Everyone knows Ivy League! Then, what are the Ivy League schools? In fact, they are 8 best universities in USA, including Harvard University, Yale University, University of Pennsylvania, Cornell University, Columbia University in the City of New York, Princeton University, Brown University, and Dartmouth College.
Ivy League schools are dream schools for countless students all over the world. These 8 schools represent the world’s top education standard and academic atmosphere. They also have many well-known alumni. Almost a third of US presidents have graduated from Ivy League colleges. So, what do you have to know about Ivy League schools? Let’s have a look.
What is Ivy League?
When it comes to Ivy League, what comes to your mind first? The ancient building covered with ivy? Or a rigorous academic campus atmosphere? In fact, Ivy League is an athletic league of eight universities in the northeastern United States. At first, there were only four universities in the Ivy League: Harvard University, Yale University, Columbia University in the City of New York and Princeton University. Now, the League has expanded to eight schools. Ivy League has also been synonymous with the world’s top universities.
What are the Ivy League schools?
Here is the list of Ivy League schools.
1. Harvard University
- Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts
- QS World University Rankings 2025: 4
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 7,240
No one doesn’t know Harvard University. Harvard has been ranked No. 1 for many years. Although its ranking has fallen a little bit in recent years, it’s still firmly in the top five. Harvard University has a long history, and was founded in 1636. It has cultivated more than 160 Nobel Prize winners and 8 US presidents. It is worthy of being the dream university for students from the world.
2. Yale University
- Location: New Haven, Connecticut
- QS World University Rankings 2025: 23
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 6,645
Just like Harvard, Yale University is one of the oldest universities in the US, and also an ideal school for many students. In 1861, Yale University awarded the first doctoral degree in the United States, which shows the significance of Yale. Yale also has the third largest library system in the US, with more than 15 million volumes.
3. University of Pennsylvania
- Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- QS World University Rankings 2025: 11
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 9,760
University of Pennsylvania is a world-famous private research university in the USA. It is the fifth oldest university in America, and was founded in 1740. More importantly, University of Pennsylvania was founded by one of the most famous founding fathers of the United States of America — Benjamin Franklin.
4. Cornell University
- Location: Ithaca, New York
- QS World University Rankings 2025: 16
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 15,735
Cornell University is a private research univeristy, located in Ithaca, New York. Among all Ivy League schools, Cornell is the only one founded after the American War of Independence. Since its founding, Cornell has accepted both male and female students from different races and faiths. Hence, it has been awarded as “the first truly universal university in the history of the United States”.
5. Columbia University in the City of New York
- Location: New York City, New York
- QS World University Rankings 2025: 34
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 8,832
Columbia University is an Ivy League located in New York City, and also the oldest university in New York State. Its name used to be King’s College, then changed to Columbia University. It is also home to many big names, such as Franklin Roosevelt, Barack Obama, and Warren E. Buffett.
6. Princeton University
- Location: Princeton, New Jersey
- QS World University Rankings 2025: 22
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 5,640
Princeton University is not only listed in Ivy League, but also in Big Three. Big Three represents the top three universities in the US, which are Harvard University, Yale University and Princeton University. It is self-evident that attending Princeton has always been a dream for most students. Einstein was also a resident professor at Princeton University, which shows the strong academic ability and high reputation of Princeton University.
7. Brown University
- Location: Providence, Rhode Island
- QS World University Rankings 2025: 79
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 7,639
Brown University is also an Ivy League school. It is one of the universities with the lowest acceptance rates in the US. Brown University owns American top traditional humanities and social sciences majors. It has produced 24 Pulitzer Prize winners.
8. Dartmouth College
- Location: Hanover, New Hampshire
- QS World University Rankings 2025: 243
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 4,458
Dartmouth College, founded in 1769, is one of the nine colonial colleges in the United States. Dartmouth College offers students many majors. Among them, political science and economics are the most outstanding majors.
