During colonial times, the University of Pennsylvania was known as the Academy of Philadelphia. Founded in 1740, and opened in 1751, it has grown to become an elite, Ivy League school. In fact, the school is often considered the fourth oldest institute of higher learning in the United States. One of the driving forces behind the early school was Ben Franklin. Because of its early status, the University of Pennsylvania is known as one of the Colonial Colleges, a grouping of exactly nine institutions that were founded during their states' colonial years.
Moravian College is one of several Pennsylvania colleges that has its roots in the colonial area, when the state was known as the Pennsylvania Colony. In fact, the college is considered the sixth-oldest college in the entire United States, dating back to 1742. Originally known as the Bethlehem Female Seminary, it now enrolls students who study across a wide spectrum in the liberal arts tradition. In keeping with its early traditions and beginnings, the college is known for the Moravian Theological Seminary, which focuses on Christian leadership and theology.
Dickinson College was founded three years before the American Revolution, in 1773, when the state of Pennsylvania was still a colony, making it one of the oldest colleges in not only the Keystone State, but all of America. In fact, the college has its origins as a grammar school centered on the teaching of classical languages. The school was officially chartered in 1783 and now has an undergraduate enrollment of nearly 2,500.
Washington and Jefferson College is a private university focusing on the liberal arts located in Western Pennsylvania. It also has roots in the colonial period. The school originated from John McMillan's Log School, now a landmark historic building in Canonsburg. It eventually became the Canonsburg Academy, and then Washington and Jefferson College, which lists its founding date as 1781. When it was established earlier as the John McMillan's Log School, the focus of the school was on Latin education.