University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Founded 1789. First public university to open its doors in the United States.

Overview

Chartered in 1789 and open to students by 1795, UNC claims the title of oldest public university in America by first class. Its old well and stately quad anchor a campus that anchors the Research Triangle region with Duke and NC State nearby. The medical school and public health school draw federal research at state-school prices, and the journalism and business schools hold national weight. Michael Jordan played here before the NBA, and James K. Polk studied law. UNC pioneered publicly funded higher education as a civic promise.