Think Ivy colleges are just for legacy kids and future presidents? Not quite. The Ivy League schools are highly selective, with seven out of the eight universities reporting undergraduate acceptance rates below 6%. But somehow, their graduates end up running boardrooms, shaping policy, and rewriting what success looks like.
This guide takes you inside that world. You’ll learn how the Ivy League came to be, what really makes it different, and what it takes to stand out if you're thinking about applying.
And, if you're feeling stuck in your research and unsure how to move forward, let our expert team help! Buy college essays online and deal with the challenge professionally.
What Is Ivy League?
So, what are Ivy League schools, and why does the name still carry so much weight?
Picture this: lecture halls older than most U.S. states, secret societies that still meet behind candlelit doors, and libraries where Nobel laureates once studied in silence. These eight schools weren’t built to teach, but to shape history. Originally grouped for football rivalries in the 1950s, the Ivy League has since become something much bigger. Say the name today, and it triggers a mix of awe, ambition, and maybe even a little envy.
What makes a school Ivy League isn’t just the academics, or the billion-dollar endowments, or the name etched in stone. It’s the way these colleges manage to sit at the center of history, opportunity, and cultural memory. That’s why the Ivy League colleges still matter, not just for their academics, but for the invisible doors they open.
And here's the question that lingers for anyone even thinking about applying: Could one of those doors be meant for you?
Why Do They Call It an Ivy League School?
Why is it called the Ivy League? You’d think the answer would have something to do with some ancient academic code or philosophical origin story. But it’s actually much simpler. The name comes from the literal ivy climbing the walls of these campuses. In the 1930s, sportswriters started using the phrase to describe a handful of northeastern colleges that kept facing off in football.
What started as a nickname became a symbol that quietly signals tradition, power, and access. Ivy League colleges built environments where influence passes from one generation to the next. The ivy creeping up those walls is more than decoration. It’s a reminder of how deeply rooted these schools are in the systems that shape success in America.
How Many Ivy League Schools Are There?
Eight. But that number doesn’t capture how different each one really is. If you’ve ever asked how many Ivies are there, here’s the full list: Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Columbia, Brown, Dartmouth, Cornell, and the University of Pennsylvania.
All eight are located in the northeast, and all carry the weight of legacy. But walk through each campus and you’ll feel how different their personalities are. People want not just a degree, but what the name unlocks.
Why Is MIT Not Ivy League?
This is what throws people off. MIT regularly outranks the Ivies in science and engineering. It’s packed with world-changing research, and the students there are on a whole different wavelength. So why is MIT not Ivy League? The answer has nothing to do with quality and everything to do with timing.
The Ivy League formed around an athletic conference, not an academic metric. MIT wasn’t part of it, and never tried to be. Its path was different, focusing on innovation and pushing boundaries, not tradition and legacy. It’s just a different story.
Same with Stanford. People always ask - why is Stanford not an ivy?, and again, it’s all about geography and origin. Stanford’s a West Coast giant that didn’t grow out of the same colonial-era roots. It built its own brand of prestige that feels less like inherited power and more like earned disruption.
And is UCLA in the Ivy League? No. It’s a powerhouse in its own right, but it’s public, it’s massive, and it belongs to a different educational system entirely. UCLA plays a different game and wins in other ways.
See related: Most expensive colleges.
History and Origins of the Ivy League
The term Ivy League university started with football. In 1954, eight northeastern colleges agreed to play by the same rules, literally, forming an athletic conference. But people had already been calling them the Ivy League for years, drawn to their vine-covered buildings.
These schools go back centuries. Harvard opened its doors before the U.S. even existed. Yale followed with the kind of classical education that shaped early American leaders. Over time, what began as sports rivals turned into academic giants. The Ivy League grew into something symbolic. Today, it stands for legacy, influence, and the idea that where you study can still determine where you go.
Complete List of Ivy League Schools
Let's take a quick look at the Ivy League schools list with key stats, shared by our college essay writer.
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Harvard University: Cambridge, MA
Harvard University is legendary, not just the oldest. Located in the heart of Cambridge, Massachusetts, this Ivy League giant has been shaping minds since 1636. Walk through Harvard Yard, and it’s hard not to feel the weight of everything that’s happened there. But even in a place this historic, there’s room for a few surprises.
