20 Oldest Colleges in the U.S.
Did you know the oldest college in the U.S. was founded nearly 150 years before America became a country? These historic institutions aren't just ancient buildings with ivy-covered walls—they're living, breathing centers of innovation that have shaped generations of leaders while constantly reinventing themselves.
Let's explore the 20 oldest colleges in America, looking beyond their founding dates to what they offer today's students. Whether you're drawn to the prestige of an Ivy League education or looking for a vibrant public university experience, these historic institutions offer something special that newer schools simply can't replicate.
Why History Matters in Your College Search
When you step onto a campus that's been educating students for centuries, you're not just enrolling in classes—you're becoming part of a living legacy. These schools offer unique traditions, awe-inspiring architecture, and networks of influential alumni that span generations.
But don't think these institutions are stuck in the past. Many of America's oldest colleges lead the way in cutting-edge research, technology programs, and global partnerships. They've mastered the art of honoring tradition while embracing innovation.
For high school students weighing options, these historic institutions offer a distinct blend of cultural richness and academic prestige that's worth considering.
The 20 Oldest Colleges in America
1. Harvard University (1636)
Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts
Acceptance Rate: ~3.5%
Notable Alumni: Barack Obama, Mark Zuckerberg, Natalie Portman
Popular Majors: Political Science, Computer Science, Economics
QS Ranking: #4
Enrollment: ~24,596
As America's oldest institution of higher learning, Harvard needs little introduction. Founded before the United States itself existed, Harvard continues to dominate global education rankings while offering unparalleled resources to its students.
2. College of William & Mary (1693)
Location: Williamsburg,
Acceptance Rate: ~33%
Notable Alumni: Thomas Jefferson, Jon Stewart
Popular Majors: International Relations, Biology, Business
QS Ranking: #1001-1200
Enrollment: ~9,762
The second-oldest college in America offers a unique blend of historical significance and modern education in a charming colonial setting.
3. Yale University (1701)
Location: New Haven, Connecticut
Acceptance Rate: ~4.5%
Notable Alumni: George H.W. Bush, Meryl Streep, Hillary Clinton
Popular Majors: History, Political Science, Economics
QS Ranking: #23
Enrollment: ~12,093
Yale's stunning campus and world-class programs continue to attract some of the brightest minds globally.
4. Princeton University (1746)
Location: Princeton, New Jersey
Acceptance Rate: ~4.5%
Notable Alumni: Woodrow Wilson, Michelle Obama, Jeff Bezos
Popular Majors: Public Policy, Computer Science, Economics
QS Ranking: #22
Enrollment: ~8,973
Princeton combines academic excellence with a picturesque campus and strong undergraduate focus.
5. Columbia University (1754)
Location: New York City, New York
Acceptance Rate: ~4.28%
Notable Alumni: Alexander Hamilton, Barack Obama, Ruth Bader Ginsburg Popular Majors: Engineering, Economics, Political Science
QS Ranking: #34
Enrollment: ~28,000
Columbia offers Ivy League prestige in the heart of Manhattan, giving students unparalleled access to cultural and professional opportunities. It’s also one of the top 10 colleges in New York.
6. University of Pennsylvania (1740)
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Acceptance Rate: ~5.9%
Notable Alumni: Elon Musk, Donald Trump, Noam Chomsky
Popular Majors: Business, Nursing, Engineering
QS Ranking: #11
Enrollment: ~24,219
Penn blends liberal arts education with strong professional programs, particularly through its renowned Wharton School of Business.
7. Brown University (1764)
Location: Providence, Rhode
Acceptance Rate: ~5.4%
Notable Alumni: John Krasinski, Emma Watson, Ted Turner
Popular Majors: Biology, Computer Science, Economics
QS Ranking: #79
Enrollment: ~11,005
Brown's open curriculum allows students unprecedented freedom to design their own educational path.
8. Rutgers University (1766)
Location: New Brunswick, New Jersey
Acceptance Rate: ~35%
Notable Alumni: James Gandolfini, Milton Friedman, Calista Flockhart Popular Majors: Psychology, Biology, Information Technology
QS Ranking: #328
Enrollment: ~69,000
As one of America's largest public research universities, Rutgers offers historic prestige with public university accessibility.
9. Dartmouth College (1769)
Location: Hanover, New Hampshire
Acceptance Rate: ~6.2%
Notable Alumni: Nelson Rockefeller, Mindy Kaling, Robert Frost
Popular Majors: Economics, Government, Engineering
QS Ranking: #243
Enrollment: ~6,746
Dartmouth combines the resources of a research university with the intimate feel of a liberal arts college in a stunning New England setting. With an acceptance rate of 6.2%, it can be challenging to get into Dartmouth college.
10. College of Charleston (1770)
Location: Charleston, South Carolina
Acceptance Rate: ~72%
Notable Alumni: Stephen Colbert, Thomas Gibson, Shepard Fairey
Popular Majors: Business, Biology, Communication
Enrollment: ~ 11,729
This historic college offers a vibrant student experience in one of America's most charming cities.
