The 20 Oldest Universities in the US: Your Ultimate Guide!

Did you know that both George Washington and Thomas Jefferson were students of one of the oldest universities in the world? But that's not everything; there's more that can entice you to go back in time and take a look at their journeys. These institutions, the oldest American colleges, have been influential in developing leaders and maintaining the heritage of the American education system. Without further delay, let's start and find out about the oldest colleges and universities in the United States.

Top Oldest Colleges in the US

The United States boasts some of the oldest colleges in America, many of which still shine as beacons of academic excellence. From Harvard University, widely recognized as the oldest university in the USA, to the University of Pennsylvania, these prestigious, oldest schools in the US have been shaping American graduates for centuries. Join us as we explore the most distinguished and long-standing colleges among the oldest colleges in the US.

1. Harvard University

Year of Establishment: 1636
Founder: Great and General Court of the Massachusetts Bay
Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts
Popular Courses: Business Administration, Law, Medicine, Computer Science

Established 390 years ago, Harvard University is the oldest private university in the United States.  Its Widener Library and Harvard Yard are the famous landmarks of Harvard, where alumni like Barack Obama and Bill Gates have significantly influenced politics and technology worldwide. The very first university in the United States set a curriculum that included the requirement of Latin speaking for its applicants. After being accepted, the students were obliged to study several other languages, like Greek, Hebrew, and Latin, through dramas and histories. To date, Harvard remains one of the oldest private universities in the US.

2. College of William & Mary

Year of Establishment: 1693
Founder: Royal Charter from King William III and Queen Mary II of England
‍Location: Williamsburg, Virginia
‍Popular Courses: Political Science, History, Business Administration

William & Mary College is 333 years old, and it is one of the oldest colleges in the US that was established under a royal charter. The oldest university on the American continent has just got the attention of the mass media for re-launching the traditional walk ceremony for the 2025 and 2026 students. As one of the oldest universities in the United States, the campus has historic features such as the Sir Christopher Wren Building, which is still being used. Thomas Jefferson, the man who wrote the Declaration of Independence and was a major influencer of the country, was from this university. 

3. St John's College

Year of Establishment: 1696
Founder: King William III and Queen Mary II of England
Location: Annapolis, Maryland
Popular Courses: Liberal Arts, Philosophy, History

St. John's College is a private liberal arts college with a rich history of 300+ years. It was founded by the Episcopal Church in Annapolis, Maryland. Due to its adaptable nature, the college has stayed as one of the best universities in the US even after being one of the oldest public universities in the US. The university recently introduced its new logo, redesigned university crest, and an online Johnnie Store as part of the oldest university in the US's new look.

4. Yale University

Year of Establishment: 1701
Founder: Congregationalist clergymen
‍Location: New Haven, Connecticut
‍Popular Courses: Law, Political Science, Economics

One of the most prestigious and oldest colleges in the US, Yale University, was originally chartered by the colonial legislature of Connecticut in 1701. After being the third-oldest American university, it had undergone several changes over time, including a name change from Collegiate College to Yale in 1716.

Based on world university rankings, it is one of the top universities in the world today. At one time, it was a college that placed a great emphasis on classical studies and strict adherence to Puritanism. Bill Clinton and George W. Bush were both from here, and both later became U.S. Presidents.

5. University of Pennsylvania

Year of Establishment: 1740
Founder: Benjamin Franklin
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Popular Courses: Business Administration, Engineering, Law

Its full name is the University of Pennsylvania, though it is frequently called Penn. Benjamin Franklin, one of the founding fathers, established it more than 280 years ago. It is also a private Ivy League Research University having a global student body: 26, 000, plus students are enrolled in the 100 undergraduate majors and 200 graduate programs offered. As the oldest technological university in the United States, it has some historic buildings, like the Fisher Fine Arts Library and the Franklin Field stadium. Elon Musk is famous for changing transportation and space travel through Tesla and SpaceX, and he graduated from this university. 

6. Moravian University

Year of Establishment: 1742
Founder: Moravian Church
Location: Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Popular Courses: Nursing, Business, Education

Moravian University, founded by the Moravian Church more than 280 years ago, is a small private liberal arts university with a long history and a dedication to academic excellence. The university provides over 50 undergraduate majors and minors as well as excellent graduate programs. Besides research and internships, students participate in study abroad programs to enhance interdisciplinary learning and gain practical experience. H. Richard Niebuhr, who became a leading theologian, completed his studies here.

