What are the 12 Ivy League schools that many dreams to attend? What makes them so prestigious, and how do you know whether it’s worth pursuing an Ivy League education despite their selective acceptance rates?
In this article, we’ll go over the list of Ivy League schools (both the original eight schools and the ones commonly mistaken for Ivy Leagues), and layout the important considerations to keep in mind when choosing the right school for you.
What Is An Ivy League School?
The Ivy League schools are the eight selective private institutions in the Northeast that make up the Ivy League Athletic Conference. Over time, the term “Ivy League” became synonymous with prestigious colleges.
Though there are many prestigious colleges across the United States which are mistaken for Ivy League schools, the eight original schools which make up the Ivy League are Brown University, Columbia University, Cornell University, Dartmouth College, Harvard University, Princeton University, University of Pennsylvania, and Yale University.
Brown University, is a research university located in Providence, Rhode Island and is known for its rigorous and flexible open curriculum which allows students to choose a personalized course of study. Notable alumni include Emma Watson, Janet Yellen, and John Krasinski. The university promotes a culture of debate, collaboration, and social action, with a strong emphasis on innovation and research.
The institution is very selective, with only an 5.2% acceptance rate, and the average student has a 1510-1570 SAT score or 34-36 ACT score.
Acceptance Rate: 5.2%
Study Duration: 4 years for undergraduate programs
Price: Approximately $88,948 per year
2. Columbia University
Columbia University, located in Upper Manhattan, is celebrated for its diversity and inclusion, attracting international students, faculty, and staff. It offers a wide range of academic programs, including three undergraduate schools and thirteen graduate and professional schools.
Popular majors include engineering, political science, and economics, with its Department of Economics being one of the top in the world. Columbia is even more selective than Brown University, with a 4% acceptance rate and average students have a 1510-1560 SAT range, or a 34-35 ACT range.
Acceptance Rate: 4% overall; 6% for the Class of 2024
Study Duration: 4 years for undergraduate programs
Price: Approximately $89,587 per year
3. Cornell University
Cornell University is located in Ithaca, New York, and hosts over 15,000 undergraduate students and 2,000 faculty members. The institution emphasizes research and public engagement, encouraging purposeful discovery through its innovative curriculum. Its popular majors include biology, business, and computer science.
Students can join more than 1,000 organizations, including intramural and club sports. The Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art offers free admission and hosts numerous class sessions. Notable alumni include Bill Nye and Christopher Reeve.
Cornell University has an 11% acceptance rate, with the average student ranging in SAT scores of 1480 and 34 in ACT scores
Acceptance Rate: 11%
Study Duration: 4 years for undergraduate programs
Price: Approximately $80,287 per year
4. Dartmouth College
Dartmouth College is located in Hanover and is the smallest Ivy League school. It emphasizes undergraduate teaching with minimal teaching assistant involvement and operates on a unique year-round quarter system, allowing students to customize their schedules for internships while maintaining a 94% six-year graduation rate.
Outdoor activities are integral, including the Dartmouth Outing Club and a freshman orientation program exploring the Appalachian Trail. Dartmouth recently elected its first female president, Sian Leah Beilock in June 2023. Notable alumni include Shonda Rhimes and Dr. Seuss.
With a 5.3% acceptance rate, Dartmouth is quite selective, and accepts students within the range of 1440 to 1560 SAT grades and 32-35 ACT grades.
Acceptance Rate: 5.3%
Study Duration: 4 years for undergraduate programs
Price: $66,123 per year for tuition; total cost of attendance is $91,312 per year
5. Harvard University
Harvard University is probably the most well-known Ivy League school. Located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, it was founded in 1636 and is the oldest higher education institution in the U.S. Harvard is also a very competitive school as the acceptance rate is only 3.6%.
Accepted students’ SAT grades are typically around the 1520 range, and their ACT grades range between 34 and 36. Harvard offers diverse programs through its 13 schools, and students benefit from the largest university library, renowned faculty, and vibrant campus life, including 42 Division I sports teams and unique housing traditions. Notable alumni include Barack Obama and Yo-Yo Ma.
Harvard Business School Online offers a unique and highly engaging way to learn vital business concepts via an innovative online platform that brings the Harvard Business School classroom to you. This collaboration allows UoPeople undergraduates to enroll in and get access to need-based scholarships for HBS Online’s flagship program, the Credential of Readiness (CORe), a three-course primer in the fundamentals of business.
Acceptance Rate: 3.6% for the Class of 2024
Study Duration: 4 years for undergraduate programs
Price: Approximately $82,866 per year
6. Princeton University
Princeton University is located in Princeton, New Jersey. It was founded in 1746, making it the fourth oldest university in the United States. Princeton offers 37 degree concentrations and over 50 certificate programs, with popular majors in social sciences, engineering, and public administration. Traditions include celebratory bonfires and concluding classes with applause. Notable alumni include 31 Nobel Prize winners.
SAT grades range from 1540 to 1580, ACT grades range between 34 and 35, and Princeton’s acceptance rate is 6%.
