The Oldest Colleges in America: A Journey Through History

The history of the oldest colleges in America is inextricably linked to the formation of the United States itself. These institutions, surviving momentous chapters in American history, have significantly shaped American education and often rank among the world’s best. From the colonial era to the present day, these colleges have witnessed and contributed to the evolution of American society, producing leaders, innovators, and thinkers who have shaped the nation.

The Dawn of American Higher Education

The founding of American universities is deeply intertwined with the nation's origins, with many institutions predating the United States itself. These early colleges played a crucial role in educating the leaders and thinkers who would shape the new nation.

Harvard University: The Pioneer (Founded 1636)

Founded in 1636 in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Harvard University holds the distinction of being the oldest college in the US. Established by the Massachusetts legislature, it has consistently ranked as one of the world’s premier higher education institutions. With a highly selective acceptance rate, Harvard remains among America’s most prestigious universities.

Originally called New College, it was later named after its first benefactor, John Harvard, who bequeathed his entire library and half of his estate to the school. Though established under church sponsorship, Harvard was never formally affiliated with any religious body and was gradually liberated from both church and government control. In 1865, alumni first elected the governing board members. During his tenure as Harvard’s president from 1869 to 1909, Charles W. Eliot successfully established the university’s national influence. Today, Harvard's campus sprawls across 210 acres and houses 11 different faculties. It is also home to the world’s largest academic library and more than 450 student organizations, offering a wide range of opportunities in dance, music, visual arts, journalism, public service, and more. Harvard has produced numerous distinguished alumni, including US presidents, 48 Pulitzer Prize winners, and well-known scholars, entrepreneurs, politicians, and philanthropists.

The College of William & Mary: A Royal Beginning (Founded 1693)

Named after the British King and Queen, the College of William & Mary was founded in 1693 with the first royal charter. Located in Williamsburg, Virginia, it can technically be argued as the oldest college in the US, especially as it was scheduled to open its doors in 1618. However, due to an uprising at the time, 1693 became the official founding year for the college. Wishing to establish a royal university, King William III and Queen Mary II founded the Virginia university in 1693. However, the plans for the college date back much earlier to 1618, which is long before Harvard was established. While the university has retained its original name, its status changed, becoming a private university in 1776 and later a public institution in 1906. Popular primarily for its law and medicine programs, the university also includes diverse professional schools, such as business, education, and marine science. The College of William & Mary calls itself "the second-oldest institution of higher learning in the country", acknowledging Harvard's claim but adding that: "Harvard may have opened first, but William & Mary was already planned."

Read also: Ranking of Oldest Universities

St. John’s College: A Great Books Tradition (Founded 1696)

Joining as third on this list of oldest colleges in the US, St. John’s College was founded in 1696 by the Maryland colony. It was initially named as King William’s School, but once the state of Maryland granted its charter, it became St. John’s College. Today, the college has an acceptance rate of 86% and also offers a recognized pre-college summer academy program for high schoolers. A private liberal arts school, St. John’s College is well known for its ‘Great Books’ curriculum where students are encouraged to access and explore over 200 revolutionary books published across 3000 years. Classroom discussions often revolve around world-changing publications in subjects that range from philosophy and literature to science and math among others. At the time, it operated as Maryland colony’s free public school. It currently operates as a dual campus school with a second campus in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Although its name features a saint’s name, St John’s College has no religious affiliation.

Yale University: From Collegiate School to Ivy League Powerhouse (Founded 1701)

Yale University in Connecticut was founded by clergymen in 1701 and is one of the oldest colleges in the US. Today, Yale University is located in the town of New Haven but was originally founded in Saybrook, Connecticut. Much like its initial location, the given name of the college was at first “Collegiate School” until it was named after its benefactor, Elihu Yale. Yale is well known as one of the ‘Big Three Universities’ within the Ivy League, along with Harvard and Princeton. Interestingly, it was founded in 1701 as the Collegiate School in Saybrook in the Connecticut Colony. Fourteen constituent schools divide this Ivy League private university’s campus. Faculties oversee their own curriculum and degree programs, though Yale Corporation governs the whole university. Yale’s initial curriculum highlighted classical studies. The school was originally founded to train ministers in sacred languages and theology, but it eventually included humanities and sciences in its curriculum in 1777. Yale was the first university to award a PhD in the United States.

