What Are Ivy League Universities in the USA?

A common question we field at IMFS revolves around the Ivy League. Everyone with good grades and an ambitious outlook wants to study at one of the Ivies — however, there is also a lot of misinformation making the rounds about the constitution of this elite league of universities. To this end, through this article, we aim to shed light on the Ivy League, how it came about, and what each university is best known for.

History of the Ivy League

The Ivy League is a group of prestigious universities in the United States known for their academic excellence, social prestige, and selective admissions. Originally, the term “Ivy League” was used to describe an athletic conference established in 1954. However, over time, it became synonymous with elite education and high academic standards. The universities that form the Ivy League have histories dating back to the colonial era, with Harvard University being the oldest, founded in 1636.

Why Is It Called the Ivy League?

The name “Ivy League” is believed to have originated from the ivy plants that traditionally grew on the buildings of these universities. Another theory suggests that the term was coined by sportswriters in the 1930s to describe the prestigious nature of these schools’ athletic programs before the official athletic conference was established.

How Many Ivy League Schools Are There?

There are eight Ivy League universities, all located in the northeastern United States. These institutions are recognized globally for their rigorous academic programs and distinguished alumni networks.

What Are the Ivy League Schools?

The eight Ivy League universities are:

• Harvard University – Massachusetts
• Yale University – Connecticut
• Princeton University – New Jersey
• Columbia University – New York
• University of Pennsylvania (Penn) – Pennsylvania
• Dartmouth College – New Hampshire
• Brown University – Rhode Island
• Cornell University – New York

Ivy League Schools Rankings

Rankings of Ivy League schools vary depending on the source and criteria used. However, these institutions consistently rank among the top universities in the world. Generally, Harvard, Princeton, and Yale often secure the highest positions in academic rankings.

Best Courses at Ivy League Schools

Each Ivy League school is known for excelling in specific disciplines:

• Harvard University: Law, Business, Medicine, and Government
• Yale University: Arts, Humanities, and Law
• Princeton University: Engineering, Public Policy, and Economics
• Columbia University: Journalism, International Relations, and Business
• University of Pennsylvania (Wharton): Business, Finance, and Medicine
• Dartmouth College: Liberal Arts, Medicine, and Engineering
• Brown University: Liberal Arts, Computer Science, and Public Health
• Cornell University: Agriculture, Engineering, and Hospitality Management

Ivy League Schools Acceptance Rate

Ivy League schools are highly competitive, with acceptance rates ranging between 3% to 10%. These universities receive tens of thousands of applications annually, admitting only a small percentage of highly qualified students.

Where Are the Ivy League Schools Located?

The Ivy League schools are located in the northeastern part of the United States:

• Harvard University – Cambridge, Massachusetts
• Yale University – New Haven, Connecticut
• Princeton University – Princeton, New Jersey
• Columbia University – New York City, New York
• University of Pennsylvania – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
• Dartmouth College – Hanover, New Hampshire
• Brown University – Providence, Rhode Island
• Cornell University – Ithaca, New York

Is Stanford an Ivy League School?

No, Stanford University is not an Ivy League school. However, it is often mistaken for one due to its academic reputation. Located in California, Stanford is one of the top universities in the world, known for its excellence in technology, entrepreneurship, and research.

Is MIT an Ivy League School?

No, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is not part of the Ivy League. Despite its prestige and ranking alongside Ivy League schools, MIT specializes in science, engineering, and technology education and research.

Final Thoughts

The Ivy League remains a symbol of academic excellence and social prestige, attracting students worldwide. While these schools offer unparalleled opportunities, many other universities in the U.S. provide world-class education in various disciplines.

If you’re aiming to study in the USA and dream of the Ivy League or similar top-tier institutions, IMFS can help you every step of the way — from test preparation to application and visa guidance.