The Ivy League schools are eight private institutions in the Northeastern US. Every year, the Ivy League schools ranking is released by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), US News, & THE rankings, which specialises in analysing higher education institutions worldwide. The Ivy League schools are among the most prestigious in the US and the world, drawing thousands of applications for admission to their courses each semester.
Once you graduate from one of the top Ivy League universities, you can thrive and earn more than most of your colleagues in your field. Each of these top-tier colleges offers the best education and priceless connections to some of the most prestigious companies in the world. Earning your degree from one of these prominent institutions can give you a competitive edge on the job market and establish your name as a scholar. Check the updated ranking of these universities in the blog!
List Of Ivy League Schools Ranking
What Are Ivy League Schools?
The Ivy League universities vary in size, with each institution enrolling between 4,500 and 15,500 undergraduates every year. Dartmouth is the smallest Ivy, with a total enrollment of about 4,500 students. Meanwhile, Columbia and Harvard enrol the most students of any Ivy, with over 15,000 undergraduate and graduate students. If you plan to apply to Ivy League schools, their rankings will help you make a more informed decision. Let’s read a little about Ivy League universities and their rankings.
Ivy League Schools Ranking 2024
The rankings consider factors like the quality of instruction, immersive learning opportunities, practical skill development, and a curriculum that keeps pace with industry needs. This list will help you understand the Ivy League rankings as a whole.
Harvard University: #1 Ranking
Founded in 1636, Harvard is the oldest university for higher education in the US. Being a private research institution, it has more than 100 research centres and 13 schools, including the top-ranked medical school and highly ranked business, engineering and law schools. In addition to academics, students can access more than 455 extracurricular, cocurricular, and athletic programmes. Harvard has a very low acceptance rate of 4.9%, making it the most difficult Ivy League school to get into. In the Ivy League schools ranking, Harvard has been ranked number 1 (as per Crimson Education).
In A Nutshell:
| Category | Details |
| Established | Founded in 1636 |
| Resources | Over 100 research centres, 13 schools and institutes, including top-ranked U.S. medical school, an extensive library system |
| Popular Majors | Business, graduate education, engineering, law, government |
| Freshman Retention Rate | One of the highest in the nation |
| Student Organisations | Over 455 extracurricular, cocurricular, and athletic organisations |
| Library System | Houses the oldest national collection and largest private collection worldwide |
| Sustainability | Offers green living programmes for undergraduates, graduates, and community members |
Princeton University: #2 Ranking
Founded in 1746, Princeton University is the fourth oldest institution of higher education in the US. The acceptance rate at Princeton is 5.6%. The courses available at Princeton are MIM, MS, MArch, BBA, BE/BTech, and MEng. In the Ivy League schools ranking, Princeton has been ranked number 2, with THE World ranking of 7. Princeton has also been ranked in the top 3 for the past few years due to its generous financial aid and diversity.
Image Source: Princeton University -Office Of Communications – Denise Applewhite
In A Nutshell:
| Category | Details |
| Established | Over 270 years ago |
| Resources | Specialised libraries, state-of-the-art laboratories, Princeton University Art Museum with nearly 100,000 works |
| Popular Majors | Social sciences, engineering, computer and information sciences, biological and biomedical sciences, public administration and social service professions |
| Student-Faculty Ratio | 4-to-1 |
| Graduation Rate | One of the highest four-year graduation rates in the nation |
| Notable Alumni | Rhodes scholars, U.S. presidents, Supreme Court justices, Olympic medalists, Nobel Prize winners |
Yale University: #3 Ranking
Yale University, founded in 1701, is the third oldest university in the US and among the most prestigious in the world. The university has an acceptance rate of 6.5-7%. There is no GPA cut-off. Yale has many professional schools, including the top-ranked law school and highly ranked schools of medicine, management, and art. Yale is also known for its music and drama programmes.
Image Source: Michael Marsland – Yale University
In A Nutshell:
| Category | Details |
| Drama and Music programmes | Well-regarded Yale School of Drama |
| Professional Schools | 12 professional schools, including top-ranked law school, highly ranked schools of medicine, management, art, and nursing |
| Research Achievements | Undergraduate students involved in discovering new species, patenting products |
| Global Learning Opportunities | Study abroad, international internships, directed research |
| Popular Majors | Social sciences, biological and biomedical sciences, history, mathematics and statistics, engineering |
| University Firsts | First U.S. university to award doctoral degrees, Yale School of Public Health among the first of its kind |
| International Studies | Whitney and Betty MacMillan Center for International and Area Studies focuses on teaching and research on international affairs, societies, and cultures worldwide, enabling research abroad. |
University of Pennsylvania (UPenn): #4 Ranking
The University of Pennsylvania was founded in 1740 by Benjamin Franklin, one of the founding fathers of the United States. Students at UPenn are encouraged to take part in extracurricular activities like exploring the city’s political, social, and cultural life. UPenn has an acceptance rate of 8.1% and is ranked 4th in the Ivy League schools ranking. The Wharton School, the School of Engineering and Applied Science, the Perelman School of Medicine, the education and law schools, and others are among Penn’s highly regarded graduate schools.
