Xi'an Jiaotong University is a key university directly under National Ministry of Education. Its precursor is Nanyang Public School founded in 1896. In 1921, it was renamed as Jiaotong University. In 1959, the final name was fixed as Xi’an Jiaotong University. Xi’an Jiaotong University is the first batch of the 7 universities which entered into the national “211 project”. In 1999, it was determined as a school which aims at building a world well-known high-level university by the nation.

Northwest University's history can be traced back to the Shanxi University built in 1902. In 1912, the university was renamed as Northwest University. In 1938, it was renamed as National Northwest University. And in 1939, National Northwest University was renamed as Northwest University again. At the beginning period of the nation’s foundation, Northwest University is one of the 14 comprehensive universities directly under Ministry of Education. In 1978, it was determined as the national key university.

Xidian University’s precursor was the Radio School of Central Military Commission founded in 1931. It was the first engineering and technical school founded by the older generation revolutionists. Its name and location have been changed for many times. And in 1988, it was renamed as the current name. This university is a national key university which mainly develops electronic subject. It is one of the universities which was listed on the national “211 project”.

Northwestern Polytechnical University was founded by the combination of Northwestern Technical Faculty and Xi’an Aviation College on October, 1957. Northwestern Technical Faculty was founded in 1938 and Xi’an Aviation College was founded in 1952. In 1970, the whole aerial engineering department of Harbin Engineering College merged into Northwestern Polytechnical University. And from that time on, it became more powerful.

Shaanxi Normal University was founded in 1944. Its precursor is Shanxi Provincial Normal School. In 1960, it combined with Shanxi Normal College and the Shaanxi Normal University was founded at that time. In 1978, it was incorporated into the Ministry of Education. Shaanxi Normal University is a key university in the national “211 project”. It is an important base for the cultivation of qualified teachers and education management staff. It is also praised as “the cradle of teachers” in the northwest area.