The first institution of higher learning in American history was Harvard College. Harvard College was founded in 1636, located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. At that time, Harvard College was a religious school, aiming at training clergy in New England.

The establishment of Harvard College can be traced back to the early days of British colonists. 1636, pastor john harvard of Massachusetts Bay Colony donated a sum of money and his personal library to the college, which provided the foundation for the establishment of the college. In memory of john harvard's generous donation, the school was named Harvard College after him.

In the early days of Harvard College, religion was the center of teaching, which mainly trained missionaries and public officials. The college's courses include theology, classical literature, linguistics and science. With the passage of time, Harvard College has gradually developed into a comprehensive university, expanding the scope of disciplines and attracting students from the United States and all over the world.

As one of the oldest institutions of higher learning in the United States, Harvard College has had a far-reaching impact on American education and academic development. It provides reference and enlightenment for the establishment of other universities and becomes one of the important symbols of American higher education. Today, Harvard University has developed into one of the most famous and top universities in the world, and has made outstanding achievements in scientific research, academic fields and training outstanding talents.

It should be noted that although Harvard College is the first institution of higher learning in American history, it is not the earliest school in the United States. Before Harvard College, Native Americans and colonists had established some educational institutions, but their scale and nature were different from those of later institutions of higher learning. Harvard College is generally regarded as one of the founders of American higher education system.