List of 10 Oldest Universities in the USA

Looking for a deeper dive into the foundations of American higher education? This comprehensive guide delves into the history, significance, and enduring legacy of the 10 oldest universities in the United States. Check out, the list of the 10 top oldest universities in USA along with details on enrollments, alumni and acceptance rates.

Dating back to the 17th century, USA’s oldest universities recorded their humble beginnings to their present-day prominence, these institutions have played a pivotal role in shaping the USA’s education system, and intellectual and cultural landscape. Explore US universities that are the oldest discussing their unique characteristics, academic programs, and notable alumni, and gain a newfound appreciation for the rich tapestry of American higher education.

Check Out: Oldest Universities in the World

List of 10 Oldest Universities in the USA

With more than 380+ years of operations to date, dating back to the 17th and the 18th century in the USA, here is a list of the '10 oldest universities in the USA':

1. Harvard University (Established in 1636)
2. The College of William & Mary (Established in 1693)
3. St. John’s College (Established in 1696)
4. Yale University (Established in 1701)
5. University of Pennsylvania (Established in 1740 - chartered in 1755)
6. Moravian University (Established in 1742)
7. University of Delaware (Established in 1743)
8. Princeton University (Established in 1746)
9. Washington & Lee University (Established in 1749)
10. Columbia University (Established in 1754)

These US universities are a blend of elite Ivy Leagues, leading liberal arts colleges and public/private research universities which have imparted education to millions of students. 

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 one of the oldest universities in USA. Founded in 1696 as King William’s School and chartered in 1784 as St. John’s College. Small class sizes promote active learning and dialogue, guided by dedicated faculty prioritising intellectual engagement over traditional teaching methods. With campuses located in Annapolis, Maryland, and Santa Fe, New Mexico, St. John’s offers a distinctive academic experience enriched by diverse student backgrounds and extensive extracurricular activities. Some facts about St. John’s College, one of the oldest American universities are as follows:

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 and is known for its academic excellence, research and innovation, and notable alumni. 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 and is known for its academic excellence, faculty, research and campus life. 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 USA's oldest universities, dating back to the 17th century, have shaped the nation's educational reputation. International students thrive in thousands, to get admission to leading US universities. These institutions, including renowned Ivy League schools and public research universities, have produced countless influential figures and continue to be sought after for their academic excellence. 

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