15 Of The Oldest Universities In The US

The United States is home to some of the oldest colleges in the world, including Ivy League colleges. For many students, studying in these colleges is a dream come true. These colleges might be difficult to get into; however, graduates from these universities enjoy a high return on investment in their courses, amplified placements at the beginning of their careers, and a good reputation and name throughout their lives. All of this is due to the universities’ prestige and age-told traditions of producing excellent graduates. 

If you’re looking for universities with a rich history, check out these top colleges that have existed for centuries.

Overview Of Some Of The Oldest Colleges & Universities In The USA

College	Year Established	Location	Acceptance Rate	QS Ranking	Notable Alumni
Harvard University	1636	Cambridge, MA	6%	#4	Mark Zuckerberg, Bill Gates, Natalie Portman
College of William & Mary	1693	Williamsburg, VA	33%	#901-950	Thomas Jefferson, James Monroe, Jon Stewart
Yale University	1701	New Haven, CT	6%	#16	Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Meryl Streep
Princeton University	1746	Princeton, NJ	7%	#17	Woodrow Wilson, Jeff Bezos, Michelle Obama
University of Pennsylvania	1740-1755	Philadelphia, PA	10%	#12	Donald Trump, Elon Musk, Andrea Mitchell
St. John’s College	1696	Annapolis, MD	87%	#161-170	Francis Scott Key, Jacob Bronowski, Caleb Carr
Washington & Lee University	1749	Lexington, VA	19%	#21	John W. Davis, Robert E. Lee, Tom Wolfe
Columbia University	1754	New York, NY	7%	#23	Barack Obama, Warren Buffet, Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Brown University	1764	Providence, RI	9%	#73	John D. Rockefeller Jr., Emma Watson, Jeffrey Eugenides
University of Delaware	1743	Newark, DE	68%	#498	Joe Biden, Elena Delle Donne, Beverly Daniel Tatum
Moravian University	1742	Bethlehem, PA	86%	–	H. Richard Niebuhr, John Amos Comenius, Jeffery D. Long
Rutgers University	1766	New Brunswick, NJ	60%	#771-780	Milton Friedman, James Gandolfini, Kristen Davis
Dartmouth College	1769	Hanover, NH	12%	#237	Dr. Seuss, Robert Frost, Shonda Rhimes, Mindy Kaling
College of Charleston	1770	Charleston, SC	78%	#1648	Shepard Fairey, Pat Conroy, Stephen Colbert
Salem College	1772	Winston-Salem, NC	60%	#501-600	Elizabeth O. Hiller, Emily Prager, Cindy Hensley McCain

Detailed Understanding Of Oldest Universities In The US

Apart from understanding the rankings and the establishment of colleges, one must know the special features of these colleges and universities. The list below will help you understand what makes these establishments different and why they attract a large number of applications every year. Check them here: 

1. Harvard University

Image Source: Harvard University Website 

Founded in 1636, Harvard University is the oldest institution of higher learning in the United States. Located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, it is home to more than 60,000 students and is considered one of the oldest American universities. The school offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in a variety of subjects, including medicine, law, business, and engineering. Harvard University is also known for its prestigious law school.

• Harvard University Founding Year: 1636
• Founders: Massachusetts legislature
• Acceptance Rate: 6%
• Alumni: Mark Zuckerburg, Bill Gates, Natalie Portman
• QS Ranking: #4 

2. The College of William and Mary

Image Source: College of William and Mary Website

William and Mary is a public research university in Williamsburg, Virginia, United States. It was the first institution of higher education in British North America, chartered by King William III and Queen Mary II in 1693. In 1776, it became the first college to grant a bachelor’s degree to an African American man. The college has traditionally educated the children of Virginia’s elite; its alumni include three Presidents of the United States: Thomas Jefferson, James Monroe and John Tyler.

One of the oldest colleges in the US, the college is based on the philosophy that modern society would not have been possible without classical learning, which could only be obtained through extensive reading, which required extensive time spent alone with books. Thus, it was envisioned that the school would prepare young people for leadership roles within their communities by teaching them how to read classic literature. 

