white prepared for college at dr. muhlenberg's institute in flushing on long island and columbia grammar school. he attended bristol college in pennsylvania from 1835 to 1837, and university of the city of new york (now known as new york university) beginning in 1837 and graduating with a.b. in 1839. he distinguished himself as a scholar of letters and mathematics and was the orator and grand marshal at commencement. he later received a m.a. from new york university as well.