Let’s face it—there’s something iconic about old universities. The ivy-covered walls. The historic traditions. The long list of presidents and cultural icons who once sat in those lecture halls. But what are the oldest universities in the US? When you think about the origins of American academia, you’re not just thinking about buildings—you’re thinking about the foundation of a nation.
In this article, we’re ranking the 10 oldest universities in the US, tracing their roots, quirks, and how they became the cornerstones of elite education. This isn’t just a dry list. It’s a look at how these schools helped shape what education means in America. If you're searching for the oldest universities in US history or wondering how the oldest US universities in order compare in impact and prestige, this guide has you covered.
Harvard University is not only the oldest university in the US—it’s also the most globally recognized name in higher education. Established in 1636, nearly 150 years before the Declaration of Independence, Harvard began with a mission to train clergy in the Puritan tradition. Since then, it has evolved into the standard-bearer for academic excellence in the United States and across the world. With its iconic crimson colors, historic campus in Cambridge, and unrivaled resources, Harvard continues to set the pace for American and international higher education.
Why Harvard leads the list of the oldest universities in US:
The school remains at the very top of every global university ranking and continues to be the institution that all others are measured against. It’s no surprise that when people ask what are the oldest universities in the US, Harvard is always the first name that comes up.
As the second-oldest university in the US, the College of William & Mary was founded by royal charter in 1693. It was America’s first university to establish an honor code and one of the first to offer elective courses—revolutionary for its time. Located in historic Williamsburg, Virginia, it has educated three U.S. presidents, including Thomas Jefferson, who considered his education here as one of the most important foundations of his life. Its tight-knit academic community and gorgeous colonial campus make it a living museum of American history.
William & Mary doesn’t just sit on this list of the 10 oldest universities in the US—it helped define what a modern American college could be.
Ranked among the oldest universities in US academia, Yale University was originally founded as the Collegiate School in 1701 by Congregationalist ministers. It received the name Yale in honor of benefactor Elihu Yale, who donated books and goods that helped the fledgling college survive. Today, Yale stands as a cultural and intellectual icon, from its celebrated School of Drama and School of Law to its famed secret societies, including the Skull and Bones.
Highlights that make Yale a standout on this list:
If you're mapping out the oldest US universities in order, Yale easily stands out not just for its age but for the role it continues to play in shaping elite education and leadership.
Princeton University, one of the most prestigious and selective institutions in the world, began as the College of New Jersey before moving to its current location in 1756. Deeply rooted in Presbyterian tradition, Princeton was founded to prepare young men for the ministry but evolved quickly into a world-class liberal arts and research university. With its rich legacy and influential alumni, Princeton ranks high among the 10 oldest universities in the US.
Princeton’s old-world prestige paired with forward-looking research makes it a cornerstone of both historical and modern academia.
Founded as King’s College under a royal charter from King George II, Columbia University was renamed after the American Revolution. As the only Ivy League school in New York City, it offers a unique blend of colonial history and urban modernity. Columbia’s journalism school is the birthplace of the Pulitzer Prize, and its programs in medicine, engineering, and international affairs are world-renowned.
Key facts about Columbia’s legacy:
Although it was first conceived as a charity school in 1740, Penn was chartered as a college in 1755 and soon became the prototype for American higher education. Founded by Benjamin Franklin, the university has always emphasized practical knowledge, interdisciplinary learning, and research excellence. Penn claims to be America’s first true university by offering both undergraduate and graduate studies under one roof.
Why Penn earns its spot among the oldest US universities in order:
For those wondering what are the oldest universities in the US with the biggest modern impact, Penn is an obvious contender.
Brown University brought something radically different to American higher education—it was the first to admit students regardless of religious affiliation. With its Open Curriculum that lets students shape their academic path, Brown continues to push boundaries while honoring its historic roots. A hub for free thinkers, it balances academic rigor with creative exploration.
Reasons why Brown is one of the most unique among the oldest universities in US:
Known originally as Queen’s College, Rutgers is New Jersey’s largest and most comprehensive public university. It transitioned from a religious college into a major research powerhouse and is now part of the Big Ten Academic Alliance. As a flagship public university with deep colonial roots, Rutgers blends accessibility with prestige.
Rutgers' claim to fame among the oldest universities in US:
Rutgers’ evolution is a case study in how colonial colleges have adapted to meet the demands of modern education.
Dartmouth College was established with a mission to educate Native Americans and train them as missionaries. Over time, it grew into a private Ivy League research university that maintains a strong emphasis on undergraduate teaching. Its scenic location and strong sense of community make it beloved by students and alumni alike.
Why Dartmouth stands tall in the oldest US universities in order:
Dartmouth offers a unique blend of old-school values and modern relevance, making it a fixture on any list of the oldest universities in the US.
Chartered in 1785, the University of Georgia holds the distinction of being the first state-chartered public university in the United States. It was a bold move for a young nation—public education for the masses—and it laid the groundwork for the American public university system as we know it today.
UGA’s lasting impact:
While UGA may round out the list of the 10 oldest universities in the US, its influence on public education ensures its spot in any serious academic discussion.
What are the oldest universities in the US?
The oldest universities in the US include Harvard, Yale, Princeton, and others that date back to the 1600s and 1700s. These institutions were the first to offer structured higher education in the American colonies.
What is the oldest university in the US?
Harvard University is the oldest university in the US, founded in 1636 in Cambridge, Massachusetts. It remains a global symbol of academic prestige and innovation.
Which Ivy League schools are also among the oldest US universities in order?
Several Ivy League schools are among the oldest US universities in order, including Harvard (1636), Yale (1701), Princeton (1746), Columbia (1754), Brown (1764), and Dartmouth (1769).
Are the 10 oldest universities in the US still operating today?
Yes, all 10 oldest universities in the US are still operating and thriving today. They’ve grown into major research institutions while maintaining their historical roots and traditions.
So, what are the oldest universities in the US? They are more than historical trivia—they are foundational pillars of American education. From Harvard’s elite legacy to the University of Georgia’s public mission, the oldest universities in US history have shaped how knowledge is created, shared, and institutionalized across centuries. These institutions are living archives, where the past and future of education meet. Whether you're looking to study their programs or just curious about how American higher education evolved, understanding the oldest US universities in order is essential.
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