When it comes to weird facts, I can consider myself one of those people who are obsessed with learning new things, and I am always looking for new information to learn.
In this article you will find a few fun facts about colleges, college histories, and college graduates in the United States that you may not be aware of:
Fun Facts About Colleges!
- The name “Alumni” comes from the Latin “Alumnus” which means “foster son.” Source.
- “Alma mater” comes from the Latin meaning “nurturing mother.” Source.
- The first college to graduate women was Oberlin College. Mary Caroline Rudd, Mary Hosford, and Elizabeth Prall graduated with AB degrees in 1841. Source.
- Oberlin College was also the first to graduate an African-American woman in 1862—her name was Mary Jane Patterson. Source.
- The first football game, between two different colleges, happened in November of 1869. It was Princeton vs. Rutgers. (Rutgers won, 6-4). Source.
- There are 60 all-female colleges in the country, but only 4 all-male. Source / source.
- Yale’s most prestigious senior society is the Skull and Bones. Former presidents George H.W. Bush, his son George W. Bush, and William Howard Taft were members. Source.
- The word “college” comes from the Latin “collegium” which means community or society. Source.
- Nearly 5,000 colleges and universities exist in the country. Together they grant more than 2 million degrees per year. Source.
- Columbia University used to be known as the King’s College. Source.
- Initially, Brown University was called Rhode Island College. Source.
- Curtis Institute of Music (2.9%), Stanford (5%), Harvard (5%) Yale (7%), and Columbia (7%) are the colleges with lowest acceptance rates in the U.S. Source.
- The Ivy League is formed by 8 colleges: Brown University, Columbia University, Cornell University, Dartmouth College, Harvard University, the University of Pennsylvania, Princeton University, and Yale University. Source.
- Nearly 60% of all college students are female. Source.
- Dave MacPherson, a Long Beach State University student, was the first person to enter Disneyland. He didn’t ride a single attraction, however. He needed to get back to class. Source.
- 14 of the 25 largest sports stadiums in the world belong to American college football teams. Source.
- The Kalamazoo Promise is a foundation of anonymous donors that pay for the college education of students who graduate high school in Kalamazoo, MI. Source.
- Harvard has the largest academic library in the world, with 15.8 million volumes. Source.
- The first Greek student society was Phi Beta Kappa, founded by John Heath at the College of William and Mary in 1776. Source.
- The first Greek sorority, now known as Alpha Delta Pi, was founded in 1851 at Wesleyan Female College. Source.
- The University of Michigan—Ann Arbor has a Squirrel Club with over 400 members. Source.
- There have been many celebrity commencement speakers over the years, one of the most interesting, however, was Kermit the Frog—he spoke at Southampton College in 1996. Source.
Fun Facts About Colleges in America!
Are you ready to learn some exciting and fun facts about colleges in America? From the number of colleges in the United States to the most expensive universities, we’ve got it all covered. Let’s dive into the world of higher education and explore some fascinating and surprising facts.
1. The Number of Colleges in the United States
Did you know that there are over 5,300 colleges and universities in the United States? This number includes both public and private institutions. The majority of these colleges are small, with fewer than 5,000 students.
2. The Most Expensive Universities
The cost of tuition at American universities can be very high, and some universities are more expensive than others. According to U.S. News & World Report, the most expensive university in America is Columbia University, with a total cost of attendance of over $80,000 per year.
3. The Oldest College in America
The oldest college in America is Harvard University, which was founded in 1636. Harvard is a private Ivy League research university located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. It is one of the most prestigious universities in the world.
4. The First Women’s College in America
The first women’s college in America was Wesleyan College, which was founded in 1836. Located in Macon, Georgia, Wesleyan College is still in operation today and is known for its excellent liberal arts programs.
5. The Most Selective College
The most selective college in America is currently Stanford University, which has an acceptance rate of only 4%. This means that out of every 100 students who apply to Stanford, only four are accepted.
6. The Largest University
The largest university in America is Arizona State University, with a total enrollment of over 100,000 students. This public research university has five campuses and is located in the Phoenix metropolitan area.
7. The Most Famous College Football Stadium
The most famous college football stadium in America is the Michigan Stadium, also known as “The Big House.” This stadium, located in Ann Arbor, Michigan, has a seating capacity of over 107,000 and is home to the University of Michigan Wolverines football team.
8. The Most Popular Major
The most popular major in America is currently Business Administration and Management, followed closely by Psychology and Nursing.
9. The Most Diverse College
The most diverse college in America is the Rutgers University-Newark campus, located in Newark, New Jersey. This public research university is known for its diverse student population and its commitment to social justice and equity.
10. The Best College Town
The best college town in America, according to a recent ranking by Livability, is Ann Arbor, Michigan. This town is home to the University of Michigan and offers a vibrant cultural scene, excellent restaurants, and beautiful outdoor spaces.
11. The Most Graduates Working in Silicon Valley
The college with the most graduates working in Silicon Valley is currently the University of California, Berkeley. This public research university is located in the San Francisco Bay Area and is known for its excellence in science and technology.
12. The Most Billionaire Graduates
The college with the most billionaire graduates is currently Harvard University. According to a recent study by Wealth-X, Harvard has produced over 140 billionaires, including some of the most famous names in business and finance.
13. The Most Liberal College
The most liberal college in America is currently Reed College, located in Portland, Oregon. This private liberal arts college has a reputation for progressive politics and social activism.
14. The Most Conservative College
The most conservative college in America is currently Hillsdale College, located in Hillsdale, Michigan. This private college has a conservative reputation and is known for its commitment to traditional values and limited government.
15. The Most Unique College Mascot
The most unique college mascot in America is the Stanford Tree. This unofficial mascot, which is not recognized by the university, is a student dressed in a tree costume and is known for its wacky antics and energetic spirit.
In conclusion, colleges in America are full of surprises and interesting facts. From the oldest college to the most expensive university, there is always something new to learn. Whether you are a student or just a curious person, exploring these fun facts can help you appreciate the diversity and excellence of higher education in America.