Eight prestigious private schools and universities in the United States are collectively called the "Ivy League." They are renowned for their rigorous entrance criteria, rich histories, and academic excellence. Princeton University, Yale University, Dartmouth College, Harvard University, Columbia University, Brown University, University of Pennsylvania, and Cornell University are among the member schools.
Study in USA for international students is quite popular nowadays because of its highly regarded universities. Students can select colleges in USA for their higher studies in various programmes according to their interest from these Ivy League schools. In this blog, we'll discuss the history of the Ivy League, which universities it includes, and how to apply for international students who wish to get education in USA.
What is the Ivy League?
The Ivy League is a collection of 8 private universities located in the Northeast of America. Originally founded in the 1950s, these universities were a part of the NCAA Division 1 Athletics League. These eight American colleges in USA were well-known for having extremely competitive athletic programmes. They started to draw more funding, grants, and famous speakers worldwide as they kept up their good performance in the sports world. As a result, the schools quickly established a reputation for both athletic and academic excellence. They are now regarded as among the most esteemed universities in the US and internationally.
Why is it called the Ivy League?
All eight universities in the Ivy League have beautiful, historical campuses. Many believe the term “Ivy League” was coined in 1937 when sports writer Caswell Adams was writing about the football game between Columbia University and the University of Pennsylvania. He referred to them as old “ivy-covered” universities, which led to them being referred to as the “Ivy League”.
Ivy League Universities
| University | Description | |
| 1. | Brown University | Brown University is in Rhode Island, where students are encouraged to shape their education by choosing the courses they want to study. The university encourages research and involvement in the community. Graduate schools include Brown School of Public Health, Brown University Graduate School, etc. |
| 2. | Columbia University | Columbia University is located in New York City. It provides many programmes covering everything from arts to sciences and has an impressive list of famous alumni. Columbia College is the oldest college in the university. Graduate schools include Columbia Business School, Columbia Law School, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, and the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. |
| 3. | Cornell University | Further upstate in New York, there is Cornell University. This Ivy League member provides a mix of classic education and hands-on experience in subjects like agriculture and engineering. Graduate schools include the Johnson Graduate School of Management, Cornell Law School, Weill Cornell Medicine, Graduate School, etc. |
| 4. | Dartmouth College | Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire, encourages close connections between students and teachers and is a popular location for liberal arts studies. Graduate schools include Tuck School of Business, Geisel School of Medicine, Graduate Studies Program, etc. |
| 5. | Harvard University | Harvard University is the oldest in the Ivy League in Massachusetts. Harvard is known for its research, diversity, involvement in global industry, and excellence in law, computer science, economics, medicine, and science. Graduate schools include Harvard Business School, Harvard Law School, Harvard Medical School, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, etc. |
| 6. | Princeton University | Princeton in New Jersey is specifically known for its undergraduate programmes. Students are encouraged to work on critical thinking and research there. Graduate schools include Princeton School of Public and International Affairs, Princeton Graduate School, etc. |
| 7. | University of Pennsylvania | The University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia is known for blending different subjects and preparing students for the real world. Graduate schools include Wharton School of Business, Penn Law, Perelman School of Medicine, School of Engineering and Applied Science, etc. |
| 8. | Yale University | Lastly, Yale in New Haven, Connecticut, is known for its demanding arts, sciences, and humanities programmes. Graduate schools include Yale School of Management, Yale Law School, Yale School of Medicine, Yale Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, etc. |
Application Process for Admission to Ivy League Schools in the USA
The enrollment process for an Ivy League university is incredibly competitive. Each university’s process differs slightly, but most share similar requirements -
- A strong GPA (Average between 3.85 and 4.18)
- High SAT scores
- An interest in extracurricular activities
- Volunteering experience
- Letters of recommendation
- Strong candidate interviews
Candidates are evaluated based on more than just their grades. University admissions authorities also like to see proof of membership in groups, hobbies, and community involvement. The Ivy League universities receive a lot of applications every year, but each one has a fixed capacity and acceptance rate.
Across all eight universities, the average acceptance rate is less than 11%.
Acceptance Rate at Ivy League Schools
| University | Acceptance Rate |
| Brown University | 6.9% |
| Columbia University | 5.3% |
| Cornell University | 10.9% |
| Dartmouth College | 8.8% |
| Harvard University | 4.9% |
| Princeton University | 5.6% |
| University of Pennsylvania | 8.1% |
| Yale University | 6.6% |
Cost to study at an Ivy League School in USA
Because these are private universities, tuition fees for both domestic and international students are high. The cost of living at some of these schools can also be quite high, with New York and Boston being costly cities. The Ivy League receives a lot of funding through donations, alumni support and grants. This means that students who are accepted but unable to afford to attend can receive financial aid. You can find the cost of a specific course, international students scholarships option, and financial assistance in your choice of Ivy League University online.
To apply for need-based financial assistance, you must complete the FAFSA application. Some universities may require students to complete a CSS profile too. It’s always worth talking to your chosen colleges in USA to explore what kind of financial options are available to you.
Difference between the Ivy League and Other Universities
The main difference between the Ivy League and other universities is their reputation. They are the alma maters of US presidents, actors, authors, politicians and businesspeople, including Barack Obama, Emma Watson, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Meryl Streep and Toni Morrison. Their strong alumni groups are a great resource for students to build their professional networks and look for opportunities and recommendations within their chosen sector. Many graduates find that a degree from an Ivy League school helps them get their foot through the door for selective careers such as medicine and law.
However, it is important to remember that many other universities provide an excellent education in USA. So it is always worth expanding your search for Universities in the US beyond the Ivy League to find the right one for you.
Advantages of attending an Ivy League school -
- Small class sizes
- Highly qualified faculty
- Various extracurricular opportunities
- Better job prospects with higher salaries
Ivy League schools are some of the most reputable universities in the United States. They offer world-class education in USA and unparalleled academic and social opportunities. If you're looking for a challenging learning environment and want to be surrounded by some of the brightest students in the country, then an Ivy League school may be right for you. If you want to attend an Ivy League school, get in touch with a trusted study abroad consultant like Azent, as they can help you prepare yourself for study abroad programmes.