Oldest public university in the United States

The title of oldest public university in the United States is claimed by three universities: the University of Georgia, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and the The College of William & Mary.

University of Georgia

Located in Athens, Georgia, the University of Georgia received its charter from the state in 1785, making the University of Georgia the first state-chartered university in the United States. UGA brands itself as the "birthplace of the American system of higher education." However, the university did not select a site for the university or accept its first students until 1801.^[1]

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

The state of North Carolina chartered the University of North Carolina in 1789, and construction on the campus began in 1793 near the center of the state. The university was the first public university in the country to admit students when it opened in 1795. Graduating its first class in 1798, UNC was the only public institution to confer degrees in the 18th century.^[2] While the University of Georgia claims elder status on the grounds of charter, article XLI of the North Carolina Constitution of 1776 notes, "That a school or schools shall be established by the Legislature, for the convenient instruction of youth, with such salaries to the masters, paid by the public, as may enable them to instruct at low prices; and all useful learning shall be duly encouraged, and promoted, in one or more universities." UNC, thus, may make claim to having permission or requirement to exist long before the University of Georgia.

The College of William & Mary

Now a public university, The College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia was founded by royal charter in 1693, making it one of the oldest colleges, public or private, in the United States. The college severed formal ties with England after the colonies declared independence, but remained private until financial troubles forced its closure after the Civil War. It re-opened in 1888, but continued financial troubles forced it to accept funding from the Commonwealth of Virginia beginning in 1906. It has been public ever since.^[3]

See also

• First university in the United States

References

1. ^ University of Georgia: History
2. ^ University of North Carolina -- A Brief History
3. ^ Historical Chronology of William & Mary