College of William & Mary Founding Year: 1693

Founders: King William III and Queen Mary III

Acceptance Rate: 33%

Alumni: U.S. Presidents Thomas Jefferson and James Monroe, Jon Stewart, Glenn Close

QS Ranking: #901-950 

Being one of the oldest colleges in the US, the college is based on the philosophy that modern society would not have been possible without classical learning which could only be obtained through extensive reading which required extensive time spent alone with books. Thus it was envisioned that the school would prepare young people for leadership roles within their communities by teaching them how to read classic literature. 

3. Yale University

Image Source: Yale University Website

Yale University is one of the oldest colleges in the US for higher education after Harvard and William & Mary. It was founded in 1701 by Elihu Yale, a British merchant who left a large sum of money to the school, then known as The Collegiate School. The university is located in New Haven, Connecticut and is known for its prestigious Ivy League status. There are three main divisions within Yale: undergraduate schools of arts and sciences, graduate schools (including law); and professional schools (business, medicine).

• Yale University Founding Year: 1701
• Founders: Clergymen
• Acceptance Rate: 6%
• Alumni: U.S. Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, Meryl Streep, Paul Krugman
• QS Ranking: #16

4. Princeton University

Image Source: Princeton University Website

Princeton University is a private Ivy League research university located in Princeton, New Jersey. It was established in 1746 as the College of New Jersey through a land grant by King George II of Great Britain. In its early years, it was run as a typical colonial college with no official teaching obligations and no religious affiliation. 

Princeton is one of 14 founding members of the Association of American Universities. The school’s main campus covers over 8,000 acres, making it among the largest university campuses in the United States. 

• Princeton University Founding Year: 1746
• Founders: New Light Presbyterians
• Acceptance Rate: 7%
• Alumni: U.S. President Woodrow Wilson, Jeff Bezos, Michelle Obama
• QS Ranking: #17

5. University of Pennsylvania

Image Source: University of Pennsylvania Website 

The University of Pennsylvania is also on the list of oldest colleges in the US. It was founded in 1740 by Benjamin Franklin, who served as its first president. It was the first university in the United States to offer a full range of liberal arts and sciences programmes, the first to award degrees, and the first US university to open a medical school (1765), law school (1834), and business school (1881). 

The University of Pennsylvania is one of the world’s most powerful research and teaching institutions, with a research budget of nearly $1.1 billion and more than 5,000 active faculty members. Popular majors include finance, economics, management sciences, and information systems.

• University of Pennsylvania Founding Year: 1740
• Founders: Benjamin Franklin
• Acceptance Rate: 10%
• Alumni: U.S. President Donald Trump, Elon Musk, Andrea Mitchell
• QS Ranking: #12 

6. John’s College – Annapolis, MD

Image Source: Visit Annapolis Website 

Founded in 1696, St. John’s College is of the oldest colleges in the US and has been in continuous operation since then. It was founded by an Anglican clergyman and philosopher Rev. James Blair as a “seminary of learning” under a charter from King William III and Queen Mary II of England, who reigned together at the time. The original charter for St. John’s College gave it authority over all Anglican missionaries working among Native Americans. 

• St. John’s College – Annapolis Founding Year: 1696
• Founders: Maryland colony
• Acceptance Rate: 87%
• Alumni: Francis Scott Key, Jacob Bronowski, Caleb Carr
• QS Ranking: #161-170

7. Washington and Lee University

Image Source: TU Website 

Washington and Lee University is a private liberal arts university in Lexington, Virginia, United States. The university was founded in 1749 as a small classical school named Augusta Academy by Scots-Irish Presbyterian pioneers. The University is composed of 4 major academic units:

• School of Law
• School of Business Administration and Economics
• Graduate Programmes
• School of Arts & Sciences – Social Science Division & Humanities Division

The school was named Washington Academy in 1796, in honour of George Washington. It was renamed Washington College in 1813 following its first major gift from Robert Ewing and then to its current name – Washington and Lee, following its merger with Liberty Hall on February 23rd 1865. 

