<P> The title of oldest public university in the United States is claimed by three universities: the University of Georgia, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and The College of William and Mary . Each has a distinct basis for the claim: North Carolina being the first to hold classes and graduate students, Georgia being the first created by state charter, and William & Mary having the oldest founding date of any currently public university, though it was private for over 250 years and completely closed for a period after the Civil War . </P> <P> Located in Athens, Georgia, the University of Georgia received its charter from the state in 1785, making the University of Georgia the first state - chartered public university in the United States . As a result of this distinction UGA brands itself as the "birthplace of the American system of higher education ." A site was selected for the university, but it did not begin admitting students until 1801 . The first graduation was held in 1804 . The first building was completed in 1805 . </P>

What is the oldest public university in the united states
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