Since its founding in 1701 as the “Collegiate School,” Yale University, located in New Haven, has earned an international reputation for academic excellence. Among the institution's alumni are a multitude of statesmen, diplomats, and foreign leaders, including five Presidents of the United States, 500 members of Congress, and 45 presidential cabinet members. Additionally, 49 Nobel Laureates have had a connection with the university, either in a student, academic, or working capacity.
The Colonial College
Following Harvard University (founded in 1636) and the College of William and Mary (founded in 1693), Yale University is the third-oldest higher-education institution in the United States, and one of only nine “colonial colleges” chartered before the American Revolution. All of these institutions played an integral role within their respective colonies as centers of learning and scholasticism, as well as training grounds for future leaders and professionals. Given the economic realities of the period, students largely attended colleges close to home; therefore, in the same vein as state universities today, these colleges became identified with the particular colonies in which they resided.