Acceptance Rate: 6%
Study Duration: 4 years for undergraduate programs
Price: Approximately $80,415 per year
7. University of Pennsylvania
University of Pennsylvania, also known as Penn, is located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It has a rich history dating back to 1740, with notable founder Benjamin Franklin. It offers over 90 majors across four undergraduate and 12 graduate schools, including the Perelman School of Medicine and the Wharton School. The average SAT score is 1500, acceptance rate is 7%, and the ACT score is 34.
Traditions include toast throwing and the “Econ Scream.” Notable alumni include Elon Musk and John Legend.
Acceptance Rate: 7%
Study Duration: 4 years for undergraduate programs
Price: Approximately $85,738 per year
8. Yale University
Yale University, with its rich history and prestige, is one of the most selective and respected Ivy League schools. Located in New Haven, Connecticut, Yale offers degree programs from 14 schools, including Yale College and the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences. Known for its liberal arts education, Yale boasts small class sizes and a 6:1 student-faculty ratio. With over 70 research facilities and $900 million in external funding, Yale is a research powerhouse.
Social life thrives within its residential colleges, a cappella groups, sports, and unique senior-year secret societies. Notable alumni include Nobel laureates and influential public figures. It has a highly competitive acceptance rate of only 5% and accepts students with an average SAT score of 1515 and an ACT score in the 33-35 range.
Acceptance Rate: 5%
Study Duration: 4 years for undergraduate programs
Price: Approximately $85,120 per year
4 More Universities To Pay Attention To
There are many prestigious and selective schools which are mistaken for Ivy Leagues. This is due to their high reputation, selective acceptance rates, and sometimes, their location near the Ivy Leagues in the Northeast.
Here are four more prestigious schools that are commonly mistaken for Ivy Leagues.
1. Stanford University
Stanford, located in the San Francisco Bay Area, enrolls over 7,700 undergraduates and nearly 10,000 graduate students. Known globally for its STEM programs, Stanford offers diverse academic options from its seven schools, including humanities, law, and business, with a 5:1 student-to-faculty ratio.
Despite its competitive 4% acceptance rate, Stanford supports students with substantial financial aid. Campus life features vibrant events and sports rivalries, enhancing the student experience.
Acceptance Rate: 4%
Study Duration: 4 years for undergraduate programs
Price: Approximately $86,162 per year
2. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) is one of the world’s leading science and technology institutions, known for its rigorous curriculum and competitive admissions, with an acceptance rate of just 4% for the class of 2026. MIT offers a challenging workload with required physics, biology, chemistry, and calculus courses. Located in Cambridge, the campus provides access to Boston’s cultural activities.
Acceptance Rate: 4%
Study Duration: 4 years for undergraduate programs
Price: Approximately $79,890 per year
3. Northwestern University
Situated along Lake Michigan in Evanston, Illinois, Northwestern University is a top-tier research institution. The main campus also connects to downtown Chicago and Doha, Qatar. Known for its strong programs in engineering, social sciences, and journalism, Northwestern’s Medill School of Journalism is particularly renowned.
The university has an interdisciplinary approach across its 12 schools and colleges, with a nearly 95% graduation rate and an acceptance rate of 7%. Notable alumni include George R.R. Martin and Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker.
Acceptance Rate: 7%
Study Duration: 4 years for undergraduate programs
Price: Approximately $89,394 per year
4. University of Chicago
Located in Hyde Park, the University of Chicago is renowned for its academic rigor and impactful community engagement. It is also a hub for groundbreaking research, including the discovery of REM sleep and quantum mechanics advancements.
The university boasts over 90 Nobel Prize winners and notable alumni like Bernie Sanders and Kurt Elling. Despite its intense academic environment, the school has a vibrant connection with downtown Chicago, providing numerous opportunities for student growth and engagement.
Acceptance Rate: 5%
Study Duration: 4 years for undergraduate programs
Price: Approximately $86,856 per year
Prestigious Schools Rivalling Ivy League Schools
While we’ve already listed some top universities, Forbes has identified additional “New Ivies” that are gaining acclaim for their excellence and the high regard of employers. Some of them have already made our list, but others include:
These schools, along with others like Johns Hopkins University and the University of Michigan, stand out for their commitment to producing well-rounded, high-achieving graduates. We already have schools like Stanford and MIT in our list, but these universities are also noteworthy for their exceptional academic standards and opportunities.
Is An Ivy League School Right For You?
Because the acceptance rates of Ivy League schools are extremely low, you will need a lot of dedication and foresight in order to get in. In the case of Ivy League schools, academic resumes may not be enough to make the cut.
This means that if getting into one of the Ivy League schools is a priority or goal for you, you will need to begin many years in advance to work toward that goal. This may include attending AP classes in high school, working very hard for a specific SAT grade, and sacrificing social time.
It’s important to remember that a successful career can be achieved with hard work no matter which college you attend, and Ivy League schools take a lot of work and dedication in order to be accepted.
If you do decide that one of the Ivy Leagues is right for you, the next step is deciding which institution best matches your needs and goals.
