If you want to know everything about what is Ivy League and how to enter such a university in the US, here is all that you need to know! This blog will cover how the Ivy League was established in 1954 to select reputed and prestigious schools and universities around the world. Moreover, it will discuss what it takes to get into these universities and colleges. In addition to this, you will learn about the eligibility criteria and admission process of Ivy League universities. Let us first start with knowing what the Ivy League means.
Table of Contents
The meaning of Ivy League lies in the Northeastern US, the Ivy League represents a cluster of private colleges that are popular for multiple reasons. All of them are known for their academic involvement and excellence. Moreover, they facilitate highly selective admissions and have a very prestigious reputation. In addition to this, these Ivy colleges in the US are considered the most competitive across the globe! There are a total of 8 research universities in the US that are private and which are included in the Ivy League category.
This was a precise answer to the question, "What is Ivy League?". However, there is so much more to it! Let us hop on to the next section. It will talk about the list of universities and colleges that come into the Ivy League.
As noted before, there are a total of 8 universities that are included in the list of Ivy League universities USA. All of them are listed below:
Now, these universities have a track record of having a legacy of educating the most brilliant minds. Moreover, they ensure to give their students an exceptional student life with a lot of learning and vibrant cultures. Therefore, the pointers below will explain about these universities in detail:
Brown University
|
Recent Acceptance Rate |
Around 5 % |
|
QS World Ranking 2025 |
#79 |
|
Average Tuition Fee |
65,146 USD |
|
No. of Students 2024 |
2,686 |
This university was first established in the 1760s in Rhode Island. The Brown University is also one of the oldest universities in the US. This institute is famous for inculcating high morals and higher standard education in its students.
Furthermore, Brown University is also famous for research and project based learning with world class infrastructure.
Fun Fact: Emma Watson is an alumnus of Brown University!
|
Recent Acceptance Rate |
3.85 % |
|
No. of Students 2024 |
2,465 |
|
QS World Ranking 2025 |
#34 |
|
Average Tuition Fee |
68,000 USD |
Secondly, on the list, you can see Columbia University. This university was established in the 1750s. Moreover, it is also one of the oldest universities with a rich heritage and a high standard of education. In addition to this, there is great news for you if you are applying to this university that, it is also one of the top research universities in the US.
Fun Fact: In American colonies, Columbia University, formerly known as King's College, was in the 5th position out of the 9 colleges that were originally established in America.
|
Recent Acceptance Rate |
10.9 % |
|
No. of Students 2024 |
5,353 |
|
QS World Ranking 2025 |
#16 |
|
Average Tuition Fee |
63,200 |
This one was established in 1865 and it has three campuses. The main one is in Ithaca, New York State. Moreover, the other 2 satellite campuses are in New York City and Qatar. Cornell also provides one of the most diverse and vibrant with students from various backgrounds.
Fun Fact: Cornell University has a plantation of 4,300 acres around it with gardens and forests.
|
Recent Acceptance Rate |
6 % |
|
No. of Students 2024 |
1,209 |
|
QS World Ranking 2025 |
#243 |
|
Average Tuition Fee |
62,658 USD |
Dartmouth College was settled in 1769 and is well known for educating students on subjects like Economics and Politics. Moreover, it also facilitates only 7 students per teacher to increase the quality of attention and education being delivered to students.
Fun Fact: The Latin motto of Dartmouth College "Vox clamantis in deserto" means " The voice of the one crying out in the wilderness".
|
Recent Acceptance Rate |
3.4 % |
|
No. of Students 2024 |
1,980 |
|
QS World Ranking 2025 |
#4 |
|
Average Tuition Fee |
57,261 USD |
The Harvard University was founded in 1636. It is situated in Boston and is one of the most reputed universities in the world. Students receive distinctions as per their academic performance during their time at Harvard University.
