When thinking about top colleges to continue the next chapter of your life after high school, the Ivy League often steals the spotlight. However, non-Ivy League schools are also up to par with the wealth of opportunities they provide to students, from competitive scholarships to unique programs tailored to different fields. The good part is that these non-Ivy League schools are more affordable in terms of cost and sometimes with a stronger chance of admission. Whether you’re looking for a school closer to home, more financial flexibility, or a standout program that aligns with your career goals, non-Ivy League schools can offer all of this and more. For this reason, we’ve put together a comprehensive list of the best non-Ivy League schools to consider. Make sure you read to the end.
Best Non-Ivy League Schools
1. UCLA
If you’re looking for a school that prioritizes diversity, academic excellence, and real-world opportunities, UCLA is one of the best non-ivy league colleges. It houses popular majors like Social Sciences, Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Psychology, and Engineering, so you’ll definitely find a program that fits your interests and goals while being part of a dynamic community that celebrates individuality and collaboration.
The interesting part is that academically, UCLA shines as it has produced 16 Nobel Laureates and 17 MacArthur Fellows. This showcases the caliber of education and mentorship available to you.
| Location | Los Angeles, California |
|---|---|
| US News National Ranking | #15 out of 436 National Universities. |
| Acceptance Rate | 9% |
| Graduation Rate | 91.4% |
| Average SAT/ACT | Not needed for admission |
| Undergraduate Enrollment | 33,040 enrollment in fall 2023 |
2. Stanford University
Imagine stepping into a place where dreams take shape and ideas come to life. Stanford University, founded in 1885, is one of the best non-Ivy schools in California. With around 8,054 students enrolled, it’s a vibrant community filled with people from all over the globe.
Do you know that Stanford isn’t just any university? It’s also a leading research and teaching institution that focuses on making the world better. Whether you’re passionate about medicine, law, the arts, engineering, or sustainability, Stanford has everything you need to explore and grow in your chosen field. There are 15 institutes where students and faculty collaborate on groundbreaking research. With a massive budget of $1.98 billion for sponsored research, the university is dedicated to finding solutions for real-world challenges. Plus, its 20 libraries hold over 12 million items, ensuring you have all the resources you need at your fingertips.
| Location | Stanford, California |
|---|---|
| US News National Ranking | #4 out of 436 National Universities |
| Acceptance Rate | 3.7% |
| Graduation Rate | 95.2% |
| Average SAT/ACT | 1470-1570 SAT, 34-35 ACT |
| Undergraduate Enrollment | 8,054 undergraduate students in the fall of 2023 |
3. University of Chicago
While the University of Chicago may not have the Ivy League label, it boasts a remarkable legacy of success, including more than 90 Nobel Prize winners. This is a place where you can truly thrive academically and personally, all while being part of a unique and dynamic community.
There are a lot of reasons why this university is one of the top non-Ivy League schools. First, research is a big deal there. The university is known for making groundbreaking discoveries and shaping new fields of study. If you’re passionate about subjects like Cancer Biology, Cellular and Molecular Biology, Ecology and Evolution, Endocrinology, Genetics, Global Health Services, Immunology, or other science and humanity courses, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to get involved in cutting-edge research alongside world-class faculty.
| Location | Chicago |
|---|---|
| US News National Ranking | #11 out of 436 National Universities |
| Acceptance Rate | 7% |
| Graduation Rate | 96.1% |
| Average SAT/ACT | 1510-1580 SAT, 33-35 ACT |
| Undergraduate Enrollment | 8,300 |
4. Caltech
If you’re dreaming of a career in science or engineering, you should definitely consider Caltech. Caltech is one of those best non-Ivy league colleges known for academic rigor. Do you know that it’s home to the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), the leading center for robotic space exploration in the U.S.? That’s how incredibly rich this university is.