1. Location Of The School
The first thing to consider when choosing between Ivy League schools (or really any school), is the school’s location. Consider whether you want to go to school in an urban, rural, or suburban setting.
If you’re looking for a rural setting, surrounded by nature and a small tight-knit college community, Dartmouth and Cornell may be good choices for you. Meanwhile, if you need the hustle and bustle of cities and many job opportunities, Columbia or Penn may be a better choice for you. Brown, Harvard, and Yale are located in smaller cities, so they may be good choices for those who like a quieter city life.
Lastly, Princeton is the only school which is located in a suburban area, for those who want a more self-contained and quiet college experience, but the option to drive an hour and be in New York City or Philadelphia.
2. Academic Programs And Majors
Each Ivy League school offers unique degrees and programs, as well as different academic requirements.
For example, if you’re interested in business management with a focus on hospitality, Cornell offers a program just for you. Different schools have strengths in different topics and majors, so be sure to check that the school you have your eye on is right for your interests and academic or career goals.
Another thing to keep in mind is that some schools require an extensive core curriculum while others are more lax on their general education requirements. Though this may not be a deal-breaker for some, it is worth checking the requirements for each school so that you know what you are committing yourself to.
3. Size Of The School
Similar to location, the size of the school may be an important factor to consider. If you’re the kind of person who is looking for a vibrant and busy college atmosphere, it will make sense to look at the bigger institutions. On the other hand, if you’d prefer a smaller-knit community and less distractions, a smaller institution would fit your needs.
4. Culture On Campus
Last but not least, each school and campus has a different culture and attracts different kinds of students. The best way to determine if you’ll mesh well with the campus culture is to visit the campus, meet students, and look around. Alternatively, you can check school forums and reviews to see what the alumni have to say about their school and campus experience.
Final Thoughts on Ivy League Schools
To wrap up, the list of Ivy League schools will hopefully give you a good overview of the different institutions, their highlights, and their competitive nature.
The competitive nature of Ivy Leagues will be a big consideration when deciding whether an Ivy League school is right for you, but there are also other top-tier schools gaining recognition that offer comparable education and career opportunities.
Most importantly, when choosing between Ivy League schools, it’s important to consider your own needs and academic goals.
FAQ Section
What defines an Ivy League institution in higher education?
An Ivy League institution is defined by its membership in the Ivy League, an athletic conference comprising eight private universities in the Northeastern United States. These schools are known for their high academic standards, selective admissions, significant endowments, and prestigious reputation. The original Ivy League schools are Brown University, Columbia University, Cornell University, Dartmouth College, Harvard University, Princeton University, the University of Pennsylvania, and Yale University.
Are Ivy League schools only in the U.S.?
Yes, Ivy League schools are only located in the United States. The term specifically refers to the eight Ivy League athletic conference universities. There are many other prestigious universities worldwide, but they are not classified as Ivy League.
Do Ivy League schools offer scholarships?
Yes, Ivy League schools offer scholarships primarily based on financial need rather than merit. They are committed to meeting all admitted students’ fully demonstrated financial needs through grants and scholarships, ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent talented students from attending.
Are Ivy League admissions highly competitive?
Yes, admissions to Ivy League schools are extremely competitive. Acceptance rates for these institutions are very low, often below 10%, with schools like Harvard and Princeton having rates around 5%. Applicants typically need exceptional academic records, high standardized test scores, and strong extracurricular involvement.
Can students transfer to Ivy League schools?
Yes, students can transfer to Ivy League schools, although the process is highly competitive. Each Ivy League school has its own transfer admission policies and requirements, generally including a strong academic record from the current institution, letters of recommendation, and a compelling personal statement.
Can international students attend Ivy League colleges?
Yes, international students can attend Ivy League colleges. These institutions welcome applications from students worldwide and offer international students financial aid. The admissions process for international students is similar to that for domestic students, with additional requirements such as English proficiency tests.
How do Ivy League schools support research and innovation?
Ivy League schools support research and innovation through substantial funding, state-of-the-art facilities, and various research centers and institutes. They encourage interdisciplinary collaboration and provide numerous opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students to engage in research projects alongside faculty members.
Are Ivy League alumni networks beneficial?
Yes, Ivy League alumni networks are highly beneficial. These networks provide extensive career support, mentorship opportunities, and valuable professional connections. Alumni often play an active role in supporting current students and recent graduates in their career development.
How do Ivy League universities handle financial aid?
Ivy League universities handle financial aid by committing to meet their students’ full demonstrated financial need through a combination of grants, scholarships, and work-study programs. They use a need-blind admission policy, meaning an applicant’s ability to pay does not affect their admission decision. Financial aid packages typically do not include loans, minimizing student debt.
What percentage of applicants get accepted to Ivy League schools?
The percentage of applicants accepted to Ivy League schools varies by institution but is generally very low. For example, Harvard’s acceptance rate for the Class of 2028 is 3.6%, Dartmouth’s is 5.3%, and Brown’s is 5.2%. Overall, acceptance rates for Ivy League schools typically range from about 4% to 10%, reflecting their highly competitive admissions process.
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