Image Source: Scott H. Spitzer
In A Nutshell:
| Feature | Description |
| Founder | Benjamin Franklin |
| Focus | Merges liberal arts with pre-professional programmes |
| Global | #1 in international students (12%) at Ivy League schools |
| Study Abroad | Over 2,500 students explore 50+ countries annually |
| Grad Schools | Wharton (business), Engineering, Medicine, Law & Education |
| More programmes | Design & Dental schools |
| Engineering | Top faculty, labs & interdisciplinary approach |
| Student Life | 300+ groups (activism, arts, sports, media) |
Columbia University: #5 Ranking
Established in 1753, Columbia is one of the oldest institutes in New York. In the Ivy League schools ranking, Columbia shares the number 5. The university concentrates on research and teaching on global issues to create cross-cultural academic relationships. With an acceptance rate of 6.1%, Columbia offers MBA, MS, MIM, BSc, and BE/BTech to students.
Image Source: Vincent Castillo – Columbia University
In A Nutshell:
| Feature | Description |
| Location | Upper West Side of Manhattan, New York City |
| Contributions | Birthplace of FM radio, oldest literary magazine, pioneering student advocacy groups |
| Schools | Columbia College (undergraduate), Fu Foundation School of Engineering, School of General Studies (undergraduate) |
| Grad Schools | Highly regarded business and law schools, Teachers College (education), Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons (medicine) |
| Diversity | A global community; enrolled 1,000 international students as early as 1953 |
| Global Focus | An extensive network of nine international centres promoting research, education, and service |
| Resources | 22 libraries, over 200 research institutes, access to thousands of internships, Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory (renowned research facility) |
| Housing | Guaranteed on-campus housing for all four years of undergraduate study (over 90% of undergraduates live on campus) |
| Claim to Fame | Featured as a filming location in movies like the “Spider-Man” series |
Cornell University: #6 Ranking
Of all the Ivy League Schools, Cornell has the highest acceptance rate of 10.7%, making it easier for students to get in. Cornel is the best Ivy League school for engineering and has the largest undergraduate student population. In the Ivy League schools ranking, Cornel stands at 6 (Crimson ranking), and its world ranking is 20. Cornell’s top courses include agriculture and life sciences.
Image Source: Cornell University
In A Nutshell:
| Feature | Description |
| Founded | 1865 |
| Mission | To discover, preserve, and disseminate knowledge, promote creative work, and increase a culture of broad inquiry |
| Undergraduate Colleges | College of Arts and Sciences, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (and more) |
| Graduate Schools | Cornell SC Johnson College of Business, Weill Cornell Medical College, College of Engineering, Law School, College of Veterinary Medicine, School of Hotel Administration (and more) |
| Fields of Study | Over 100 undergraduate majors and countless graduate programmes |
| Campuses | Ithaca, New York (main campus); New York City; Geneva, New York; Doha, Qatar; Washington, D.C.; Rome |
Brown University: #7 Ranking
According to a study by Crimson Education, Brown University ranks 7th in the Ivy League school ranking. Founded in 1764, Brown is the 7th oldest university for higher education in the US. The University focuses on significant research and academics. It has a student-centred approach and encourages students to be more inquisitive and purpose-oriented. With an acceptance rate of 6.9%, admitted students thrive in their open curriculum environment.
Image Source: John Abromowski – Brown University
In A Nutshell:
| Category | Details |
| Curriculum | Embraces an open curriculum allowing personalised course of study, support creative thinking and intellectual risk-taking |
| Undergraduate Study | More than 80 concentrations, including egyptology and assyriology, cognitive neuroscience, business, entrepreneurship, and organisations |
| Liberal Medical Education | A highly competitive programme allowing completion of undergraduate and medical degrees in eight years |
| Libraries | Six specialised libraries covering sciences music; Brown University Library with over 250 unique collections of rare research materials |
| Student Life | More than 500 clubs and organisations are available for undergraduates; all first-year students reside on campus |
Dartmouth College: #8 Ranking
Dartmouth is one of the prestigious colleges in the US known for its research and innovation. The college is home to more than 50 research-oriented centres, institutes, and groups, covering everything from engineering and business to medicine and the arts. As per the analysis of Crimson Education, with an acceptance rate of 8.8%, Darmount ranks 8 in the Ivy League school ranking.