Take the Statue of Three Lies, for example. It claims to show John Harvard, the founder, in 1638. But in reality, he wasn’t the founder, that’s not him, and the date’s off. That’s classic Harvard right there, full of charm and contradiction.
Widener Library holds more than 3 million books, along with a tunnel-like maze of underground stacks. And for something quieter, the Arnold Arboretum is Harvard’s hidden green oasis, perfect for wandering and wondering.
Additional information:
- Campus highlights: Harvard Yard and Hasty Pudding Theatricals.
- Famous alumni: Mark Zuckerberg, Natalie Portman, Barack Obama.
- Campus culture: World-class academics paired with centuries-old traditions like 'The Game' against Yale.
Yale University: New Haven, CT
Yale University has a way of feeling both grand and highly personal. Located in New Haven, Connecticut, it’s one of those Ivy League campuses where the Gothic towers, old stone walls, and candlelit libraries all work together to create a place a little enchanted. Inside its 14 residential colleges, students build close-knit communities that often feel more like extended families.
Yale shines in the arts. Its School of Drama has trained some of the biggest names on stage and screen, and the Yale Repertory Theatre is where future legends get their start. On Old Campus, freshmen kick off their time with events like the high-energy Freshman Olympics. And then there are the secrets. Skull and Bones and other secret societies spark endless fascination with mysterious rituals and famous faces behind closed doors.
For the curious, Yale’s Beinecke Library holds the Voynich Manuscript, written in a language no one’s been able to decode so far.
Additional information:
- Campus highlights: Sterling Memorial Library and singing competitions like The Whiffenpoofs.
- Famous alumni: Meryl Streep, Hillary Clinton, George H.W. Bush.
- Campus culture: Fosters creativity and collaboration with a strong tradition in the arts and humanities.
Brown University: Providence, RI
Brown University has always done things a little differently. Perched on College Hill in Providence, Rhode Island, it’s one of the few Ivy League schools where students get to chart their own academic path that doesn’t require a core and is free of rigid boundaries. That freedom fuels curiosity, creativity, and a campus full of self-starters. When people talk about Ivy League school locations, Brown stands out for combining historic charm with an energetic, artsy vibe.
But there’s more to Brown than just academics. It was one of the first Ivies to admit women, and its roots in social justice still shape student life today.
Campus traditions also carry meaning. The Van Wickle Gates only open twice: once when you arrive, and once when you graduate. Superstition says passing through early could mess with your fate.
Brown houses the Haffenreffer Museum, home to ancient global artifacts, and its arts scene is just as bold.
Additional information:
- Campus highlights: The Van Wickle Gates (symbol of new beginnings and farewells) and Ivy Day celebrations.
- Famous alumni: Emma Watson, John Krasinski, Janet Yellen.
- Campus culture: Known for its open curriculum, which encourages intellectual freedom. A strong focus on inclusivity and student-led initiatives.
Columbia University: New York, NY
Columbia breathes NYC in. Located in Morningside Heights, the campus offers a quiet pocket of calm inside one of the busiest cities in the world. It’s a place where literary voices find their start, thanks to the Columbia Review, the oldest college literary magazine in the country, and where students gather on the Low Steps like it’s their unofficial living room.
But Columbia also holds some secrets. Rumor has it that, during Prohibition, tunnels under Butler Library were used to move liquor around campus. And while the city races on just blocks away, Columbia runs programs like the Double Discovery Center, quietly mentoring high schoolers who need a hand up.
Columbia stands tall among the names of Ivy League schools. One thing that hasn’t changed in over a century is the Core Curriculum. It’s demanding and foundational, and it says a lot about Columbia’s belief in the power of a well-rounded mind.
Additional information:
- Campus highlights: Butler Library, vibrant arts scene, and the Core Curriculum tradition.
- Famous alumni: Barack Obama, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Langston Hughes.
- Campus culture: Deeply integrated into NYC's energy, offering a diverse and urban experience. Notable for its academic rigor and cultural vibrancy.
Cornell University: Ithaca, NY
Cornell is a meeting point of Ivy League tradition and wide-open skies. If you're curious about the locations of Ivy League schools, Cornell stands out for its remote, natural beauty and land-grant roots. Set in Ithaca, New York, the campus overlooks gorges, waterfalls, and the Finger Lakes. It’s the kind of place where you can hike between classes, then head into a lab and redefine agriculture or hospitality.