Washington College: A General's Legacy (Founded 1723)

Located in Chestertown, Maryland, Washington College was founded in 1723, making it one of the oldest colleges in the US. Much like many other schools at the time, the college was named after George Washington. When George Washington was a general, he served on the board of Washington College until he became president in 1789.

The University of Pennsylvania: Franklin's Vision (Founded 1740)

The University of Pennsylvania was founded in 1740 by Benjamin Franklin, making it the sixth oldest college in the US. UPenn was the first American university to be modeled after European multidisciplinary education. With an acceptance rate of 10%, UPENN is considered one of the world’s best universities, much like the other Ivy League schools on this list. Although the University of Pennsylvania was founded in 1740, classes actually began many years later with the first classes taught only in 1751. The delay was largely due to the promised funding not coming through. Determined to realize this desire to educate future generations from all social backgrounds, Benjamin Franklin persuaded the leading citizens of Pennsylvania to form a Board of Trustees. Today, the University of Pennsylvania, also known as UPenn or Penn, operates as a private not-for-profit institution with a total of 12 world-famous undergraduate and graduate schools. This well-known Ivy League school is credited with many notable firsts, including the first college school of business, the first university hospital, and the first student union building. UPenn is particularly reputed for its management and law courses, and performs well in the QS World University Rankings by Subject for business and management. In general, the university has a strong reputation for its intensive research activity.

Moravian University: A Pioneer for Women's Education (Founded 1742)

Moravian University is one of the oldest colleges in America and was founded in 1742 in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. The university was founded by Countess Benigna von Zinzendorf when she was only 16 years old. It was initially founded as the first boarding school for women in America, and it stands today as a small college of around 2,000 undergraduate students. Moravian University was founded on a belief that education is essential for all, without regard for gender or social standing. It was an idea ahead of its time. The institution was first chartered to grant bachelor’s degrees in 1863. In 1913, its name was changed to Moravian Seminary and College for Women. It eventually became co-educational in 1954 when the two genders merged.

The University of Delaware: From Free School to Public University (Founded 1743)

Founded in 1743 by Francis Alison, the University of Delaware was originally located in New London, Pennsylvania. Around twenty years later, the university then moved to Newark, Delaware and became the alma mater of people who signed the Declaration of Independence. During the early years, it was the oldest college in USA that was operating under the support of the Philadelphia Synod of the Presbyterian Church. By 1765, the classes were held in Newark. Four years later, the Free School was chartered as the Academy of Newark. However, as Delaware was part of the Pennsylvania colony until 1776, the school was denied a charter to avoid competition with the University of Pennsylvania. When Delaware was separated from Pennsylvania, the state moved to charter a college in 1833, the New Ark College. Its name was changed to Delaware College in 1843. Because of financial problems and the Civil War, it closed in 1859. It reopened in 1870. In 1941, the Women’s College started operating and by 1921, the University of Delaware was introduced to refer to both New Ark College and the Women’s College. Since then, the university has adopted a co-educational policy.

Princeton University: Training Leaders Since 1746

Princeton University joins the list of oldest American colleges as it was founded in 1746 by the New Light Presbyterians. Similar to some of the oldest US colleges, Princeton was initially given another name - the “College of New Jersey.” The college moved from Elizabeth, Pennsylvania to Newark, New Jersey, then eventually to Princeton. Originally founded as the College of New Jersey by New Light Presbyterians in order to train ministers, Princeton University retains a number of landmarks from its rich history, such as its oldest building Nassau Hall, which dates back to 1756. Yale is well known as one of the ‘Big Three Universities’ within the Ivy League, along with Harvard and Princeton.