Image Source: Laura Decapua Photography
In A Nutshell:
| Feature | Description |
| Programming Legacy | Birthplace of BASIC, a foundational programming language leading to further computing advancements |
| Renowned Schools | Houses Tuck School of Business (the world’s first graduate business school), Thayer School of Engineering, and Geisel School of Medicine |
| Native American Initiative | Championed diversity with one of the earliest Native American programmes, boasting the most graduates among Ivy League schools |
| Research Powerhouse | Over 50 research centres, institutes, and groups supporting innovation across disciplines |
| Personalised Learning | Exceptional student-faculty ratio of 7:1 |
| Small Class Focus | Over 60% of classes are capped at 20 students, ensuring individualised attention |
| Global Perspective | More than half of students participate in off-campus programmes, broadening their horizons |
| Veteran Support | Ranked No. 2 among Best Colleges for Veterans, demonstrating a strong commitment to veterans’ success |
Acceptance Rates Of Ivy League Universities
Acceptance rates at Ivy League institutions are notoriously low, with the most prestigious schools (as determined by ranking systems) typically having the fewest spots available. Check the rankings here:
| Ivys | Class of 2025 | Class of 2026 | Class of 2027 | Class of 2028 |
| Penn | 5.68% | 4.40% | 4.10% | 5.4% (Projected) |
| Dartmouth | 6.17% | 6.20% | 6% | 5.30% |
| Brown | 5.40% | 5% | 5.10% | 5.20% |
| Columbia | 3.66% | 3.73% | 3.90% | 3.80% |
| Yale | 4.62% | 4.46% | 4.35% | 3.70% |
| Harvard | 3.43% | 3.19% | 3.40% | 3.60% |
| Princeton | 3.98% | ~4% | 5.80% | TBA |
| Cornell | ~8.52% | ~8% | Withheld | Withheld |
Colleges Under Ivy Universities
Students looking into various colleges must know which university is home to the specific college. They must also ensure that the courses they prefer align with their goals in these colleges. Check the list of colleges here:
| University | Colleges |
| Yale University | Benjamin Franklin CollegeBranford CollegePierson CollegeDavenport CollegeBerkeley CollegeGrace Hopper CollegeEzra Stiles College |
| Princeton University | Butler CollegeForbes CollegePrinceton University Graduate CollegeMathey CollegeRockefeller CollegeYeh College |
| Harvard University | Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied SciencesHarvard Graduate School of Arts and SciencesHarvard Extension SchoolHarvard Business SchoolHarvard School of Dental MedicineHarvard Graduate School of DesignHarvard Kennedy SchoolThe Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study |
| Dartmouth College | Geisel School of MedicineGuarini School of Graduate and Advanced StudiesTuck School of BusinessThayer School of Engineering |
| Columbia University | Columbia Law SchoolSchool of General StudiesVagelos College of Physicians and SurgeonsJewish Theological SeminaryColumbia Climate SchoolSchool of International and Public AffairsFu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied ScienceSchool of Social WorkColumbia Business School |
| Brown University | School of EngineeringSchool of Professional StudiesWarren Alpert Medical SchoolGraduate SchoolSchool of Public Health |
| Cornell University | College of Arts and SciencesSC Johnson College of BusinessCollege of EngineeringCollege of Human EcologyCollege of Agriculture and Life SciencesCornell Jeb E. Brooks School of Public PolicyCornell Peter and Stephanie Nolan School of Hotel AdministrationCollege of Architecture, Art, and Planning |
| University of Pennsylvania | The Wharton SchoolSchool of Dental MedicineSchool of Arts & SciencesAnnenberg School for CommunicationStuart Weitzman School of DesignSchool of Engineering and Applied SciencePerelman School of MedicineSchool of Social Policy & Practice |
How To Choose The Best Ivy League School For You?
While the prestige of Ivy League schools is undeniable, choosing the best one for you goes beyond acceptance rates and rankings. Here’s a roadmap to guide you:
1. Know Yourself:
- Interests: Research each Ivy League school’s strengths and programmes to find the best fit for your aspirations.
