Did you know that universities in the US have been educating students for nearly 400 years? Some of the nation’s oldest schools were founded during the colonial era, and their long history of academic excellence has resulted in strong global reputations. Many of the oldest universities in the US welcome international students, offering top-ranked programs, groundbreaking research opportunities, and rich traditions that have shaped American education and global leaders across government, business, and faith-based institutions.
Whether established to prepare future leaders, train ministers, or expand access to knowledge, these schools laid the foundation for the higher education system we know today. Let’s take a look at the 12 oldest universities in the US, when they were founded, and a few key facts about each one.
What Are the Oldest Colleges in the US?
The oldest university in US, Harvard, was founded in 1636, long before the US became an independent nation. Harvard and other early institutions reflected the needs of their time, but evolved with changing societies and innovations, and today stand among the world’s most respected universities. Today, these historic schools remain influential in shaping both American education and global learning.
Harvard University (1636)
Founded in 1636 as New College in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Harvard University is the oldest university in United States. In 1639, it was renamed Harvard College in honor of John Harvard, a young minister who left half of his estate and his library of 320 volumes to the school. Originally created to train Puritan clergy, it soon became a center for intellectual and civic leadership in colonial America.
Today, Harvard is one of the world’s most prestigious universities, consistently ranked among the top in global rankings. It enrolls more than 23,000 students, including thousands from more than 150 countries. Harvard is also recognized for its programs in STEM, business, and law, as well as fostering cross-disciplinary research in climate change, health sciences, and technology.
College of William & Mary (1693)
Chartered in 1693 by King William III and Queen Mary II of England, the College of William & Mary is the second-oldest university in the US. Located in Williamsburg, Virginia, it was originally established to educate clergy and government officials for the colony. It was also a key training ground for future leaders, including three US presidents: Thomas Jefferson, James Monroe, and John Tyler.
Known for its small class sizes and commitment to undergraduate research, the school attracts international students interested in political science, history, and STEM fields. Interestingly, it is also the first US college to establish a law school.
St. John’s College (1696)
Founded in 1696 as King William’s School in Annapolis, Maryland, St. John’s College was chartered as a liberal arts institution in 1784. The university is known for its Great Books curriculum, where all students study the same core of classic works in philosophy, literature, and science.
This distinctive model continues to attract international students who value the discussion-driven, interdisciplinary approach. It encourages critical thinking across cultures and cultivates meaningful engagement with the ideas that have defined human civilization.
Yale University (1701)
Founded in 1701 as the Collegiate School by Congregationalist ministers, Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut, was renamed in 1718 after benefactor Elihu Yale, who donated money, books, and a portrait of King George I to the institution. From its earliest days, the school combined religious training with a broader intellectual mission, becoming a leading center in colonial America.
It has since developed into an Ivy League university renowned worldwide for its professional schools, research initiatives, and vibrant international community. Students from more than 120 countries study at Yale, a university particularly strong in STEM, global health, economics, and the arts. Yale is also home to one of the largest university libraries in the world, which holds rare books, manuscripts, and special collections that attract scholars from across the globe.
University of Pennsylvania (1740)
Benjamin Franklin founded the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia in 1740. He envisioned an institution that combined classical learning with practical education. This forward-looking philosophy distinguished Penn from other colonial colleges that focused more narrowly on religious training.
Penn remains a leader in innovation, home to the world-renowned Wharton School of Business and pioneering research programs in medicine, engineering, and technology. Nearly one-fifth of its students come from outside the US, making it one of the most internationally diverse Ivy League institutions.
Moravian University (1742)
In 1742 in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, Countess Benigna von Zinzendorf established Moravian University, the sixth-oldest university in the US, as a school for girls. This initiative made it the first institution of higher education in North America to educate women, well before coeducation became common practice.
Building on this legacy of inclusion, Moravian has grown into a liberal arts university known for close faculty mentorship and small class sizes. It has expanded its offerings into nursing, health sciences, and engineering, creating a strong appeal for international students seeking a personalized academic environment.
University of Delaware (1743)
The University of Delaware originated in 1743 as a small academy in New London, Pennsylvania, before relocating to Newark, Delaware, in 1765. Its global outlook became evident early on: In 1923, it pioneered the first US study abroad program, sending students to France.
That tradition of international engagement continues, with students from more than 100 countries choosing Delaware for its programs in engineering, environmental sciences, and business. It remains a national leader in study abroad participation and global education.
Princeton University (1746)
Founded in 1746 as the College of New Jersey, Princeton moved to its current location in 1756 and became a center of intellectual and political life during the colonial era. It officially adopted the name Princeton University in 1896.
The institution has since become one of the world’s most respected Ivy League universities, with renowned programs in science, policy, and the humanities. Nearly 25% of its graduate students are international, making it a hub for global research collaboration. Its beautiful Gothic campus is also one of the most photographed in the US.
Washington and Lee University (1749/1782 charter)
Originally founded in 1749 as Augusta Academy in Augusta County, Virginia, the school was later renamed Washington and Lee University to honor George Washington and Robert E. Lee: “Washington for his gift that rescued the struggling school in the 18th century and Lee for his transformative presidency of Washington College from 1865 to 1870.”
The university now blends its historic roots with a modern liberal arts education. International students benefit from close faculty interaction, a strong alumni network, and a broad curriculum spanning the humanities, sciences, and social sciences.
Columbia University (1754)
Originally King’s College, Columbia University was founded in New York City and remains one of the most prestigious Ivy League universities. The university was founded by royal charter of King George II, making it the first institution of higher education in New York. Following the American Revolution, it was renamed Columbia College in 1784 to reflect the spirit of independence and later evolved into Columbia University.
Its location in Manhattan makes it an ideal destination for international students seeking academic excellence alongside internships and cultural opportunities. Columbia is also known for its strong programs in journalism, international relations, and STEM.
Brown University (1764)
Brown University was founded in 1764 as the College in the English Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations. Brown University stood out at the time for its open and supportive nature, welcoming students regardless of religious affiliation and setting a precedent for inclusivity in American higher education.
That spirit of openness continues today through Brown’s famous open curriculum, which gives students the freedom to shape their own academic paths. More than 2,500 international students enroll each year, attracted to top-ranked programs in computer science, engineering, and entrepreneurship. The university also established the nation’s first applied mathematics program and is now recognized as a leader in data science and computational research.
Rutgers University (1766)
Established in 1766 as Queen’s College in New Brunswick, New Jersey, Rutgers was founded by leaders of the Dutch Reformed Church to train ministers. In 1825, it was renamed Rutgers College in honor of Revolutionary War veteran and philanthropist Colonel Henry Rutgers.
It has since developed into New Jersey’s flagship public research university, widely recognized for its diversity and academic excellence. Students from more than 125 countries pursue degrees at Rutgers in fields ranging from engineering and life sciences to business, supported by career opportunities in nearby New York City and Philadelphia.
Exploring the oldest universities in the US is a great way to see how higher education has evolved over the centuries. For international students, choosing the right university is about more than history; it is about finding a school that supports your academic and career goals. Rutgers University, for example, works with Shorelight to recruit ambitious international students who want to study at a large and diverse school close to career opportunities in nearby New York City and Philadelphia.
With Shorelight, you can explore Rutgers and many other historically significant and international-friendly universities across the US, with guidance every step of the way.
Start your journey to a top US university with Shorelight today >