11. University of Georgia (1785)
Location: Athens, Georgia
Acceptance Rate: ~33%
Notable Alumni: Herschel Walker, Ryan Seacrest, Alton Brown
Popular Majors: Business, Biology, Psychology
Enrollment: ~41,615
UGA combines historic beauty with the excitement of a major public university and top-tier athletics.
12. Franklin & Marshall College (1787)
Location: Lancaster,
Acceptance Rate: ~32%
Notable Alumni: Kenneth Duberstein, Richard Plepler, Roy Scheider
Popular Majors: Biology, Business, Government
Enrollment: ~1,911
This small liberal arts college offers personalized education with strong outcomes.
13. Georgetown University (1789)
Location: Washington, D.C.
Acceptance Rate: ~12%
Notable Alumni: Bill Clinton, Bradley Cooper, Maria Shriver
Popular Majors: Political Science, International Relations, Finance
QS Ranking: #301
Enrollment: ~7,968
Georgetown's location in the nation's capital creates unparalleled opportunities for students interested in politics and international affairs.
14. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (1789)
Location: Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Acceptance Rate: ~16.8%
Notable Alumni: Michael Jordan, James K. Polk, Andy Griffith
Popular Majors: Business, Biology, Psychology
QS Ranking: #155
Enrollment: ~32,496
UNC offers prestigious academics, championship athletics, and a vibrant college town atmosphere.
15. University of Vermont (1791)
Location: Burlington,
Acceptance Rate: ~60%
Notable Alumni: Ben Affleck, Jody Williams, John Dewey
Popular Majors: Environmental Studies, Business, Nursing
QS Ranking: #1001–1200
Enrollment: ~13,943
UVM combines academic excellence with a stunning location near Lake Champlain and the Green Mountains.
16. Bowdoin College (1794)
Location: Brunswick, Maine
Acceptance Rate: ~7%
Notable Alumni: Nathaniel Hawthorne, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Reed Hastings
Popular Majors: Government, Economics, Biology
Enrollment: ~1,881
This highly selective liberal arts college offers exceptional academics in a quintessential New England setting.
17. Union College (1795)
Location: Schenectady, New York
Acceptance Rate: ~44%
Notable Alumni: William Seward, Gordon Gould, Andrea Barrett
Popular Majors: Engineering, Economics, Biology
Enrollment: ~2,082
Union pioneered the integration of liberal arts and engineering education.
18. University of Tennessee (1794)
Location: Knoxville, Tennessee
Acceptance Rate: ~46%
Notable Alumni: Peyton Manning, Justin Gatlin, Cormac McCarthy
Popular Majors: Business, Engineering, Communication
Enrollment: ~38,728
UT combines academic excellence with SEC athletics and a vibrant campus life.
19. Middlebury College (1800)
Location: Middlebury, Vermont
Acceptance Rate: ~13%
Notable Alumni: Eve Ensler, Jeff Lindsay, Kristen Connolly
Popular Majors: International Studies, Environmental Science, Political Science Enrollment: ~2,843
Known for its language programs and environmental initiatives, Middlebury offers a distinctive approach to liberal arts education.
20. Ohio University (1804)
Location: Athens, Ohio
Acceptance Rate: ~85%
Notable Alumni: Paul Newman, Nancy Cartwright, Clarence Page
Popular Majors: Journalism, Business, Health Sciences
Enrollment: ~28,000
As one of America's most accessible historic institutions, Ohio University offers strong programs in a classic college town setting.
What These Historic Colleges Can Teach Us
These centuries-old institutions show that academic excellence isn't just about cutting-edge facilities—it's about creating environments where knowledge and innovation thrive across generations. Many have evolved from small religious schools into diverse, forward-thinking universities leading research in everything from artificial intelligence to climate science.
Not all historic institutions come with an Ivy League sticker price, either. Schools like Ohio University and the College of Charleston offer accessibility alongside their rich histories, proving that educational legacy isn't only for the elite.
Tips for Applying to Historic Institutions
If you're considering one of these historic colleges, think beyond the prestige factor. Consider what truly matters to you: location, class size, specific academic programs, and financial aid options.
Remember that acceptance rates range dramatically—from Harvard's ultra-competitive 3.5% to Ohio University's more accessible 85%. Many of these historic institutions prioritize different aspects of student applications, with some valuing legacy connections and others focusing on academic innovation.
Virtual tours have made it easier than ever to explore these historic campuses from anywhere, helping you determine if a college's vibe matches your personality and goals.
Conclusion
These 20 institutions represent more than just America's educational past—they're actively shaping its future. The best historic colleges combine time-tested traditions with forward-thinking approaches, creating environments where students can both honor the past and prepare for tomorrow's challenges.
When choosing a college, look beyond founding dates and famous alumni to find the place where your own educational story can truly flourish. After all, the most important history is the one you'll make during your college years.
And if you need any help, you can sign up for Kollegio. We offer personalized recommendations for your college journey, making it easier to choose between several options.