As the only Ivy League school with a land-grant mission, Cornell has always leaned into practicality. It’s home to the world’s top-ranked school of hotel administration and one of the few places where apple breeding is a serious academic pursuit. The agricultural legacy runs deep, but so does the creativity.
Each spring, architecture students build a massive dragon and parade it through campus, igniting Dragon Day. And tucked inside the clocktower is a group of Chimesmasters who play live music across campus, everything from Bach to Beyoncé.
Additional information:
- Campus highlights: Overlooks the Finger Lakes; Dragon Day is a celebrated tradition.
- Famous alumni: Toni Morrison, Bill Nye, Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
- Campus culture: Renowned for its multidisciplinary focus and picturesque surroundings.
Dartmouth College: Hanover, NH
Dartmouth feels like a college pulled straight from a novel. It’s small, remote, and fiercely full of heart. Tucked into the woods of New Hampshire, it’s where students hike the Appalachian Trail after class, gather for bonfires in the snow, and know almost everyone by name. This school has a close-knit, quirky rhythm here that’s hard to find elsewhere.
Winter Carnival might be Dartmouth’s most legendary tradition. Just picture students sculpting massive ice creations and racing across campus in snowshoes like it’s totally normal. Step inside the Baker-Berry Library and you’ll find the Orozco Murals. And yes, the frat life here inspired Animal House, adding a chaotic twist to its storied legacy.
Additional information:
- Campus highlights: Baker-Berry Library and the iconic Winter Carnival tradition.
- Famous alumni: Robert Frost, Mindy Kaling, Nelson Rockefeller.
- Campus culture: Emphasizes close-knit community bonds and strong outdoor traditions like hiking and skiing.
Princeton University: Princeton, NJ
There’s something cinematic about Princeton. Gothic spires, tree-lined walkways, and courtyards that feel frozen in time. But it’s the rituals and stories that make it unforgettable. Every year, alumni flood back in neon jackets and tiger stripes for Reunions Weekend. It’s one part costume party, one part pilgrimage. The P-rade is chaotic and colorful.
Social life here hums quietly through the Eating Clubs, which is both a dinner spot and a legacy-laced hangout. And inside the campus art museums, you’ll find treasures from every corner of the globe. Even Einstein once wandered these grounds, and you can still feel his presence in quiet corners. Princeton is layered with history, mischief, and mind-bending ambition.
Additional information:
- Campus highlights: Gothic architecture and exclusive Eating Clubs.
- Famous alumni: Michelle Obama, Jeff Bezos, F. Scott Fitzgerald.
- Campus culture: Known for intimate class sizes and its unique senior thesis requirement.
University of Pennsylvania: Philadelphia, PA
Penn feels like it has evolved, not built. Founded by Benjamin Franklin, the campus is a mix of old brick and cutting-edge labs. This is where ideas collide. Where a nursing student might co-launch a start-up with someone from Wharton. Where history majors intern at biotech firms and Wharton students take sculpture workshops for fun.
The Pennovation Center turns late-night brainstorms into prototypes. The Fisher Fine Arts Library looks like a cathedral and feels like a secret, and yes, people actually study there. Then there’s Hey Day: red shirts, foam hats, and a parade of juniors claiming their place as the next class of seniors, with full volume.
Additional information:
- Campus Highlights: Locust Walk and the high-energy Spring Fling festival.
- Famous Alumni: Elon Musk, John Legend, Warren Buffett.
- Campus Culture: Combines Ivy League prestige with a pre-professional focus.
Public Ivies, Ivy Plus, and Hidden Ivies
Not every school with Ivy-level quality is part of the official Ivy League, and honestly, that’s good news. Some of the best colleges in the country live just outside that label.
Public Ivies are the heavy hitters of public education. They offer a top-tier academic experience, often at a fraction of the cost. Schools like UC Berkeley, the University of Michigan, and UVA combine serious research, big names, and a whole lot of opportunity without the Ivy price tag. They often rival the atmosphere and ambition found on many Ivy League campuses.
Ivy Plus schools are the ones always mentioned in the same breath as Harvard and Yale. Stanford, MIT, and Duke are not in the Ivy League, but their reputations are just as strong, if not stronger, in some fields. You’ll find the same drive and intensity you’d expect from Ivy League students.
