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

Did you know that Thomas Jefferson and George Washington both studied at one of the oldest universities in the world? But that’s not all; there’s more that awaits you to turn the pages of history and peep through their journey. These institutions, among the oldest American colleges, have been pivotal in shaping leaders and preserving the legacy of American education. Without any further ado, let’s get started and discover the oldest colleges and universities in the United States.

Top Oldest Colleges in the US

The United States is home to some of the oldest colleges in America, many of which continue to be 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

“Harvard University's Widener Library boasts 57 miles of shelf space and can accommodate over three million volumes.”

Founded 387 years ago, Harvard University is the 1st university in America. It is in the list of the top 100 universities in the world and also the oldest public university in United States. Its Widener Library and Harvard Yard stand as iconic landmarks, while alumni like Barack Obama and Bill Gates have shaped global politics and technology. The curriculum at the first university in the United States included the requirement of Latin speaking for applications. Once accepted, the students had to take up courses in other languages, such as Greek, Hebrew, and Latin, through dramas and histories. Harvard is truly the oldest private university in 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

"The College of William and Mary is the birthplace of the Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society."

The College of William & Mary was founded 330 years ago and is among the oldest colleges in the US, established under a royal charter. The oldest university in America continent recently got mass media coverage for renewing the traditional walk for the 2023-2024 students. As one of the oldest universities in the United States, the campus features historic buildings, including the Sir Christopher Wren Building, which is still in use. Thomas Jefferson, who authored the Declaration of Independence and shaped the nation, was from here.

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

“The students of St. Johns College were called Red Men before Red Storm owing to the Native American Heritage.”

St. John's College is one of the oldest public universities in US with an elaborate history of 143 years, founded by the Episcopal Church in Annapolis, Maryland. One of the oldest public universities in United States, St. John’s College, remains one of the best universities in the US today due to its adaptable nature. The oldest university in the US launched its new logo, redesigned university crest, and an online Johnnie Store recently. 

4. Yale University

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

“Yale was named after a wealthy British Merchant, Elihu Yale, who made several donations.”

Yale University is one of the most prestigious and oldest colleges in the US, originally chartered by the colonial legislature of Connecticut in 1701. Being the third-oldest American university, it went through a lot of changes over the period, such as the name change from Collegiate College to Yale in 1716. Consistently ranked as one of the top universities in the world, it once emphasized classical studies and orthodox Puritanism adherence. Bill Clinton and George W. Bush both served as U.S. Presidents, and they were from here.

5. University of Pennsylvania

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

“The Penn University remained unfinished for over a decade.”

Also known as Penn, the University of Pennsylvania was founded over 280 years ago by Benjamin Franklin. It is another private Ivy League Research University with a diverse student body: more than 26,000 students study in the 100 undergraduate majors and 200 graduate programs offered. Known as the oldest technological university in America, it has some historic buildings, like the Fisher Fine Arts Library and the Franklin Field stadium. The famous Elon Musk revolutionized transportation and space exploration with Tesla and SpaceX, and was a student at one of the oldest US universities.

6. Moravian University

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

“George Washington’s nieces studied here.”

Established over 280 years ago by the Moravian Church, Moravian University is a small private liberal arts university with a long history and a commitment to academic excellence. The university offers over 50 undergraduate majors and minors alongside top graduate programs. The students are engaged in research, internships, and study abroad programs to further interdisciplinary learning and hands-on 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

“According to The Kissing Arches legend, couples will be blessed with marriage if they kiss five times beneath the triple brick arches near Memorial Hall.”

Founded over 280 years ago by Francis Alison, the University of Delaware. Reverend Dr. Francis Alison founded this as a free school in New London, Pennsylvania. Later, it moved to New Ark, and it was renamed the University of Delaware in 1843. A notable alumnus, Joe Biden, served as the 46th President of the United States. Within less than 20 years, the institute was designated as one of the land-grant colleges in the US. 

The iconic Memorial Hall and the state-of-the-art Roselle Center for the Arts still stand tall, showcasing their architectural brilliance. If you’re inspired to be part of such universities, be sure to review their requirements and entrance exam guides, as most place emphasis on tests like the SAT and GRE.

8. Princeton University

Year of Establishment: 1746
Founder: Joshua McIlvaine
Location: Princeton, New Jersey
Popular Courses: Public Policy, Economics, Computer Science

“On November 19, 1969, Charles 'Pete' Conrad, a 1953 graduate, became the 3rd person to walk on the moon & placed a Princeton flag on it.”

Established over 275 years ago by New Light Presbyterians, one of the oldest American colleges, Princeton University, was initially The College of New Jersey until 1896. 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

“George Washington provided 100 shares of stock in the James River Canal Company to sustain the institution.”

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, Washington and Lee University is the oldest university in American continent. 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 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

“The Student Homophile League is the nation's oldest student-run LGBTQ+ rights organization.”

One of the oldest colleges in the US, Columbia University, was established over 265 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, from this university, 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’s first chancellor, Stephen Hopkins, was an original signer of the Declaration of Independence.”

Brown University, which was founded over 260 years ago by a Baptist leader, is the 7th oldest college on the list of colonial America, which also makes it one of the oldest colleges in America. The College of Rhodes received its current name in 1801 after the generous donation of $5,000 by the businessman 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: Dr. Theodorus Frelinghuysen
‍Location: New Brunswick, New Jersey
‍Popular Courses: Engineering, Business, Social Work

“The Yokoi Brothers were the first Japanese students of Rutgers in 1866.”

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 from all backgrounds and fields of study 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

“The Rassias Method® for foreign language was invented by Dartmouth Professor John Rassias in the 1960s.”

Being founded in the century, over 250 years ago by Reverend Eleazar Wheelock, definitely puts it in the list of the oldest colleges in the US list. 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

‘Boasts the distinction of being the oldest educational institution south of Virginia and the 13th oldest in the United States.”

Established over 250 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

“Honor of being the oldest continuously operating educational institution for women in the United States.” 

Founded over 250 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 (WISE) 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. Transylvania University

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

Transylvania University is the first university west of the Allegheny Mountains and the 16th oldest in the United States.

Founded 240 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.

17. 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

One of the oldest continuous football programs in the United States, dating back to 1890!

Founded over 240 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.“The Rassias Method® for foreign language was invented by Dartmouth Professor John Rassias in the 1960s.” Thomas E. Dewey, who ran as a U.S. Presidential candidate, was from here.

18. Hampden-Sydney College

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

Hampden-Sydney College is one of only three remaining all-male colleges in the United States, preserving its focus on traditional values and character development.

Established over 245 years ago 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, part of the list of the oldest colleges in the US, continues to uphold its traditions of character development and academic excellence. A notable alumnus, William H. Cabell, served as Virginia’s Governor.

19. 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 240 years old, is one of the oldest public universities in 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 US. The famous Ryan Seacrest, who shaped modern entertainment, was from here.

20. 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, founded in 1783, holds the distinction of being the first college chartered in the newly formed United States, symbolizing a commitment to education in a young nation.

Dickinson College, now over 240 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 commitment to producing socially responsible leaders, which continue to make it a standout institution in the realm of higher education. A notable alumnus, James Buchanan, served as the 15th U.S. President