Yale University, established in 1701, stands as the third-oldest higher education institution in the United States and is among the pre-Revolutionary War colonial colleges. Initially founded as the Collegiate School by Congregationalist clergy in Connecticut, it primarily focused on theological and sacred language education but gradually expanded to include humanities and sciences. In 1861, Yale awarded the first PhD in the United States, evolving into a university in 1887. Notably, Yale’s growth surged in the late 19th century, with an expanded campus and scientific research programs.