And then there are the Hidden Ivies, smaller schools like Amherst or Pomona. They don’t make as much noise, but their academics, community, and outcomes quietly rival the best.
What Makes Ivy League Schools Special
The names only don’t make Ivy League schools different. It’s what that name opens up. At places like Harvard, Princeton, and Yale, students sit in small seminars with professors who helped write the books, shape policy, or lead global research.
- Networking: The alumni networks are powerful. Graduates often mentor, hire, and support younger alums, creating a ripple effect of opportunity. And employers know it. Firms like Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley expect grads, not just recruit them.
- Investment in Students: There’s also the investment. Ivy League colleges spend nearly $92,000 per student each year, compared to about $12,000 at other schools. That means better resources, tighter student-faculty connections, and more chances to dig into real work that matters.
- They Back You: Sure, tuition’s steep. But Ivy League schools pour resources into their students like few others do. On average, they spend around $92,000 per person. That means personal attention, small class sizes, high-end labs, and doors that quietly open without you having to push too hard.
- Learning from the People Shaping the Field: You're not just studying from textbooks written by experts; you’re sitting in class with the people who wrote them. These professors are making headlines, advising governments, and launching startups. And you get a front-row seat.
- A Degree That Pays You Back: Ivy League grads from places like Harvard, Princeton, and Penn often top earning charts years down the line. That’s not just prestige, but access, opportunity, and a serious head start.
How to Increase Your Chances of Getting Into an Ivy League School?
Applying to an Ivy League university means stepping into a world where thousands of straight-A students are all competing for a tiny number of spots. With acceptance rates hovering below 10%, standing out takes more than good grades.
Meanwhile, here's a detailed guide on how to write a college admission essay.
2026 Ivy League Acceptance Rates
Acceptance rates at colleges Ivy League remain among the lowest worldwide. In 2025, Harvard’s was just 3.2%, and Princeton came in close at 3.8%. Cornell, typically the most accessible, hovered near 10%. These low numbers reflect massive applicant pools and sky-high expectations. Harvard received over 60,000 applications, while Columbia surpassed 57,000.
Getting in takes more than perfect grades. Ivy League admissions teams look for character, curiosity, and students who fit their values. Strong essays, standout extracurriculars, and glowing recommendations all carry weight. Early decision and legacy status can help slightly, but the odds are still tight. For students aiming at Ivy League, strategy and authenticity matter as much as scores.
Fun Facts and Little-Known Secrets About the Ivy League
Behind the prestige, Ivy League students inherit a world full of odd traditions and hidden stories. At Yale, the Skull and Bones Society has counted presidents and justices among its members. Dartmouth is a creative powerhouse, the home to Dr. Seuss and the inspiration for Animal House.
Cornell’s Big Red mascot is a bear, but the unofficial star is Touchdown, a campus dog. Princeton’s gothic architecture even inspired parts of Hogwarts, according to Rowling herself. Harvard’s Widener Library hides underground tunnels once built to protect rare books. And back in 1891, Brown became one of the first Ivy League schools to admit women officially.
Ivy League students walk campuses full of secrets most visitors never notice.
Should You Apply to an Ivy League School?
There’s no doubt that Ivy League unis offer incredible perks: world-class professors, deep-rooted networks, and name recognition that can open serious doors. For some students, the challenge and prestige are the perfect fit.
But Ivy League colleges come with high pressure and intense competition. Not everyone thrives in that kind of environment. If you prefer a slower pace or smaller classes, a Public Ivy or a lesser-known private school might actually be a better match
Each Ivy has its own culture. Yale leans traditional. Brown is more experimental. Dartmouth is tight-knit and outdoorsy. What matters most is finding a place where you’ll grow.
Apply to Ivy League colleges if they fit your goals, but remember, they’re not the only path to success.
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Ryan Acton is an essay-writing expert with a Ph.D. in Sociology, specializing in sociological research and historical analysis. By partnering with EssayHub, he provides comprehensive support to students, helping them craft well-informed essays across a variety of topics.
- Public Ivies, Ivy Plus, Little Ivies – Terms Explained | Aralia. (2024, August 14). Aralia Education. https://www.aralia.com/helpful-information/public-ivies-ivy-plus-little-ivies/
- Niche: Explore Schools, Companies, and Neighborhoods. (2014). Niche. https://www.niche.com/