• Washington & Lee University Founding Year: 1749
• Founders: Scotch-Irish Presbyterian pioneers
• Acceptance Rate: 19%
• Alumni: John W. Davis, Robert E. Lee, Tom Wolfe
• QS Ranking: #21

8. Columbia University

Image Source: Columbia University Website

Columbia University is a private Ivy League research university in Upper Manhattan, New York City. It is an institution of higher learning in New York and one of the oldest colleges in the US. In addition to being one of America’s oldest colleges, Columbia University also holds several other distinctions: 

• It was the first university in New York (1754); 
• It awarded medical degrees to women before any other school granted them (1859), and
• It granted its first degree to a woman before any other school did so (1860).

The school was founded as King’s College by the royal charter of George II on May 11, 1754; it is now a member of the Association of American Universities and has been ranked among the top 15 universities throughout its history.

• Columbia University Founding Year: 1754
• Founders: Royal charter of George II of Great Britain
• Acceptance Rate: 7%
• Alumni: U.S. President Barack Obama, Warren Buffet, Ruth Bader Ginsburg
• QS Ranking: #23 

9. Brown University

Image Source: Brown University Website

Brown University is one of the oldest colleges in the US, and it was founded by one of America’s greatest heroes, Moses Brown. The school was established after Brown’s son Peter had a religious conversion and became an abolitionist. He convinced his father to set aside money for a school that would focus on educating African Americans, Native Americans and other minorities through residential programmes.

• Brown University Founding Year: 1764
• Founders: Baptist Church Association support
• Acceptance Rate: 9%
• Alumni: John D. Rockefeller Jr., Emma Watson, Jeffrey Eugenides
• QS Ranking: #73

10. University of Delaware

Image Source: TU Website

Established on October 12, 1833, the University of Delaware is one of the oldest colleges in the US. It currently enrols more than 17,000 students annually. The school is located in Newark, Delaware and offers both undergraduate and graduate programmes. 

The university was founded as a private institution by two clergymen: Reverend Jonathan Dickinson Sergeant and Reverend Francis Alison. They wanted to establish a non-denominational college that would be open to all races, genders, classes and religions. They believed that everyone should have access to higher education regardless of their background or race; this concept was revolutionary at the time because many other colleges did not accept African Americans or women into their classrooms.

• University of Delaware Founding Year: 1743
• Founders: Francis Alison
• Acceptance Rate: 68%
• Alumni: U.S. President Joe Biden, Elena Delle Donne, Scott Isaacs, Beverly Daniel Tatum
• QS Ranking: #498

11. Moravian University

Image Source: TU Website

Moravian University is a private liberal arts institution with a rich history and a strong dedication to academic excellence. It provides over 50 undergraduate majors and minors, as well as top-tier graduate programmes. 

Among its alumni are some of their era’s most influential intellectuals and scholars, showcasing the university’s dedication to developing leaders across diverse fields. Students participate in research, internships, and study abroad opportunities, promoting interdisciplinary education and practical experience.

• Founding Year: 1742
• Location: Bethlehem, PA
• Acceptance Rate: 86%
• Alumni: H. Richard Niebuhr, John Amos Comenius, Jeffery D. Long

12. Rutgers University

Image Source: Rutgers University Website

Rutgers University, also known as The State University of New Jersey, is one of the oldest institutions in the United States. It boasts a rich history and offers many programmes, including 150 undergraduate and over 400 graduate programmes. 

Consistently ranked among the top public universities in the nation, Rutgers features a blend of historic and modern architecture, such as the Old Queens building and the Rutgers Business School building.

• Founding Year: 1766
• Location: New Brunswick, NJ
• Acceptance Rate: 60%
• Alumni: Milton Friedman, James Gandolfini, Kristen Davis
• QS Ranking: #771-780

13. Dartmouth College

Image Source: Dartmouth College Website

Founded in the 1760s, Dartmouth College is one of the oldest colleges in the United States, and the fact that Dr. Seuss studied here highlights its prestige. As a private Ivy League research university, Dartmouth has numerous schools and departments, including the Tuck School of Business and Thayer School of Engineering, offering 50 undergraduates and over 20 graduate degrees. 

The college emphasises developing students’ critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving abilities and boasts an active and supportive alumni network.

