What are the 10 oldest private us colleges?

Defining "oldest" can be tricky because founding dates aren't always precise (some institutions underwent name changes or reorganizations). Also, the term "private" has evolved over time, with some institutions having public and private phases. Therefore, listing the *ten* absolute oldest is debatable. However, here are ten of the oldest private U.S. colleges, generally accepted as such, ordered roughly by their founding date or earliest documented educational activity:

1. Harvard University (Cambridge, MA): Founded 1636. While it had public funding initially, it has long functioned as a private institution.

2. William & Mary (Williamsburg, VA): Founded 1693. While it has received public funding at various times in its history, it's widely considered a private college today.

3. Yale University (New Haven, CT): Founded 1701. Similar to Harvard, initially received some public support but is now considered private.

4. College of William & Mary (Williamsburg, VA): (Already listed above as William & Mary)

5. Princeton University (Princeton, NJ): Founded 1746. Initially the College of New Jersey, it has always been a private institution.

6. University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, PA): Founded 1740. While it started as a charity school, it has evolved into a private research university.

7. Brown University (Providence, RI): Founded 1764 (as Rhode Island College). Initially a Baptist college but now a private, non-sectarian university.

8. Rutgers University (New Brunswick, NJ): Founded 1766. While it's now a public university, it operated as a private institution for much of its early history. The precise shift is complex and debatable.

9. Dartmouth College (Hanover, NH): Founded 1769. Always been a private institution.

10. Washington & Lee University (Lexington, VA): Founded 1749 (as Augusta Academy). Has been a private institution throughout its history, although it evolved and changed names several times.

It's crucial to note that the precise ranking beyond the top three is debatable, based on how you define "private" and interpret early founding dates. Some other institutions like Columbia University (founded 1754) could also be considered within this timeframe, but the above ten represent a strong consensus among lists of oldest private colleges in the U.S.