Here, students have countless opportunities to get involved in groundbreaking research, whether during the school year or in the summer. You’ve got the brightest minds in each field to guide you through your studies tackling fundamental scientific questions and real-world challenges plus you’ll be surrounded by innovative tools and technologies. Furthermore, since the school has a student-to-faculty ratio of 3:1, you’ll get plenty of personal attention and guidance from professors who are leaders in their fields.
| Location | Pasadena, United States |
|---|---|
| US News National Ranking | #6 out of 436 National Universities. |
| Acceptance Rate | 7% |
| Graduation Rate | 91.6% |
| Average SAT/ACT | 1530-1580 SAT, 35-36 ACT |
| Undergraduate Enrollment | 900 |
5. Northwestern University
Another good non-Ivy League college to check out is Northwestern University. The school truly combines a strong academic reputation with a vibrant community. You can choose from 112 different undergraduate degrees, but it’s especially known for its journalism program. With famous alumni like Pulitzer Prize winner Lisa Gartner and the author of Game of Thrones, George R. R. Martin, you’ll be inspired by those who came before you. The university’s commitment to research is impressive too, with over 90 school-based centers and 35 university research centers dedicated to groundbreaking work in areas like neuroscience, biotechnology, and drug discovery.
| Location | Evanston, United States |
|---|---|
| US News National Ranking | #6 out of 436 National Universities |
| Acceptance Rate | 8% |
| Graduation Rate | 94.9% |
| Average SAT/ACT | 1470-1570 SAT, 34-35 ACT |
| Undergraduate Enrollment | 9,900 |
6. Bowdoin College
You can’t count the number of good colleges that are not Ivy League and not mention Bowdoin College. It’s more than just a school but also a community that believes in using education to make a positive impact on the world. Some of the courses offered include political science, econometrics, and biology, but the emphasis is on the liberal arts—where students are encouraged to explore various fields and develop a well-rounded perspective. One of the standout features of Bowdoin is its need-blind admission policy, meaning that financial circumstances won’t determine whether you can attend the school or not.
| Location | Brunswick, ME |
|---|---|
| US News National Ranking | #5 out of 211 National Liberal Arts Colleges |
| Acceptance Rate | 9% |
| Graduation Rate | 95% |
| Average SAT | 1330-1510 |
| Undergraduate Enrollment | 1,800 |
7. Swarthmore College
Swarthmore College is one of the best non-Ivy League colleges because it provides a unique and welcoming place to learn. You have access to a rich curriculum with over 600 courses across a variety of fields including humanities, performing arts, social sciences, natural sciences, engineering, and many more. The college is essentially known for its strong academic programs, which prepare students to think critically and creatively.
One of the things you stand to enjoy at Swarthmore is the tranquility of nature. Its 425-acre arboretum is filled with rolling lawns, a creek, wooded hills, and hiking trails. That explains why it’s usually called the most beautiful in the universe.
| Location | Swarthmore, PA |
|---|---|
| US News National Ranking | #3 out of 211 National Liberal Arts Colleges |
| Acceptance Rate | 8% |
| Graduation Rate | 94% |
| Average SAT/ACT | 1430-1560 SAT, 33-35 ACT |
| Undergraduate Enrollment | 1600 |
8. Vanderbilt University
There are lots of best colleges that are not Ivy League and Vanderbilt University is definitely one of them. This school is known for providing a welcoming community for students pursuing their dreams in diverse fields. There are over 70 undergraduate majors to choose from, so you’ll find surely which field to explore your interests and develop your skills. However, Vanderbilt is known for its strong undergraduate programs in the liberal arts and sciences. Additionally, it boasts highly regarded graduate and professional schools, including the School of Medicine, Law School, and Owen Graduate School of Management.
| Location | Nashville, TN |
|---|---|
| US News National Ranking | #18 out of 436 National Universities |
| Acceptance Rate | 7% |
| Graduation Rate | 92.8% |
| Average SAT/ACT | 1480-1570 SAT, 34-35 ACT |
| Undergraduate Enrollment | 7,200 |
Best non-Ivy League With The Highest Acceptance Rate
1. Carleton College
If you’re looking for one of the best universities in USA, not Ivy League but with a high acceptance rate, check out Carleton College. The school’s liberal approach to teaching is highly commendable as it inspires students to develop critical skills like problem-solving, creativity, and communication. No doubt that this approach prepares students to thrive in a wide variety of fields.