Fun Fact: The oldest library in America is at Harvard University.
|
Recent Acceptance Rate |
6 % |
|
No. of Students 2024 |
1,369 |
|
QS World Ranking 2025 |
#22 |
|
Average Tuition Fee |
57,410 USD |
In 1746, one of the best research universities in the US was established Princeton University. It is also one of the most difficult to get an entry in. This institute is also famous for giving strict admission to only 1000 students per year.
Fun Fact: The third person to walk on the moon was a Princeton University graduate. He was the first person to plant Princeton's flag on the surface of the moon.
|
Recent Acceptance Rate |
7 % |
|
No. of Students 2024 |
3,404 |
|
QS World Ranking 2025 |
#11 |
|
Average Tuition Fee |
63,452 USD |
It was established in 1740 and is the 4th oldest university in the United States. The competition to get into this university is very high. Moreover, for all the courses, the University of Pennsylvania. The Law, Medicine, and Business departments show the toughest competition.
Fun Fact: In 1876, it was one of the first Ivy League universities USA to enter female students for UG courses.
|
Recent Acceptance Rate |
5 % |
|
No. of Students 2024 |
2,304 |
|
QS World Ranking 2025 |
#23 |
|
Average Tuition Fee |
62,250 USD |
Lastly, the 3rd oldest university established in the United States is Yale University. Students select their majors from the second year. This university is situated in New Haven, Connecticut.
Fun Fact: There are 12.5 million books in Yale University's library. Only Harvard has more books than that, making Yale's library the 2nd largest in the US.
Also Read : How to Pursue MS in USA?
These were the 8 prestigious institutes that are part of the Ivy League. Now, that you know what is Ivy League and which universities come under it, let us know why they are better than other colleges.
The Ivy League colleges in USA are very difficult to enter. Moreover, there are a lot of factors that are responsible for these institutes being restricted. Let us know what else makes them different from other colleges through the table below:
|
IVY LEAGUE UNIVERSITIES |
OTHER UNIVERSITIES |
|---|---|
|
1. They are difficult to get an admission in. |
They are comparatively easier. |
|
2. The acceptance rate is really low and often below 10%. |
Similarly, the acceptance rates of other colleges in the US is also higher. |
|
3. They provide top faculties for every set / class of few students. |
The faculties in these universities are well educated and highly experienced too. However, the teacher to student ratio is not as low. |
|
4. Networking opportunities with some of the smartest people in the world. |
Other universities also offer a great diverse environment. |
|
5. The starting salary of students from Ivy League universities is usually higher. |
The tarting salary of students passing out from these universities is lower than the salary of alumni of Ivy League universities. |
This is what makes a school Ivy League. Now, let us talk about the number of students in Ivy League universities.
You might wonder, "How many Ivy League schools are there". There are a total of 8 colleges in the Ivy League. Among these, there are a total of 1,50,000 students enrolled in various courses. These students are handpicked from several applications from around the world including the United States. The pointers below will give the ratio of international and Indian students in these universities:
These are the number of international students in each of the Ivy League universities.
|
UNIVERSITY NAME |
NUMBER OF INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS |
|---|---|
|
Brown University |
2,700 |
|
Columbia University |
23,246 |
|
Cornell University |
5,635 |
|
Dartmouth College |
984 |
|
Harvard University |
6,713 |
|
Princeton University |
2,474 |
|
University of Pennsylvania |
6,887 |
|
Yale University |
3,395 |
The ratio of Indian students in Ivy League universities USA has increased in the past few years. As per Harvard University, anywhere between 500 to 800, Indians are admitted into the institute each each year. Moreover, at Yale University, 2022 statistics confirmed the enrollment of 165 Indian students. However, the details on enrollment of students from various nations.
Also Read: Different Intakes in the US
Now, let us look at the admission process for applying to an Ivy League institute.
Don't let the challenging competition in admissions of these elite universities stop you from taking a step toward them. Here is a complete guide to the admission process of Ivy League colleges in USA:
1) A great academic score
2) Score well on SAT
3) Volunteering experience
4) Reference letters and LORs
7) Other official documents
Also Read : How to Apply for Studying Abroad?
