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TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - For multiple centuries, the oldest universities in the U.S. have stayed committed to becoming beacons of progression. Not only do they strive toward academic excellence, but these institutions are also known to house some of the most brilliant students in the country. With their enduring legacy and forward-thinking vision, these venerable universities continue to shape leaders, foster innovation, and redefine the boundaries of higher education.List of the Oldest Universities in the U.S.Citing QS rankings and AmberStudents, some of the oldest universities in the U.S. have history dating all the way back to the 17th century. Read on to learn more about the schools. 1. Harvard University - 389 years oldFounded in 1636, Harvard University proudly stands as the oldest university in the U.S., embodying centuries of academic distinction and intellectual pursuit. Home to over 100 research centers and the world’s largest academic library system, it offers students an unparalleled environment of discovery and innovation. Its enduring prestige is further exemplified by its distinguished faculty, including Nobel laureate Gary Ruvkun, celebrated for his groundbreaking work on microRNA.Year of establishment: 1636 2. The College of William and Mary - 332 years old Named after British co-monarchs, the College of William and Mary is synonymous with a legacy of intellectual brilliance. With a feature of historic buildings, the school once housed the country’s presidents, including Thomas Jefferson, who authored the Declaration of Independence. In recent years, this longstanding institution continues to receive spotlight from mainstream media for renewing the traditional walk for the 2023-2024 students. Year of establishment:16933. St John’s College - 329 years oldAs one of the oldest public universities in the U.S., St. John’s College stands out for its intimate learning environment, where small class sizes foster deeper engagement and mentorship. Dedicated to continual growth and modernization, the institution has embraced a series of transformations over the years, including a refreshed logo and the launch of its online Johnnie Store. Through these initiatives, St. John’s preserves its historic legacy while seamlessly adapting to the evolving landscape of higher education.Year of establishment:16964. Yale University - 324 years oldOriginally founded as ‘Collegiate School’ back in 1701, Yale University rebranded and moved to its current location in 1718. Fostering curiosity and innovation, the institution empowers scholars to take part in cutting-edge projects that cultivate an inclusive environment and nurture future creative leaders. Through its multidisciplinary approach and use of advanced, pioneering technology, the university has earned an impressive overall score of 90.4 points, reflecting its unwavering commitment to excellence and progress.Year of establishment:17015. University of Pennsylvania - 285 years old University of Pennsylvania, also known for its nickname UPenn, was founded by an American founding father, Benjamin Franklin, in 1740. Following its legacy to educate future generations, the university is now ranked 11th on the QS World University Rankings, promising a single-digit of overall acceptance rate at 5.4%. Boasting a faculty-to-student ratio of 6:1, UPenn offers over 90 fields of study across its 12 schools. Year of establishment:17406. Moravian College - 283 years oldAmong the oldest universities in the U.S., Moravian University has received a grand reputation across generations. While it was first established as a boarding school for young women, the college has since evolved into a distinguished institution that continues to inspire and empower ambitious scholars. Beyond its campus, students broaden their horizons through enriching opportunities such as internships, research initiatives, and study abroad programs that prepare them for a global future.Year of establishment:17427. University of Delaware - 282 years oldDespite its fame as one of the oldest universities in the U.S., the University of Delaware was denied a charter once to prevent conflicts with a fellow higher education institution in town, the University of Pennsylvania. Since its founding and several progressions, the school has a long history of quality teaching, with graduates ranking on a global scale, including the 46th President of the United States, Joe Biden. Year of establishment:17438. Princeton University - 279 years old As a part of the Ivy League institutions, Princeton University has brought flying colors to the education field, offering a financial aid program with little or no debt of the $56,100 tuition. Adding to the convenience of the partial scholarship program, Princeton University also provides residential accommodation to its undergraduates. With an overall acceptance rate of 4.6%, this school remains a viable option to A-list students. Year of establishment:17469. Washington and Lee University - 276 years oldAs one of the oldest universities in the U.S., Washington and Lee University Washington and Lee University holds a remarkable place in history. In 1796, it received what was then the largest financial gift ever granted to an American educational institution, solidifying its enduring legacy.Year of establishment:174910. Columbia University - 271 years old Beneath its majestic Roman Classical architecture, Columbia University stands as a cradle of leadership, having educated historic figures including Founding Father Alexander Hamilton and U.S. Presidents Theodore and Franklin Roosevelt. Its legacy is deeply interwoven with the nation’s intellectual and political evolution, marking it as a cornerstone of American higher education. Fortified by an endowment surpassing $15 billion, the university remains a symbol of enduring excellence and institutional strength.Year of establishment:1754Through centuries of transformation, the oldest universities in the U.S. have not only preserved their historical prestige but also evolved into catalysts of progress and innovation. Their unwavering pursuit of knowledge continues to shape generations of leaders who redefine excellence across disciplines and borders. For those aspiring to pursue their studies overseas, it’s equally worth exploring the best universities in Asia, home to some of the world’s most dynamic centers of academic excellence.Editor’s Choice: List of Top Universities in the World for 2026Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