You’ll also be in good hands with the professors as they are not only experts in their fields but are also passionate about teaching. Rest assured that no classes are taught by teaching assistants which leaves the student-faculty ratio at 9:1. With this, Carleton students get plenty of one-on-one time with their instructors, making for a more personalized and supportive academic experience.
| Location | Northfield, MN |
|---|---|
| US News National Ranking | #8 out of 211 National Liberal Arts Colleges |
| Acceptance Rate | 20% |
| Graduation Rate | 93.2% |
| Average SAT/ACT | 1320-1530 SAT, 30-34 ACT |
| Undergraduate Enrollment | 2,000 |
2. University of Michigan
Since its founding in 1817, the University of Michigan has remained one of the top 50 non-Ivy League colleges in the U.S. Now, it is ranked 19 in Best Global Universities. In fact, it’s one of the oldest and most respected public research universities in the world. The school has greatly earned a reputation for its commitment to academic excellence, groundbreaking research, and vibrant campus life. As a student, you’ll have access to world-class professors and cutting-edge research facilities, which will enable you to thrive across a wide range of fields.
Also, beyond academics, the campus is alive with a deep tradition in sports, arts, and a strong sense of community.
| Location | Ann Arbor |
|---|---|
| US News National Ranking | #19 in Best Global Universities |
| Acceptance Rate | 17.7% |
| Graduation Rate | 93.3% |
| Average SAT/ACT | 1340-1520 SAT, 30-34 ACT |
| Undergraduate Enrollment | 32,200 |
3. Haverford College
If you’re on the lookout for a close-knit intellectual community, Haverford College is there for you. Located on a peaceful 200-acre campus. This college draws students who are naturally curious, independent, and eager to see and improve the world in new ways. Do you know that you’ll get personal attention from the professors? It’s such an amazing way to get a hands-on experience in your discipline.
Also, you’ll enjoy the campus’s serene and lively outlook. Since campus life balances academic rigor with rich extracurricular opportunities, students are opportuned to pursue sports, arts, and more without losing sight of their identities.
When you apply, rest assured that each application is reviewed with exceptional care, ensuring every student’s unique potential is recognized.
| Location | Haverford, PA |
|---|---|
| US News National Ranking | #24 on the Liberal Arts Colleges list. |
| Acceptance Rate | 15% |
| Graduation Rate | 92.3% |
| Average SAT/ACT | 1420-1540 SAT, 33-35 ACT |
| Undergraduate Enrollment | 1,400 |
4. Wesleyan University
Wesleyan University is another incredible college worth checking out. The school is popular for its innovative and flexible curriculum, where students are encouraged to think creatively and take intellectual risks. The most amazing part is that with a 7:1 student-faculty ratio, students benefit from small classes and close connections with faculty. This is a more personalized learning guaranteed to boost your academic experience. More so, Wesleyan offers over 47 majors and more than 900 courses, so you have a lot of options to pick from.
| Location | Middletown, CT |
|---|---|
| US News National Ranking | #14 in the National Liberal Arts Colleges |
| Acceptance Rate | 19% |
| Graduation Rate | 90.3% |
| Average SAT/ACT | 1300-1510 SAT, 31-34 ACT |
| Undergraduate Enrollment | 3,300 |
Conclusion
To wrap it up, choosing the right college is a big decision for a student’s future. Despite Ivy League schools often get a lot of attention, many non-Ivy League schools offer amazing opportunities too. Above, we’ve reviewed the best non Ivy League schools like UCLA, Stanford, Northwestern University, Swarthmore College and many more. These schools provide great academics, unique programs, and a supportive student community to help you throughout your college journey. You can get all the help you need to achieve your goals without the pressure of getting into an Ivy League. Feel free to explore all the options available and see the one that ticks all of your boxes in terms of disciplines offered and location.
FAQ on Best Non Ivy League Schools
No, Northwestern is not an Ivy League school, but it is highly prestigious and a member of the Big Ten Conference and the Association of American Universities, which includes top research universities in the U.S. and Canada.
No, Vanderbilt is not an Ivy League school, but it is a highly respected private research university in Nashville, Tennessee. It has consistently ranked among the top schools in the U.S.
No, the University of Notre Dame is not part of the Ivy League. However, even with the non-attachement to Ivy League, the school is known for their high academic standards.
No, Oxford isn’t an Ivy League school, though it is ranked No.4 among the best Global Universities. The Ivy League includes only eight universities in the U.S.: Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Columbia, Dartmouth, Brown, Pennsylvania, and Cornell.
No, Tufts isn’t an Ivy League school, but it’s part of the “Little Ivies,” which is a group of prestigious liberal arts colleges known for rigorous academics.