This was the application process and eligibility criteria for admission into an Ivy League institute. Now, let us take a look at the tuition fees for various degrees and courses in these universities.
Annually, an international student has to pay around 56,000 USD in tuition fees. Moreover, the cost of living and staying in the US is also very high. However, these universities facilitate students with dorm facilities within the premises of the university.
However, the fees for studying at these universities also differ for every degree level. These are the various degree levels offered at the Ivy League and their average annual tuition fees:
|
DEGREE LEVEL |
AVERAGE ANNUAL TUITION FEE IN IVY LEAGUE INSTITUTES |
|---|---|
|
UG |
46,056 USD - 84,900 USD |
|
PG |
80,000 USD - 82,000 USD |
|
PhD |
48,405 USD |
Now, let us talk about the scholarships that you can grab to enter an Ivy League university in USA.
The Ivy League scholarships are some of the world's strongest need based awards. However, there are no awards based on merit or other talents. Here are Ivy League scholarships and their details:
|
Brown University |
1. Must demonstrate your needs. 2. The university verifies the financial information of a candidate. 3. They consider number of dependents, and the marital status of parents.
If eligible, you will get a scholarship of 61,275 USD. |
|---|---|
|
Columbia University |
1. Candidate must demonstrate financial needs.
If eligible, you will get a scholarship of 79,375 USD. |
|
Cornell University |
1. Candidate must demonstrate financial needs.
If eligible, you will get a scholarship of 30,000 USD to 35,000 USD. |
|
Dartmouth University |
1. Candidate must demonstrate financial needs.
If eligible, you will get a 100 % scholarship. |
|
Harvard University |
1. Candidate must demonstrate financial needs.
If eligible, you will get up to 100 % scholarship |
|
Princeton University |
1. Candidate must demonstrate financial needs.
If eligible, you will get a scholarship of 70,500 USD. |
|
University of Pennsylvania |
There are several scholarships for international students based on need.
If eligible, you will get a scholarship of 56,000 USD. |
|
Yale University |
1. Candidate must demonstrate financial needs.
If eligible, you will get a scholarship of 50,000 USD. |
These are the various scholarships you can apply for. There are certain entrance exams that you need to clear before entering the Ivy colleges.
There are several entrance tests for various purposes for studying abroad. The purpose can be to prove English language proficiency, and aptitude, pursue an MBA, etc.
This is the list of entrance exams students need to take to study in an Ivy League university in USA:
Also read : All You need to Know About SAT Exam!
These are the various exams you must consider preparing for if you wish to study in USA and get into an Ivy League school. Moreover, if you are interested in getting the course of your desire, do check its eligibility criteria on the official website of the university. This is because the required scores and GPA can differ from course to course and degree to degree.
To sum up, this was all about what is Ivy League and how you can secure a seat in one of their esteemed organizations. Moreover, if you want your education to be sponsored by those universities, there are very few of them that offer merit based scholarships. In addition to this, you can also take the help of a study abroad agency to seek the best suitable scholarships for you.
Gradding can be of help with their attractive offers and packages to help you study abroad. However, if you want to avail of only one service or two, you can get customized aid through our experienced experts! Grab free IELTS classes from the website before the offer ends!
They are called Ivy League schools and universities as they are very old, prestigious and excellent in serving academics. Therefore, these schools and universities are included in the Ivy League category.
The group of Ivy League Universities was an inter-college athletic group of 8 universities and colleges of the Northeastern states of the country United States of America that were aiming at amplifying sports and sporting plus athletic knots among these member universities and colleges.
The most prestigious Ivy League university is the Princeton University as per the US news and world report. Now, you may ask “Is Stanford Ivy League?” The answer is no. However, it is still one of the best universities in the world with QS World University Ranking of #6.
Princeton university offers a great amount of financial aids and relief. Thus, it is regarded as the most affordable Ivy League university.
You must be focused and determined to get admission into an Ivy League university. Moreover, you must also write outstanding essays and score great on SAT and other American entrance exams. Moreover, you would also need to focus on your academics.
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