• Founding Year: 1769
• Location: Hanover, NH
• Acceptance Rate: 12%
• Alumni: Dr. Seuss, Robert Frost, Shonda Rhimes, Mindy Kaling
• QS Ranking: #237

14. College of Charleston

Image Source: Britannica Website

The College of Charleston is a public liberal arts and sciences university with over 10,000 students and more than 70 undergraduate and graduate programmes. It offers study-abroad opportunities in over 60 countries, encouraging international experience and cultural exchange. 

The college provides internships, research opportunities, and service-learning to prepare students for their future careers. The historic Randolph Hall underscores its distinction as one of the oldest colleges in the United States.

• Founding Year: 1770
• Location: Charleston, SC
• Acceptance Rate: 78%
• Alumni: Shepard Fairey, Pat Conroy, Stephen Colbert
• QS Ranking: #1648

15. Salem College

Image Source: Salem Website

Salem College is a private liberal arts institution exclusively for women. It is one of the oldest women’s colleges in the United States, boasting a modest student body of 1,100. It garners acclaim for its emphasis on fostering women’s leadership and empowerment. 

The college provides an array of leadership development initiatives, such as the Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) programme, the Leadership Institute, and the Women in Public Service Project.

• Founding Year: 1772
• Location: Winston-Salem, NC
• Acceptance Rate: 60%
• Alumni: Elizabeth O. Hiller, Emily Prager, Cindy Hensley McCain
• QS Ranking: #501-600

Popular Degrees Offered by the Oldest Colleges & Universities

Students can opt for top career-oriented and research-related subjects at the oldest colleges and universities in the US. The only requirement is that the student must meet the eligibility requirements. Check some of the top courses that students go for some of these courses. 

STEM

STEM degrees are disciplines in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, reflecting the enduring importance of these fields in driving innovation and progress. The oldest colleges recognise the critical role of STEM education in shaping society and offer a variety of programmes in these areas. 

Arts 

These institutions offer comprehensive programmes to nurture creativity, critical thinking, and expression. From traditional studio practices to interdisciplinary studies in digital media and design, arts degrees allow students to explore their passions and develop their artistic voices. 

Management Degree

A management degree emphasises organisational leadership, decision-making, and strategic planning skills, vital for managerial roles. Its inclusion in the curricula of the oldest colleges stems from the enduring demand for effective managers across industries.

Human Resources Degree

Human resources (HR) degrees prepare individuals for managing personnel within organisations. Given the crucial role of HR in organisational success, these degrees are standard offerings in many venerable institutions.

Marketing Degree

Marketing degrees cover market research, consumer behaviour, and advertising, preparing students for roles in product promotion and sales. The prevalence of marketing degrees reflects the industry’s critical role in organisational success.

Business Administration Degree

Rooted in academic excellence, Business Administration programmes blend business principles with modern management strategies. This degree equips students for leadership in diverse industries, maintaining its relevance across generations.

Public Administration Degree

Public administration degrees focus on government and non-profit management, preparing students for roles in public service. The continued demand for these degrees underscores the enduring importance of effective governance and community service.

FAQs

1. What are the 3 oldest colleges in the US?

The 3 oldest colleges in the US are Harvard University, The College of William and Mary. Established, and St. John’s College.

2. What were the first colleges in America?

Harvard University was established in Massachusetts in 1636 and was the first of its kind. It is presently regarded as one of the world’s most prominent and exclusive institutions of higher learning.

3. What is the 1st hardest College to get into?

Harvard University is the hardest college to get into with an acceptance rate of 5%. The Ivy League college in Cambridge, Massachusetts, is known for producing world leaders. It is the top college in America for biology, according to Niche, and also ranks highly for psychology and academics.

4. What are the 9 colonial colleges?

Prior to the Declaration of Independence, nine universities were founded in America, according to the lecturer: Harvard, Yale, Dartmouth, William and Mary, Princeton, the University of Pensylvania, King’s or Columbia, Brown, and Queen’s or Rutgers. The church played a significant role in each of them.

5. Which is the oldest Ivy League school?

The oldest college in the United States and one of the most exclusive in the Ivy League, Harvard University was founded in 1636.

So there you have it, a brief overview of the oldest colleges in the US. The list consists of some of the most prestigious colleges in the world. We hope this was an insightful read for you.   

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