Washington and Lee University: A Legacy of Leadership (Founded 1749)

Washington and Lee University was founded in 1749 by Scottish-Irish Presbyterian pioneers in Lexington, Virginia. George Washington made Liberty Hall Academy into Washington Academy, which then became Washington College. Then when Robert E. Lee was president of the school in the 1860s, his surname was added to the school. Washington and Lee University is a private liberal arts university located in Lexington, Virginia. Previously called both Augusta Academy and Liberty Hall (the latter name was inspired by the American Revolution), the university gets the remainder of its current title from General Robert E.

Columbia University: New York's Academic Cornerstone (Founded 1754)

In 1754, the royal charter of George II of Great Britain founded Columbia University, making it one of the oldest American colleges. Columbia is also the oldest higher education institution in the state of New York and was originally founded as “King’s College.” In 1767, the university created the first American medical school to grant the M.D.

Brown University: Inquiry and Excellence (Founded 1764)

Coming in as the 12th oldest US college, Brown University was founded in 1764 by the Baptist Church Association. The university was originally founded in Warren, Rhode Island, until it moved in 1770 to Providence, Rhode Island, where it currently is. Brown has long carried a tradition of inquiry-led education and academic excellence.

Rutgers University: From Queen's College to Public Research University (Founded 1766)

Rutgers University was founded in 1766 by the Ministers of the Dutch Reformed Church. It was once known as “Queen’s College” in 1766 as a men’s college. The university later changed its name in 1825 after a Revolutionary War Veteran named Col. Henry Rutgers.

Dartmouth College: A Colonial Legacy (Founded 1769)

Founded by Eleazar Wheelock in 1769, Dartmouth College was one of the nine colonial colleges created before the American Revolution.

The College of Charleston: Southern Roots (Founded 1770)

The College of Charleston was founded in 1770 by several prominent South Carolinians. It is not only one of the oldest colleges in the US but also the oldest college south of the state of Virginia. Due to the American Revolution, the college didn’t progress until 1785, when it officially received its charter. Many of the College of Charleston’s founders signed the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution. As South Carolina's oldest institution of higher learning and the 13th oldest college/university in the nation, the College of Charleston continues this tradition of academic excellence. The College of Charleston survived wars, storms and natural disasters to remain a pillar of education in the Southeast.

Salem College: A Champion of Women's Education (Founded 1772)

Also founded by the Moravians, Salem College was founded in 1772 and is the oldest operating women’s college in the country. As a longstanding champion of civil rights, Salem College admitted African Americans and Native Americans in the late 1700s.

Dickinson College: A Revolutionary Beginning (Founded 1773)

Originally known as the Carlisle Grammar School in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, Dickinson College was founded in 1773 by the Pennsylvania legislature. In 1783, Benjamin Rush, who signed the Declaration of Independence, changed the school into Dickinson College.

Hampden-Sydney College: One of the Last Men's Colleges (Founded 1775)

Hampden-Sydney College is one of the last remaining men’s colleges in the US. Founded in 1775 by Samuel Stanhope Smith, the college was also the last college founded before the American Revolution. You might recognize some of their famous alumni who had helped shape American history: Patrick Henry and James Madison.

Transylvania University: A Pioneer in the West (Founded 1780)

Transylvania University is one of America’s oldest colleges and was founded in 1780 by the Virginia Assembly. You might not have heard of Transylvania University as much as the Ivy League schools. However, Transylvania University in Lexington, Kentucky was the alma mater to US vice presidents, Supreme Court justices, and prominent government figures.

Washington and Jefferson College: From Log Cabins to Liberal Arts (Founded 1781)

In 1781, three Princeton graduates founded Washington and Jefferson College with three log cabin schools. The schools were merged together during the Civil War to become the liberal arts college it is today.

The University of Georgia: The First State-Chartered University (Founded 1785)

The University of Georgia was founded in 1785 by the Georgia General Assembly and is one of the oldest US colleges. It is also the country’s very first state-chartered university, and the University of Georgia was not officially established until 1801.