Ivy League acceptance rates
Being accepted by Ivy League schools is not easy. Every year, many people from all over the world try to apply to Ivy League schools. So, how many people have succeeded in achieving their dreams? Let’s take a look at the Ivy League acceptance rates. The table below will show the Ivy League acceptance rates for Class of 2028. It will also list acceptance rates for Class of 2027 for comparison.
| Name of College | 2024 Acceptance Rate | 2023 Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Harvard University | 3.59% | 3.4% |
| Yale University | 3.7% | 4.4% |
| University of Pennsylvania | 5.4% | 4.1% |
| Cornell University | ~7.5% | ~8% |
| Columbia University | 3.85% | 3.9% |
| Princeton University | ~4.5% | ~4% |
| Brown University | 5.16% | 5.1% |
| Dartmouth College | 5.3% | 6% |
Cost of living in Ivy League universities
Higher education is always costly in the US, even many locals cannot afford it. Therefore, although Ivy League colleges are attractive to most students, the expensive expenses make us hesitate. Here is the list of living expenses in Ivy League schools. Knowing this can help you make the right decision.
Harvard University
- Tuition: $57,246
- Bed and Board: $25,348
- Mandatory Fees: $291
- Books & Other Personal Expenses: $5,515
- Total: $88,400
Yale University
- Tuition: $64,700
- Bed and Board: $19,180
- Student Activities Fees: $125
- Books & Personal Expenses: $3,700
- Total: $87,705
University of Pennsylvania
Tuition: $58,620
Bed and Board: $18,496
Additional Fees: $8,546
Books & Personal Expenses: $3,366
- Total: $89,028
Cornell University
NY State Resident Tuition: $43,888
Non-NY State Resident Tuition: $65,204
Bed and Board: $18,554
Books & Personal Expenses: $3,582
Additional Fees: $810
Total for NY Resident: $66,834
Total for Non-NY Resident: $88,420
Columbia University
Tuition: $65,524
Bed and Board: $16,156
Mandatory Fees: $615
Books & Personal Expenses: $3,672
Total: $85,967
Princeton University
Tuition: $59,710
Bed and Board: $19,380
Additional Fees: $4,050
Total: $83,140
Brown University
- Tuition: $$68,612
- Bed and Board: $17,444
- Additional Fees: $2,800
- Books & Personal Expenses: $2,820
- Total: $91,676
Dartmouth College
- Tuition: $63,684
Bed and Board: $19,009
Additional Fees: $2,055
Books & Personal Expenses: $3,045
Total: $87,793
Public Ivy League schools
As we all known, Ivy League refers to those 8 top US universities. But these universities are all private colleges and costly. Therefore, “public Ivies” was put forward. The term first appeared in 1985 in a book called The Public Ivies: A Guide to America’s Best Public Undergraduate Colleges and Universities. It refers to public best universities in USA, which can offer an Ivy League-like educational experience.
The original public Ivy also consisted of eight universities. Now, the list has been extended to over 30 colleges. Here is the list of original 8 public Ivy League schools.
College of William and Mary
Miami University
University of California system (UC Berkeley, UC Davis, UC Irvine, UCLA, UC Riverside, UC San Diego, UC Santa Barbara, UC Santa Cruz)
University of Michigan
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
University of Texas at Austin
University of Vermont
University of Virginia
New Ivy League schools
Ivy League is an ancient concept, and these eight schools have always been recognized as the best universities in USA. However, more and more schools are growing rapidly, and some even surpassed some of the Ivy League colleges. Thus, Forbes recently released a list of new Ivy League based on these schools’ reputation, employment rate, research level and many other factors. There are two new Ivy League schools’ lists, divided by private and public.
New private Ivies
- Boston College – Massachusetts
- Carnegie Mellon University – Pennsylvania
- Emory University – Georgia
- Georgetown Univerisity – District of Columbia
- Johns Hopkins University – Maryland
- Northwestern University – Illinois
- Rice University – Texas
- University of Notre Dame – Indiana
- University of Southern California – California
- Vanderbilt University – Tennessee
New public Ivies
- Binghamton University – New York
- Georgie Institute of Technology – Georgia
- University of Florida – Florida
- University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign- Illinois
- University of Maryland – College Park
- University of Michigan – Ann Arbor
- University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill
- University of Texas – Austin
- University of Virginia – Virginia
- University of Wisconsin – Madison
Should you try to apply to an Ivy League?