- Learning Style: Explore the class sizes and teaching styles at each institution.
- Campus Culture: Research the social scene and student organisations at each school.
2. Dig Deeper than Rankings:
- Focus on Specifics: Rankings don’t tell the whole story—research departmental rankings within your chosen field at each Ivy League school.
- Hidden Gems: Explore lesser-known aspects like unique research opportunities, internship programmes, or study abroad options that perfectly fit your goals.
3. Consider the Cost:
- Financial Aid: Ivy League schools are known for their generous financial aid packages. Each school offers research scholarships and grants.
- Cost of Living: Consider the cost of living in the surrounding area when comparing financial aid packages.
4. Visit (Virtually or In-Person):
- Campus Tours: Schedule campus tours or attend virtual information sessions. Engage with current students and faculty to get a firsthand feel for the school environment.
5. Don’t Be Afraid to Look Beyond:
- Exceptional Options: Many non-Ivy League universities offer outstanding academics, vibrant communities, and strong career prospects. Consider your options and prioritise the right fit over prestige alone.
Admission Requirements For Ivy League Universities In The United States
Ivy League institutions consistently rank among the world’s leading universities. Regardless of your chosen field of study, these prestigious institutions will likely be included in any top university list. However, The application process can be lengthy for undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programmes. For international students seeking admission to an Ivy League university, the following documentation is typically required:
- Valid Passport: You should possess a valid passport that extends at least six months beyond your anticipated programme completion date. For example, if you are applying to a two-year programme commencing in August 2024 and concluding in August 2026, your passport should be valid until February 2027.
- Academic Transcripts: Official academic transcripts are required for all coursework from grade 9 onwards. If you are currently in grade 12, transcripts for grades 9, 10, and 11 will be necessary. Transcripts or mark sheets from your bachelor’s degree programme (including individual year and cumulative scores) will also be required for postgraduate programmes. Conversion of grades to the American GPA system is optional.
- Standardised Test Scores: While some universities may accept applications to take the SAT/ACT (undergraduate) or GMAT/GRE (graduate) exams later, having your scores finalised before commencing the application process is highly advisable. You may be required to submit your scorecard reference number to the university.
Tests Required For Ivy League Schools
- American College Testing (ACT)
- Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT)
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
- Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
- Duolingo English Test (DET)
Lastly, demonstrating financial capability is a significant aspect of the application. While actual financial documentation may not be required initially, detailed information regarding your family’s financial situation is necessary. This information is used by universities to assess both your eligibility for scholarships and your ability to finance your education. Therefore, it is crucial to have access to relevant documents such as tax returns and a clear understanding of your anticipated funding needs. By preparing these documents in advance, international students can streamline the application process for Ivy League universities.
Ivy League Schools Salaries
Studies, like a recent PayScale analysis of over 1,500 institutions, suggest that Ivy League graduates typically command higher median starting salaries than graduates from other universities.
| Ivy University Name | Early-Career Median/Base salary |
| Princeton University | USD 81,800 |
| Harvard University | USD 80,900 |
| University of Pennsylvania | USD 78,300 |
| Yale University | USD 78,000 |
| Dartmouth College | USD 77,600 |
| Brown University | USD 74,700 |
| Cornell University | USD 75,800 |
| Columbia University | USD 78,200 |
The Ivy League universities’ ranking is essential in choosing your ideal college, but it is also crucial to consider the campus culture and subjects. Each institution has its history and reputation, and it has a reputation for placing students in a highly ranked business. You may choose the finest Ivy League school for you by conducting research, touring the campus, and speaking with students.
FAQs
Q1. What is the most prestigious Ivy League school?
Ans: Harvard University is ranked as the most prestigious Ivy League School with the highest level ranking.
Q2. What are the top 3 Ivy League colleges?
Ans: The top 3 Ivy League colleges are Harvard, Yale, and Princeton.
Q3. What is the lowest Ivy League school?
Ans: The most affordable Ivy League schools are the University of Pennsylvania, Dartmouth College, and Princeton University.
Q4. Which Ivy campus is the nicest?
Ans: The nicest Ivy campus in 2024 is Harvard, followed by Princeton and Yale.
Q5. Is Cornell in the Ivy League?
Ans: Yes, Cornell University is a part of the Ivy League, an association of eight elite private American colleges renowned for their academic standing and historical importance.
Thank you for reading this blog on ‘A Close Look Into The Ivy League Schools Ranking!’ If you’d like to read more, here are some blogs that may be of interest to you –
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