When was the University of Pennsylvania founded and by whom?

Posted on Aug 25, 2025 / Travel

When was the University of Pennsylvania founded and by whom?

The University of Pennsylvania was founded in 1740 by Benjamin Franklin, making it the fourth-oldest institution of higher education in the United States. Franklin envisioned a university that combined practical education with traditional scholarly subjects, emphasizing both the liberal arts and professional training. Initially, the institution began as a charity school and later expanded into a college and then a full university. Franklin’s vision of an accessible, innovative education continues to influence Penn’s approach to research, entrepreneurship, and global learning. Today, the university honors its founder through initiatives like the Benjamin Franklin Scholars Program and campus monuments.



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