from more than 60 master's degree and 13 doctoral degree programs. Several associate's degrees as well as bachelor's degrees are offered through study at the regional locations.