The University of Pittsburgh: From Log Cabin to Multi-Story Building (Founded 1787)

Founded in 1787 by Hugh Henry Brackenridge, the University of Pittsburgh was originally founded as Pittsburgh Academy. The university was at first just a log cabin, but within 50 years, it expanded into a multi-story building in downtown Pittsburgh.

Franklin & Marshall College: A Merger of Ministries (Founded 1787)

Franklin & Marshall College joins the list of oldest colleges in the US as it was founded in 1787 by four prominent ministers. The college was initially named after Benjamin Franklin and it merged with Marshall College in the mid-19th century. Franklin College was initially a co-ed school, until it then became a men’s college. It wasn’t until the late 19th century when it started to admit women.

Georgetown University: America's Oldest Catholic and Jesuit College (Founded 1789)

Located in Washington, D.C., Georgetown University is America’s oldest Catholic and Jesuit college and was founded in 1789 by John Carroll. Although the university was founded in 1789, it wasn’t until 1792 when classes could begin. On the first day of class at Georgetown College in 1792, 40 students showed up.

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill: The First Public University (Founded 1789)

Chartered in 1789 by the North Carolina General Assembly, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is the 25th oldest American college. It was also the country’s very first public university. And in the 18th century, UNC Chapel Hill was the only American public university to issue degrees.

Enduring Traditions and Modern Innovation

These oldest colleges in the US are steeped in tradition, with rituals and customs that have evolved over centuries, offering students a sense of belonging and connection to the past.

Harvard's "Housing Day": Each year, first-year students learn their upperclassman house assignments in a lively ceremony involving costumes, chants, and house spirit.
Yale's "The Game": The annual football game between Yale and Harvard, first played in 1875, is one of the oldest and most famous rivalries in college sports.
Princeton's "P-rade": During Princeton reunions, alumni parade through campus in a lively and colorful event showcasing the university’s rich history and school spirit.
College of William & Mary's "Yule Log Ceremony": This holiday tradition involves students throwing ceremonial sprigs of holly into a bonfire to signify good luck for the coming year.
Dartmouth's "Winter Carnival": Dating back to 1911, Dartmouth’s Winter Carnival celebrates the season with snow sculptures, athletic events, and outdoor activities.
The Blue and Grey (Moravian University): Did you know the colors blue and grey were adopted by Moravian University in 1894? With the bitter battles of the American Civil War still a recent memory, the choice of colors represented a gesture of unity and healing.
The Moravian Mile (Moravian University): The distance between North and South campuses, about 0.8 miles, is known as the “Moravian Mile.” As part of orientation, first-year students traditionally walk the Mile between campuses, traveling from North to South, through Historic Bethlehem on their way. Once their time at Moravian University is complete, graduating seniors take part in the “Backwards Walk,” walking the Moravian Mile as they did in their freshman year, but this time in reverse.
Heritage Day (Moravian University): Established by President Grigsby, Heritage Day is a celebration of Moravian tradition, community, and service. Each year, we dedicate a fall day to learning about the founders of Moravian University and our cultural heritage, as well as serving our community.
Vespers (Moravian University): A local holiday tradition hosted by Moravian University, Christmas Vespers is a beautiful service that features two forms of Moravian worship, the "Singstunde" and the Candlelight Service. Music by our students combines with the beauty of the Liturgy in this service of worship for the College community and friends.
Founder’s Day (Moravian University): We observe Founder’s Day each year to remember and learn from the revolutionary men and women who came before us at Moravian University.

The Everlasting Impact

Though you might have recognized some, if not all, of these colleges, you might not have known how far these institutions have come. Considering the country’s colonial history, it’s certainly an educational experience to read about how these schools have navigated their own path. But more importantly, it’s an exciting opportunity to imagine yourself walking down these halls that have existed for centuries. The founding of the United States is inextricable from the formation of American universities. From the years preceding and following the Constitution, the United States has seen numerous colleges and universities survive throughout momentous chapters in history. These surviving universities have played a significant part in changing the trajectory of American education, and they’re also some of today’s highest-ranking universities in the world. These institutions have played a pivotal role in shaping the intellectual and cultural landscape of the nation.

