Which prominent educational institution was founded in the Middle Colonies?

Princeton University is the correct answer because it was established in 1746 in the Middle Colonies, specifically in New Jersey. It originally began as a small college aimed at training ministers in the Presbyterian faith and gradually expanded its focus to include a wider range of educational pursuits. Over time, it became one of the prestigious Ivy League schools, contributing significantly to higher education in America.

In contrast, Yale University was founded in 1701 in Connecticut, which is also located in the northeastern part of the country but is not classified as part of the Middle Colonies. Harvard University, the oldest institution of higher learning in the U.S., was founded in 1636 in Massachusetts, clearly outside the boundaries of the Middle Colonies. Columbia University, located in New York City, was founded in 1754 but originally started as King's College. While Columbia is indeed in a Middle Colony, Princeton is more widely recognized for its founding during that period specifically as an educational institution reflecting the values and needs of the Middle Colonies' settlers.