7. University of Delaware

Year of Establishment: 1743
Founder: Francis Alison
Location: Newark, Delaware
Popular Courses: Engineering, Business, Health Sciences

The University of Delaware was created more than 280 years ago by Francis Alison. Reverend Dr. Francis Alison established it as a free school in New London, Pennsylvania. A short time later, it changed its location to New Ark and was renamed the University of Delaware in 1843. A well-known graduate is Joe Biden, who was the 46th President of the United States. The college entered the list of land-grant colleges in the US in less than two decades after its founding.

The university's historic Memorial Hall and the modern Roselle Center for the Arts are still standing and reflecting their stunning architecture.

8. Princeton University

Year of Establishment: 1746
Founders: Jonathan Dickinson, Aaron Burr Sr., John Pierson, and Ebenezer Pemberton Jr

Location: Princeton, New Jersey
Popular Courses: Public Policy, Economics, Computer Science

Princeton higher education institution, one of the oldest American colleges, was founded more than 280 years ago by New Light Presbyterians. Until 1896, it was known as The College of New Jersey.  One of the many prolific achievements of the oldest US university was a series of Olympic gold, silver, and bronze in the shot put, discus, long jump, and high jump in 1896 by Robert Garrett. The famous Michelle Obama, who advocated for social justice as First Lady, was from here.

9. Washington and Lee University

Year of Establishment: 1749
Founder: Scots-Irish Presbyterians.
Location: Lexington, Virginia
Popular Courses: Political Science, Business Administration, Law

Founded over 270 years ago with support from George Washington, named after George Washington and Confederate General Robert E. Lee, who was also its president after the Civil War. One of the pioneering institutions, it has been renamed multiple times, starting from Augustus Academy to the current Washington and Lee University in 1813, after the 100 shares donation by George Washington. John W. Davis, who was from this university, served as a U.S. Ambassador to the UK.

10. Columbia University

Year of Establishment: 1754
Founder: Royal Charter from King George II of England
‍Location: New York City, New York
‍Popular Courses: Journalism, Business, Medicine

One of the oldest colleges in the US, Columbia University, was established over 272 years ago by King George II. Initially known as King’s College, it stands on the land where the Battle of Harlem Heights was fought during the American Revolution. It is also among the nine oldest colleges in the US to have been chartered in the American colonies. Apart from being the pioneer and one of the oldest colleges in the US, the university was the first to introduce M.D. (Doctor of Medicine) in 1770. Ruth Bader Ginsburg was from this university and championed gender equality as a Supreme Court Justice.

11. Brown University

Year of Establishment: 1764
Founder:  Reverend Morgan Edwards and Baptist leaders
Location: Providence, Rhode Island
Popular Courses: Economics, Political Science, Biology

Brown University, which was founded over 262 years ago by a Baptist leader, is the 7th-oldest college in colonial America, which also makes it one of the oldest colleges in America. Brown was originally the College in the English Colony of Rhode Island. It was renamed Brown University after Nicholas Brown. The beautiful campus features the historic Van Wickle Gates and modern Friedman Hall. Emma Watson, who graduated from here, advocated for gender equality as a U.N. Ambassador.

12. Rutgers University

Year of Establishment: 1766
Founder: William Franklin
‍Location: New Brunswick, New Jersey
‍Popular Courses: Engineering, Business, Social Work

Rutgers University started as Queen’s College and got its current name in 1825 after Colonel Henry Rutgers, a Revolutionary War Hero. It is one of the oldest universities in the US, with a history dating back more than 250 years, before the American Revolution. Apart from being one of the founding and oldest colleges in the US, the university also expanded globally by sending its students to study abroad under the “Junior Year Abroad” program. Currently, students of Rutgers come from all backgrounds and fields of study and can enroll in the study abroad program at one of the oldest colleges and universities in the United States. A notable alumnus, Milton Friedman, influenced modern economics with groundbreaking theories.

13. Dartmouth College

Year of Establishment: 1769
Founder: Eleazar Wheelock, a Congregational minister
‍Location: Hanover, New Hampshire
‍Popular Courses: Liberal Arts, Medicine, Economics

Being founded over 257 years ago by Reverend Eleazar Wheelock definitely puts it in the list of the oldest colleges in the US. The foundational objective of one of the oldest schools in America was to impart education to the youths of Indian tribes, English youth, and others. Owing to the unwavering commitment, there are more than 1,200 native graduates in the alumni circle and more than 200 students representing 70+ tribal nations and communities.  