The Competition Among College Institutions

Global university rankings have paved the way for open competition between nations and the higher education institutions (HEIs) themselves, which serve as global actors in their own right. Furthermore, the rising cost of higher education also promotes competition, as each institution is inclined to prove how their programs make for good investments for the future. Unfortunately, colleges and universities that are not able to keep up with the race have been closing. Department of Education, the number of higher education institutions in the country dropped to its lowest in 2018 since 1998.

Many people fall under the impression that college is no longer important nowadays. Not meeting stringent standards and enrollment goals may make it difficult for a school to stay in business. This goes to show that institutions that remain operational may have been doing things right. With this in mind, it’s no longer surprising why many high school graduates are aiming to get into some of the oldest colleges in the US. The fact that these oldest colleges in US endured centuries while others have closed down can already say enough about their reputation and quality of education.

Popular Degree Programs at the Oldest Colleges

The oldest colleges in the US offer a wide range of degree programs, reflecting their long-standing commitment to academic excellence and their ability to adapt to the changing needs of society.

Business Administration Degree: A business administration degree is a program that provides a broad education in business principles, management, and leadership. Individuals pursuing this degree often gain a well-rounded understanding of how businesses operate and develop skills that are applicable across different industries. The principles of business management have been crucial for centuries, which makes it a typical offering among oldest colleges. As education evolved, colleges recognized the importance of providing students with a foundational understanding of business practices. This degree’s adaptability has made it a staple in many educational institutions, including the oldest ones. Rooted in a rich history of academic excellence, this program blends foundational business principles with contemporary management strategies. Students engage in a comprehensive curriculum encompassing finance, marketing, and organizational behavior, preparing them for leadership roles in diverse industries. Renowned for its enduring relevance, Business Administration continues to be a sought-after degree, shaping tomorrow’s business leaders in venerable institutions.
Management Degree: A management degree typically focuses on developing skills in organizational leadership, decision-making, strategic planning, and interpersonal communication. It is designed to prepare individuals for roles in management and leadership. Management degrees have become standard offerings in many colleges, including the oldest ones, due to the enduring relevance and importance of effective management practices. The ability to lead and manage people has been a critical aspect of organizational success throughout history. The consistent demand for skilled managers across diverse industries has contributed to the longstanding presence of management degrees in the curricula of many colleges, including those with a rich history dating back centuries.
Human Resources Degree: A human resources (HR) degree focuses on the study of managing personnel within organizations. The goal is to prepare individuals for roles in HR management and administration. The enduring importance of effective human resources management has made HR degrees standard offerings in many colleges, as they aim to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in this critical aspect of organizational functioning. The prevalence of human resources degrees in the programs offered by the oldest colleges can be attributed to the recognition of the crucial role that people management plays in the success of organizations.
Marketing Degree: A marketing degree involves the study of various aspects of marketing, including market research, consumer behavior, advertising, public relations, and strategic planning. The objective is to prepare individuals for roles in creating, promoting, and selling products or services. The ubiquity of marketing degrees in many university offerings, including the oldest, can be linked to the critical role marketing plays in the success of corporations and organizations. Institutions understand the necessity of educating students with the information and abilities needed to navigate the dynamic and competitive marketing industry. Because of this, marketing has become a common and necessary part of the curriculum in many colleges, especially those with an extensive tradition in higher education.
Public Administration Degree: A public administration degree focuses on the management and operations of government and non-profit organizations. Students of this program will be prepared for employment in public service, government administration, and non-profit management. Throughout history, societies have recognized the importance of having people with the expertise and abilities to manage public resources, enact policies, and lead public institutions. The continued relevance of good government and public service can be ascribed to the presence of public administration degrees in the curricula of many universities, including the oldest.

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