List of 10 Oldest Universities in the USA

If you want to know about the oldest universities in USA, this small guide help you understand it easy. You can see the 10 oldest universities in USA and also some info like enrollment, acceptance rate and old students who became famous.

Some of these universities started long time back, like 17th century, and they was very small first. Now they grow big and important in American study world. They kind of shape how education in USA look today, also culture and thinking and many things like that.

You can look each university one by one, and you will see something different in all of them. One place have special academic programs, another place got old buildings, another one have big alumni list, you will find mix of everything. You understand better how American higher education slowly become strong over long years.

This simple guide help you learn it without heavy words, so you get clear picture fast about these oldest US universities and why they still matter now.

Check Out: Oldest Universities in the World

List of 10 Oldest Universities in the USA

10 Top Oldest Universities in the USA

Let us understand in detail about each of these oldest US universities from the section below: 

1. Harvard University

In 1636 the very first college in the USA was established with £400 for a ‘schoale or colledge’ which later came to be known as Harvard. Harvard is a private, research university and one of the oldest universities in the USA. Harvard is a globally renowned university and ranks at #4 as per QS-World University Rankings (WUR) 2025. This oldest US university is also a part of the Ivy League Schools, which are elite in the USA. Harvard College offers undergraduate courses and is one of the oldest liberal arts colleges in the USA. Some of the key takeaways from USA’s oldest university, that is, of Harvard are as follows: 

2. The College of William & Mary

The next oldest university in the USA in the list after Harvard is the College of William & Mary. Established in 1693, the College of William & Mary is a public four-year research college located in Williamsburg, Virginia. Proclaiming itself as one of the ‘public Ivy’, the College of William & Mary has been ranked #23 for Best Public Schools in USA as per US News & World Report. Also, the College of William & Mary has been ranked #1 for Best Schools for Internships as per Princeton Review. Some of the facts about this oldest university in USA are as follows:

3. St. John’s College

St. John’s College is counted as one of the oldest universities in USA, and it began in 1696 with the name King William’s School. Later in 1784, it got the charter and became St. John’s College. You will see the classes are small here, and students talk and learn together a lot, sometimes more than normal teaching style, because teachers focus more on thinking and sharing ideas.

The college has two campuses, one in Annapolis, Maryland, and another one in Santa Fe, New Mexico, so you get different kind of environment in both places. You might notice students coming from many backgrounds, and there are plenty activities also, so the study life feel more full.

4. Yale University

Another Ivy League school which makes it to the list of top and oldest universities in USA is Yale University. Founded in early 1648 as a local college for imparting European liberal education, Yale officially became Yale College in 1701. Thus, it is also one of the oldest, private research universities in the USA. Yale ranks #16 as per QS - WUR 2025. Some of the key facts for this oldest US university have been stated in the table below:

5. University of Pennsylvania

The third Ivy League which makes it to the list of the oldest universities in the USA is the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn). Founded in 1740, is the fifth oldest university in USA. The first Medical School of the USA was founded in 1766 at UPenn, which makes it one of the oldest Schools in the country. UPenn ranks #12 based on QS - WUR 2025. Also, UPenn is known for its programs offered across the Wharton School of Business, College of Arts and Sciences, Engineering School, Law School, and Medical School, Some of the stats based on admission and placements have been tabulated below:

6. Moravian University

Moravian University, founded in 1742 and located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, is a private institution. This is the sixth oldest university in the USA which offers 70+ undergraduate programs and 50+ graduate degree programs. Known for its inclusive environment, the university emphasises a comprehensive student experience called Elevate, which includes global travel, guaranteed work experience, and extensive career support. Each student receives an Apple MacBook Pro, iPad, and Apple Watch on enrollment. The university is committed to affordability, with all students receiving financial aid. The campus, set on 100 acres and split across Bethlehem's historic downtown, embodies both local charm and global connections, highlighted by its recent inclusion in a UNESCO World Heritage site.

7. University of Delaware

Established in 1743, the University of Delaware (UDel) is USA’s seventh oldest university. In addition to its main campus in Newark, UD has campuses in Wilmington, Dover, Georgetown, and Lewes, providing accessibility and opportunities across the state. The university emphasises global citizenship through a thriving study-abroad program and expanding international partnerships, enriching students' educational experiences beyond the campus borders. Check out some of the stats for UDel below: 

8. Princeton University

The fourth Ivy League school made it to the list of oldest universities in the USA - Princeton University. Also known as the College of New Jersey was chartered in 1746 and after 10 years came to be known as Princeton University. It is a private research university and ranks #17th in WUR 2025 of QS. Princeton University offers its students academic, extracurricular, and other resources to prepare them for leadership roles and a life of service across various fields of human endeavour. Check out some of the key takeaways of Princeton University in the table below: 

9. Washington & Lee University

Founded in 1749, Washington and Lee University (W&L) in Lexington, Virginia, is the ninth-oldest college in the U.S. It blends a liberal arts curriculum with nationally recognised undergraduate programs in business and journalism, plus a School of Law. With a small undergraduate enrollment of about 1,860, W&L fosters personal mentorship and community. Known for its Honor System, W&L emphasises honour, integrity, and civility, shaping students into responsible citizens and leaders prepared to impact the world. Check out some of the stats for Washington & Lee University below: 

10. Columbia University 

The tenth-oldest university in the USA is Columbia University, the fifth Ivy League school on the list established in 1754. Columbia University is a private research university in the USA known for its diverse international faculty and student body. There are 17 schools and four affiliate schools at Columbia University that are spread across four campuses located in and around New York City. Columbia University globally ranks #23 for QS - 2025 rankings. Check out some of the stats for Columbia University below: 

The oldest universities in USA started way back in the 17th century, and they made a big name for education in the country. Many international students come in thousands every year, and you also can try for admission to these top US universities if you want. These places, some Ivy League and some public research ones, created many important people, and they still stay famous for strong academics.

If you planning to apply in any of these oldest universities in the USA, you can get free help just by signing up on the platform. One counsellor will talk with you, and they help you check if the university is matching your study goals and also support you with the admission steps.