<p>glassesarechic, the University of Chicago and Stanford were both founded in 1890, but both were among the 12 original members of the American Association of Universities (AAU) when it was first launched in 1900. As such, it is safe to say that since 1900, Chicago has been one of the most respected and high-profile universities in the US.</p>
<p>You seem have some of your facts crossed. The University of Chicagoas we know it today never faced financial difficulties. Prior to its official founding in 1890, another University of Chicago existed on the same grounds. It was religiously affiliated and it had financial problems. But when Rockefeller made his donation in 1890, the university turned a new leaf and was irrevocably altered.</p>
<p>I also think you are adopting modern concepts to 1900 realities. Universities in 1900 were small and relatively straightfoward. They were not nearly as complex and sophisticated as they have been in the past 50 years or so. As such, a university could easily rise to prominance in a matter of a decade. </p>
<p>Further, in 1900, students did not go to college to party and universities were not known for being “party schools” or “anti-social”.</p>