The word Ivy League is bound to pop up when looking for good education institutions across the USA. Students who aspire to pursue higher education in the United States have long been fascinated by and envious of the elite group of educational institutions.

But what exactly is the Ivy League, and which universities are included in the list? Which one of them is the best?  What are the costs of attending an Ivy League school?

In this article, we'll look into the answers!

What are Ivy Leagues? 

The Ivy League is a compilation of the United States' eight most prominent and oldest institutions. This group was formed in 1954 as a result of their shared passion for athletics. Although the organization was founded to foster sporting and athletic links between member universities, it now represents much more. Academic excellence and social significance are now associated with these institutions.

If you don’t already know what Ivy League universities are - The Ivy Leagues are predominantly found in the Northeastern United States, and include the following institutions:

  1. Brown University (founded 1764)
  2. Columbia University (founded 1754)
  3. Cornell University (founded 1865)
  4. Dartmouth College (founded 1769)
  5. Harvard University (founded 1636)
  6. University of Pennsylvania, AKA UPenn (founded 1740)
  7. Princeton University (founded 1746)
  8. Yale University (founded 1701)

Why ivy League Schools are better?

Because of its global exposure, an Ivy League school is better than any other top-tier university. Employers and graduate school admissions officers will immediately recognize that you attended an incredibly competitive school if you have an Ivy League diploma. Ivy League universities have a global reputation that few other universities cannot match. You'll also have the chance to connect with successful and prominent alumni.

Below are 3 reasons why Ivy Leagues should be on top of your list!

  • Legacy
    These are the best-preserved schools in the US. As a result, they have taken longer than any other school in the United States to establish their status.
  • Academic Achievement
    The best academic assistance is provided by the Ivy League. There is no question about that. In terms of academics, research experts, and students, almost every course at these universities will have the right performers.
  • Significant alumni network
    Since they're the oldest, they have a vast alumni network that may provide exceptional mentors and, if necessary, solid career possibilities.

Ivy Leagues Universities List and Ranking

1. Yale University (New Haven, Connecticut)

The university was founded in 1701, although it was not named Yale until 1718, when merchant Elihu Yale contributed 417 books, 562 pounds in fabric goods, and a painting of King George III to the New Haven college. Yale is a research institution and liberal arts college that selects students who they believe will maximize their resources and make important contributions to the Yale community. They look for pupils that are willing and able to push themselves to new heights.

Top courses: Social Sciences, Biological and Biomedical Sciences, History, Mathematics and Statistics, and Engineering

 US News National Ranking

Avg Tuition Fees

General Acceptance Rate

5

 $60,000

4.4%

 

2. Princeton University  (Princeton, New Jersey)

Princeton is known for its undergraduate education. They have a generous financial aid program to ensure that all accepted students, regardless of financial need, can attend and graduate debt-free.

Princeton looks for bright people from a diverse range of cultural, racial, and economic backgrounds. Princeton believes that life experiences are just as important as education. They encourage students to participate in extracurricular activities, live lives of service, and pursue personal interests, hobbies, and friendships outside of the classroom.

Top courses: Economics, English, History, Molecular Biology, Political Science, Psychology, and Public Policy

 US News National Ranking

Avg Tuition Fees

General Acceptance Rate

1

$56,010

 4%

 

Read More details on Princeton University

3. University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)

Benjamin Franklin, one of the United States' founding fathers, established the University of Pennsylvania in 1740 with the goal of educating future generations. The history of the university is extensive. Students are encouraged to participate in activities outside of the classroom, such as discovering the city's cultural, social, and political life. Award-winning professors lead seminars and motivate students to follow their passions, solve issues, and improve the world.

