What are the oldest colleges in the US?

I'm curious about the history of higher education in the US and wondering which colleges are the oldest. Do these colleges have special traditions or notable alumni?

Sure, happy to provide information on this! The United States has a rich history of higher education with some schools dating back to the early colonial period. Here are the five oldest colleges in the United States:

1. Harvard University: Founded in 1636, Harvard is the oldest institution of higher education in the United States. The school is rich in history and traditions such as the annual Harvard-Yale football game, Class Day, and Commencement. Some of its notable alumni include presidents like John F. Kennedy and Barack Obama, and notable figures in various fields such as Mark Zuckerberg, the founder of Facebook, and Natalie Portman, the actress.

2. College of William & Mary: Founded in 1693, it's the second-oldest institution of higher learning in America. The College has a deep-rooted tradition including the Yule Log Ceremony, Charter Day, and Convocation. It boasts alumni like former US Secretary of Defense Robert Gates and actress Glenn Close.

3. Yale University: Established in 1701, Yale is known for its strong emphasis on undergraduate liberal arts education. Traditions at Yale include the singing of the university's glee club on campus in addition to notable annual events like The Game, an annual football match against Harvard. Notable alumni include actress Meryl Streep and former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

4. University of Pennsylvania: Founded in 1740 by Benjamin Franklin, it is home to the first school of medicine in North America (Perelman School of Medicine) and the first collegiate business school (Wharton School of Business). Benjamin Franklin is one of the most notable alumni from UPenn.

5. Princeton University: Founded in 1746, it hosts the annual Princeton-Yale football game and notable alumni include First Lady Michelle Obama and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.

These universities not only treasure their historical significance and tradition, but continue to lead in the world of higher education, driven by research, innovation, and commitment to excellence.