Best and Oldest Universities in the US

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The US is one of the most sought-after study destinations in the world. The country has many internationally recognized universities, with 150 listed on the QS World Rankings. Though most of them cannot claim to be the oldest university in the world, there are three dating back to the 17th century.

The US offers more than just academic excellence, research & teaching, and a flexible education system to international students. It also offers a multicultural environment, quality of life, scholarships, and post-graduate job opportunities.

Top and reputed universities in the US you should be looking into:

Harvard University

QS World University Rankings: Ranks # 4

Acceptance Rate: 3.4% (2023)
Average Cost After Aid: $13,000 (2023)
University Type: Private University
No of International Students: 16% (2023)
Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA

Harvard University was founded in 1636 by John Harvard, the first benefactor and founder. It was originally named New College and changed to Harvard University to honor him. The university was built to train the clergy, and by the 20th century, it opened for diverse students. Today, it’s one of the oldest U.S colleges, one of the top five Ivy League schools, and the most prestigious university not only in the US but the world.

It has three main campuses- Cambridge, Allston and Boston. There are 3,7000 courses in 50 UG fields of study. In around 56 subjects, it provides Master of Arts, Master of Sc, and Ph.D.The Harvard Alumni include: 8 US Presidents, Billionaires, World- Renowned Scholars, Nobel Prize, Pulitzer Winners, Academy Award Winners and many more. If you are planning to study at Harvard University, you can easily find on-campus or off-campus accommodation.

The College of William and Mary

US News Best Colleges: Ranked #53 out of 439 National Universities
Acceptance Rate: 36.5% (2023)
Average Cost After Aid: $33,774 (2023)
University Type: Private University
No of International Students: 8% (2023)
Location: Williamsburg, Virginia, USA

The College of William and Mary is the second oldest college in the US and the 9th oldest in the English-speaking world. Its history dates back to 1618 (older than Harvard), but it was officially chartered in 1693 by King William III and Queen Mary II. The college is public Ivy- a cutting-edge research institution and one out of 8 in the nation that offers world-class education. It has 5 colleges namely, the William & Mary, the Richmond Professional Institute, the Norfolk Division of the College of William & Mary, Christopher Newport College, and Richard Bland College.

The college is called ” Alma Mater of the Nation” as it has close ties to its founding fathers. The College of William and Mary is famous for its many firsts: firsts as 1st US institution with a royal charter, student honor code, college turning to uni, the law school of America. The famous Alumni of this college are: 4 US Presidents, Renowned Scientists, Authors, Writers, Olympians, etc. Finding on-campus and off-campus accommodation in Virginia, US, is easy.

St John’s College

US News Best Colleges: Ranks #163 out of 439 National Universities
Acceptance Rate: 54% (2023)
Average Cost After Aid: $32,871 (2023)
University Type: Private University
No of International Students: 6% (2023)
Location: Annapolis, Santa Fe

St John’s College is the third oldest college in the US. It was founded in 1696 as King William’s School, the first free school in the Maryland colony, chartered in 1784 with no religious affiliations. This is a liberal arts college in the US offering the lowest private college tuition fees. They have campuses in Annapolis, Maryland, and Santa Fe, New Mexico. The college stands out for its interdisciplinary curriculum.

It offers over 100 programmes in the areas of health sciences, liberal arts, education, sciences business, and professional studies. St John’s College also focuses on small-size teaching (13-19 students) to give students more attention. Princeton Review ranks St John’s College #35 for career services as it provides paid internships to students.

Yale University

QS World University Rankings 2024: Ranks # 16
Acceptance Rate: 4.4% (2023)
Average Cost After Aid: $18,130 (2023)
University Type: Private research university
No of International Students: 11% (2023)
Location : New Haven, Connecticut, USA

Yale University is the 3rd oldest institution of higher education in America. It is a member of a prestigious private Ivy League research university and consistently ranks as the top university in the world. It was named Collegiate School, but in 1017, it changed to Yale University after Elihu Yale, for his gifts. In the same year, it moved to New Haven, Connecticut. The building still holds on to its 18th century and Gothic architecture. Yale’s three line main campus is in New Haven.

It has 12- governing residential colleges. Yale University is popular for drama and music and has a reputation for career opportunities. If you are considering studying at Yale University, you will find many student accommodations in New Haven (Connecticut).