Top courses: Medicine, Dentistry, Design, Business, Law, Communications, Nursing, Veterinary, Social sciences, and Humanities

 US News National Ranking

Avg Tuition Fees

General Acceptance Rate

8

$62,010

4.7%

 

4. Harvard University (Cambridge, Massachusetts)

Harvard University is the United States' oldest university. It was created in 1636 and named after John Harvard, a young preacher who was one of the college's initial supporters. He passed down his library and half of his assets to the institution when he died in 1638. Harvard provides specialized education for both individuals with a passion and those who are still seeking their path, with access to world-renowned research opportunities, thought-provoking courses, and faculty mentors.

Top courses: Biology, Economics, English, History, Political Science, Psychology, Social Sciences

 US News National Ranking

Avg Tuition Fees

General Acceptance Rate

2

$56,000

3.1%

 

5.  Dartmouth College  (Hanover, New Hampshire)

Dartmouth College is one of America's oldest and most prestigious universities. Eleazar Wheelock founded it in 1769. Educators at Dartmouth are experts in their subjects and passionate about teaching. Even first-year students are taught by senior academics. Dartmouth academics are among the most well-respected educators in the United States. Their quarter approach is ideal for students who want to take advantage of all of the university's educational opportunities.

Top courses: Biology, Economics, Engineering, English, History, Political Science, and Psychology

 US News National Ranking

Avg Tuition Fees

General Acceptance Rate

13

$61,000

6.1%

 

6. Cornell University (Ithaca, New York)

The purpose of Cornell is to discover, conserve, and disseminate knowledge. They accomplish this through producing original and innovative work that extends beyond the university and into the wider world. Cornell could be the school for you if you're interested in improving the lives of individuals around you and around the world. They promote public service and outreach in the New York area and abroad. Nanotechnology, biotechnology, supercomputing, and genomics are among Cornell's world-class interdisciplinary research centers.

Top courses: Agricultural Business, Animal Science, Biology, Economics, Hotel Management, Human Development, Industrial and Labor Relations, Mechanical Engineering, Political Science

 US News National Ranking

Avg Tuition Fees

General Acceptance Rate

17

$62,000

8.7%

 

7.  Columbia University (New York City, New York)

Columbia University was founded by the royal charter of George II of Great Britain as King's College and renamed Columbia College after the American Revolutionary War in 1784. At Columbia University, undergraduates begin with a common foundation of literature, philosophy, physics, art, history, and music, as well as cap classes. Because each session has only 22 people, students have plenty of opportunities to connect with professors. Engineering and computer science are prominent STEM programs at Columbia.

Top courses: Biology, Biomedical Engineering, Biomedical Science, Civil Engineering, Economics, English, History, Neuroscience, Nursing, Operations Research, Political Science, and Psychology 

 US News National Ranking

Avg Tuition Fees

General Acceptance Rate

2

   $65,000

   3.7%

 

8.  Brown University (Providence, Rhode Island)

Brown University is a significant research and educational institution noted for its student-centered approach to education. Students who succeed at Brown have a strong sense of inquisitiveness and a desire to make a difference in the world.

Brown is the country's only major research university where undergraduates can design their own path of study. Their application is comprehensive and contextual. Self-directed applicants benefit from this atmosphere since they can use Brown's Open Curriculum to explore a wide range of courses before deciding on an academic emphasis.

Top courses: Biology, Economics, Engineering, English, Entrepreneurship, History, Human Biology, International Relations, Neuroscience, and Political Science

 US News National Ranking

Avg Tuition Fees

General Acceptance Rate

14

   $63,000

5.5%

 

Conclusion

Ivy League schools are some of the most prestigious universities in the world. Many people aspire to study at these prestigious institutions, but only a few are accepted. It's always worth a shot if you think these are the colleges for you.

Although the prices at Ivy League universities are relatively exorbitant, the good news is that they offer financial aid and help to students based on their qualifications. As a result, a talented student with limited financial resources should not be discouraged from applying to Ivy League universities in the United States.

If Ivy leagues are on your mind and you’re struggling with finances to get into one, don't worry as we’ve got your back! For assistance with your entire education loan process, connect with our team at WeMakeScholars