14. College of Charleston

Year of Establishment: 1770
Founder: Charleston leaders, including Reverend William Dawson and other local trustees
Location: Charleston, South Carolina
Popular Courses: Marine Biology, Arts Management, Political Science

Established over 256 years ago by local citizens and leaders, the College of Charleston is a public liberal arts and sciences university offering 70+ undergraduate and graduate programs to its more than 10,000+ students! The college also offers study abroad programs in over 60 countries, promoting international experience and cultural exchange. The famous Stephen Colbert, who redefined late-night comedy, graduated from here.

15. Salem College

Year of Establishment: 1772
Founder: Moravian Church
‍Location: Winston-Salem, North Carolina
‍Popular Courses: Business Administration, Education, Nursing

Founded over 254 years ago by the Moravian Church, Salem College is a private women's liberal arts college and one of the oldest colleges in the US for women. With a small student population of 1,100, the college is renowned for its focus on women's leadership and empowerment. The college offers a variety of leadership development programs, including the Women in Science and Engineering program, the Leadership Institute, and the Women in Public Service Project. Alumni like Cindy McCain have made global impacts, and the annual Candle Tea preserves Moravian cultural heritage.

16. Hampden-Sydney College

Year of Establishment: 1775
Founder: Samuel Stanhope Smith, a Presbyterian minister
Location: Hampden-Sydney, Virginia
Popular Courses: Economics, Biology, Government

Established by Presbyterian leaders, Hampden-Sydney College, one of the oldest colleges in the US, has a legacy of over 245 years since its founding in 1775. Located in Hampden-Sydney, Virginia, it remains one of the most prestigious and oldest colleges in America, with a strong emphasis on liberal arts education. This historic institution continues to uphold its traditions of character development and academic excellence. A notable alumnus, William H. Cabell, served as Virginia’s Governor.

17. Transylvania University

Year of Establishment: 1780
Founder: pioneers, including Judge Richard Henderson
Location: Lexington, Kentucky
Popular Courses: History, Political Science, Biology

Founded 246 years ago by the Virginia Assembly, Transylvania University holds the distinction of being the first college established west of the Allegheny Mountains. Being one of the oldest colleges in the US, its esteemed alumni roster includes two U.S. vice presidents (Jefferson Davis served as the Confederate President), two Supreme Court justices, and numerous other government officials, cementing its legacy as a cradle of American leadership and education.

18. Washington & Jefferson College

Year of Establishment: 1781
Founder: Presbyterian ministers John McMillan and Thaddeus Dod
Location: Washington, Pennsylvania
Popular Courses: Political Science, Pre-Medicine, Business Administration

Founded over 245 years ago by three Princeton graduates - John McMillan, Thaddeus Dod, and Joseph Smith - Washington & Jefferson College originated in three log cabin schools in Washington, Pennsylvania. This historical foundation underscores the college's commitment to education and its enduring legacy in American higher learning. Thomas E. Dewey, who ran as a U.S. Presidential candidate, was from here.

19. Dickinson College

Year of Establishment: 1783
Founder: Benjamin Rush, a signer of the Declaration of Independence
Location: Carlisle, Pennsylvania
Popular Courses: International Studies, Environmental Science, Law

Dickinson College, now over 243 years old, was founded in 1783 by Dr. Benjamin Rush, a signer of the Declaration of Independence. Located in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, it stands as a testament to the legacy of the oldest American colleges. As one of the oldest colleges in the US, it has an innovative curriculum and a commitment to producing socially responsible leaders, which continue to make it a standout institution in higher education. A notable alumnus, James Buchanan, served as the 15th U.S. President.

20. University of Georgia

Year of Establishment: 1785
Founder: Georgia General Assembly & advocate Abraham Baldwin
Location: Athens, Georgia
Popular Courses: Veterinary Medicine, Business, Journalism

UGA is home to the Georgia Bulldogs, whose football program is celebrated for its passionate fan base and multiple national championships, fostering a sense of unity and pride among students and alumni.

The University of Georgia, established in 1785 and now over 241 years old, is one of the oldest public universities in the United States. Founded by Abraham Baldwin, it holds the distinction of being the first state-chartered public university in the United States. As a key name among old American universities, UGA has played a significant role in shaping higher education. Known for its contributions to research and its celebrated football traditions, the university continues to stand out as a historic and dynamic institution on the list of old colleges in the US. The famous Ryan Seacrest, who shaped modern entertainment, was from here.

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