University of Pennsylvania

QS World University Rankings 2024: Ranks # 12
Acceptance Rate: 8.4% (2023)
Average Cost After Aid: $28,166 (2023)
University Type: Private research university
No of International Students: 19% (2023)
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA

The University of Pennsylvania was founded by Benjamin Franklin in 1740. He was one of the founding fathers of the United States. Initially, the plan was to build a charity school, but it opened a new way for this university. The University of Pennsylvania is one of the oldest universities in the US and has a close bond to the birth of America. Holding its prestigious name and being an Ivy League research university member, it continues to offer top-class education.

It was one of the first universities to admit female students. Thus, they started the college of liberal arts for women in 1933. It has four graduate schools: the College (School of Arts and Sciences), the School of Engineering and Applied Science, the School of Nursing, and the Wharton School (Business Education). There is on and off campus student accommodation in Pennsylvania.

Moravian College

Times Higher US College Rankings: Ranked =315th
Acceptance Rate: 78.1% (2021)
Average Cost After Aid: $33,659 (2021-2022)
University Type: Private
No of International Students: 4% (2021)
Location: Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, USA

Moravian University is the 6th oldest college in America. It is a liberal arts university founded in 1742 with the belief that education is all without discrimination. Its idea was ahead of time and thrived on new ideas and innovation. Despite the fast forward thinking, they live on by the history and traditions of America. The university offers 50 areas of study with North and South Campuses. The university engages students in research, study abroad programs, and internships to provide hands-on experience.

University of Delaware

QS World University Rankings 2024: Ranks # =498
Acceptance Rate: 72.3%
Average Cost After Aid: $23,642 (2023-2024)
University Type: Public research university
No of International Students: 4.5% (2022)
Location: Newark, Delaware, USA

The University of Delaware is one of the oldest U.S. universities, dating to 1743. Originally a free school, its name has changed many times. It is commonly called Public Ivy—a prestigious research institution with award-winning faculty, renowned academics, and commitment to innovation. Students can get access to 150 major and minor programs. Out of it, 11 UG programs rank best 50 in the nation, spreading across the College of Education, Education & Human Development, Alfred Lerner College of Business & Economics. They also offer five online master’s degree programs for those who want to opt for online learning.

Princeton University

QS World University Rankings 2024: Ranks # =17
Acceptance Rate: 5.8% (2023)
Average Cost After Aid: $12,840 (2023)
University Type: Private research university
No of International Students: 11% (2023)
Location: Princeton, New Jersey, USA

Princeton University is the oldest university in the US and one of the top universities in Princeton. The university was relocated in 1756. The New College achieved university status In 1896. As a leading private Ivy League school member, it holds a reputation for its academic excellence. The research university excels in this department and provides research opportunities. The university has a vibrant community with an enrollment of about 5,590 UG and 3,212 graduate programs. About 66% of the class of 2027 receive financial aid to study at Princeton University.

Washington and Lee university

US Best Colleges is National Liberal Arts Colleges, #21

Acceptance Rate: 18.8% (2021)
Average Cost After Aid: $59,380 (2021-2022)
University Type: Private liberal arts college
No of International Students: 2.5% (2022)
Location: Lexington, Virginia, USA

Washington and Lee University liberal arts university is one of the oldest colleges in the U.S. It was founded in 1749 and is older than the U.S. Constitution. George Washington was the first benefactor to give the academy 20,000 in 1796. This was the most significant gift ever given to an educational institution. The university was previously known as Augusta Academy and Liberty Hall. Today, it is one of the best liberal arts colleges and is highly known as the best School of Law. It is built on innovation and a flexible approach to give students experience beyond the traditional classroom. It offers around 40 U.G. and Graduate programs with top demanded courses in law, journalism and mass communication.

Columbia University

QS World University Rankings 2024: Ranks #23
Acceptance Rate: 4.1% (2023)
Average Cost After Aid: $63,530 (2023)
University Type: Private research university
No of International Students: 18% (2023)
Location: New York City, New York, USA

Columbia University is one of the oldest universities in America. It was founded in 1754 and still holds prestige as a private Ivy League research university. The university got its royal charter as Kings College from George II of Great Britain, and in 1784, it was then renamed Columbia University.

It is one of the most preferred colleges after Harvard and is known to be the 6th best institution for anatomy and physiology. It has notable alumni, including five founding fathers of the US, and the college’s first president was Samuel Johnson, the great English writer.