Studying at an Ivy League school is the dream for most students in the world. You should certainly try to apply to an Ivy League if you can! Studying here, you can not only receive a quality education, but also meet an elite group. From your professors to classmates, these people will be the wealth for the rest of your life. Here are some benefits of attending Ivy League universities.
- High reputation
- Strong scientific research ability
- Famous alumni
- Outstanding teachers
Why you shouldn't apply to Ivy League?
In spite of all these benefits, many people still don’t apply to Ivy League. In addition to the fierce competition and low acceptance rates, high cost is another major reason.
Don’t worry! These top US universities usually provide various scholarships and financial aid. You can visit their official website to get detailed information. Moreover, you can check uhomes.com to discover comfortable accommodation at a lower price. For college students, accommodation is always a huge expense. We can solve this problem! Please don’t wait and check our website.
How to apply to Ivy League colleges?
Finally, you make up your mind! Don’t be afraid about the low acceptance rates and the fierce competition. Just do it. As long as you are well prepared, it is possible to be accepted by Ivy League universities. Read on the following content and start your journey.
Application process
- Investigating schools. There are eight universities in Ivy League. Which one is the best for you? You have to investigate these schools, and know more detailed information, such as acceptance rates, tuition, application requirements, and location.
- Collecting materials. After determining which school you want to apply to, please collect your relevant materials according to the school’s requirements.
- Filling out the application. The application can show your strength and ability directly. Please take it seriously. You can search for some information about what abilities this school is looking for in students.
- Submitting your application. Once you complete your application and collect all materials you need, you can submit you application. Please pay attention to deadlines in case you miss the day.
Application checklist
Each school has its own requirements. Here is the checklist for Yale University‘s first-year applicants.
- $80 application fee or fee waiver
- Recommendations from two teachers and one counselor
- School Report with transcript
- Standardized test results (ACT, AP, IB or SAT)
- Mid-Year Report (due when first semester/term senior grades are available at your school)
Conclusion
What are the Ivy League schools? Ivy League schools represent the top academic level in the United States and even the world. In addition, they also symbolize the spirit of seeking for excellence and innovation. Each Ivy League school shapes the people who will lead the future in its own way. They have not only cultivated countless big names, but also developed human civilization. The Ivy League will continue to lead the world in the future.
FAQ
Ivy League is an athletic league of eight universities in the northeastern United States. They represent the top academic level in the United States and even the world.
These eight universities are Harvard University, Yale University, University of Pennsylvania, Cornell University, Columbia University in the City of New York, Princeton University, Brown University, and Dartmouth College.
Eight.
They are Harvard University, Yale University, University of Pennsylvania, Cornell University, Columbia University in the City of New York, Princeton University, Brown University, and Dartmouth College.
| Name of College | QS World University Rankings 2025 |
|---|---|
| Harvard University | 4 |
| Yale University | 23 |
| University of Pennsylvania | 11 |
| Cornell University | 16 |
| Columbia University | 34 |
| Princeton University | 22 |
| Brown University | 79 |
| Dartmouth College | 243 |
| Name of College | Undergraduate Enrollment |
|---|---|
| Harvard University | 7,240 |
| Yale University | 6,645 |
| University of Pennsylvania | 9,760 |
| Cornell University | 15,735 |
| Columbia University | 8.832 |
| Princeton University | 5,640 |
| Brown University | 7,639 |
| Dartmouth College | 4,458 |
Cornell University is often considered the easiest Ivy League school to get into because of its high acceptance rate. However, it’s still challenging to enter Cornell.
Yes.
As an important extracurricular activity, mock trial is also welcomed by Ivy League schools.
Yes.
Columbia University is located in NYC.
Yes.
Cornell University is one of the Ivy League schools.
Yes.
University of Pennsylvania is one of the Ivy League universities.
Yes.
Stanford University is one of the Ivy League colleges.
Yes.
Princeton University is one of the Ivy League schools.
