Last Updated on May 17, 2025
Wondering what makes the Ivy League Universities in USA so famous? Or why schools like Stanford and MIT aren’t part of it? You’re not alone.
The Ivy League refers to eight elite private universities in the northeastern United States, known for their academic excellence, rich history, and world-class alumni. Despite popular belief, there aren’t 12 Ivy League schools — only 8 officially carry that title. Curious why Stanford or MIT isn’t considered Ivy League? It’s all about origin — not quality.
Quick Answer Highlights:
- Why are they called Ivy League schools? It started as an athletic conference in the 1950s.
- How many Ivy League schools are there? Only 8, not 12.
- Is Stanford Ivy League? No, but it’s equally prestigious.
- Is MIT Ivy League? Also no, but top-ranked globally.
- Is Oxford Ivy League? No — it’s in the UK, though highly respected.
- Which is the No. 1 Ivy League University? Harvard often tops the list.
- Where is Ivy League Connecticut? Yale University, located in New Haven, CT.
From Harvard to Yale, and Princeton to Columbia — we’ll explore the top Ivy League universities in USA, including their rankings, courses, fees, and everything in between.
So if you’ve ever asked:
- “What’s the best Ivy League school?”
- “Why isn’t Stanford part of the Ivy League?”
- “Is MIT considered Ivy?”
— you’re in the right place.
Let’s dive into the top Ivy League universities in USA and decode what makes them truly iconic.
What Makes Ivy League Universities So Special?
Before diving into the list, let’s understand why the Ivy League Universities in USA are considered the epitome of excellence.
Here’s what sets them apart:
- World-Class Faculty & Facilities
- Strong Alumni Networks (Presidents, CEOs, Nobel Laureates)
- Research-Driven Learning
- Generous Financial Aid
- Unbeatable Branding and Prestige
Ivy League Universities in USA (2025 Rankings & Highlights)
Here’s a quick overview of all eight Ivy League universities, their world rankings, and their estimated tuition fees for international students in 2025.
| University | QS World Ranking 2025 | Average Annual Tuition |
| Harvard University | 4 | $54,000 – $59,000 |
| Yale University | 16 | $59,950 |
| Princeton University | 13 | $57,400 |
| Columbia University | 22 | $65,524 |
| University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) | 15 | $63,452 |
| Brown University | 73 | $68,230 |
| Dartmouth College | 237 | $63,684 |
| Cornell University | 13 | $63,200 |
Popular Courses at Ivy League Universities
While the Ivy League Universities in USA are known for overall academic excellence, some programs have built legendary reputations:
Harvard University
- Law
- Business (Harvard Business School)
- Medicine
- Political Science
Yale University
- Liberal Arts
- Law (Yale Law School is #1 globally)
- Drama & Music
Princeton University
Columbia University
- Journalism (Pulitzer Prize headquarters)
- Engineering
- Film Studies
University of Pennsylvania (UPenn)
- Finance & MBA (Wharton School)
- Nursing
- Computer Science
Brown University
- English Literature
- Visual Arts
- Neuroscience
Dartmouth College
- Environmental Science
- History
- Engineering (Thayer School)
Cornell University
- Architecture
- Agriculture & Life Sciences
- Hospitality Management
Admission Requirements for Ivy League Universities in USA
Getting into an Ivy League school isn’t easy — but it’s not impossible either.
Here’s what you’ll generally need:
- High GPA (Usually 3.9+)
- Standardized Tests: SAT/ACT (though some are now test-optional)
- TOEFL/IELTS for International Students
- Letters of Recommendation
- Compelling Essays / Statement of Purpose
- Extracurricular Achievements & Leadership
- Interviews (in some cases)
Are Ivy League Universities Affordable?
Let’s be honest — the Ivy League Universities in USA are expensive. However, they also have some of the most generous need-based financial aid programs in the world.
Many students pay significantly less than the sticker price due to:
- Scholarships
- Grants
- Work-Study Opportunities
- Endowment-based financial aid
A Step-by-Step Guide to Applying to Ivy League Colleges in the USA
Use this guide to increase your odds of getting accepted.
- Shortlist the universities and courses
- Check application deadlines (Usually Nov-Jan)
- Prepare for SAT/ACT (if required)
- Craft a compelling essay and Statement of Purpose.
- Choose either to submit your application through the Common App or visit the university website to apply.
- Upload all required documents and submit them to the admission office.
- Ace the interview (if required)
- Keep checking your status and patiently wait for decisions to arrive.
Benefits of Studying at Ivy League Universities in USA
Attending an Ivy League university opens up opportunities for success all over the world. You’ll learn from brilliant peers, visit top-rated classes and join a swath of well-connected graduates.
Ivy League alumni are among the most powerful and influential people in every sector of society.
Final Thoughts on Ivy League Universities in USA
There’s no better place than the Ivy League Universities in the USA if you’re looking to pursue top-tier academics, gain international experience and build a successful future.
Yes, it’s competitive. Yes, it’s expensive. But it’s also worth it.
If your goal is to study at one of the prestigious institutions that make up the Ivy League, get ready sooner rather than later. Many of them are able to actualize their dream.
FAQs
How Did Colleges Come to Be Referred as Ivy League Institutions?
In the early 1950s, the “Ivy League” designated a select group of highly reputable private universities in New England and the Mid-Atlantic regions. The Ivy League was given its official designation in 1954 with the establishment of an athletic league by the NCAA. The word “ivy” represents achievements and continuing legacy, associated with ancient plant tendrils climbing on centuries-old stone walls.
Harvard University usually holds the position as the top-ranked Ivy League university in the USA.
Experts often regard Harvard University as the best Ivy League university in the USA based on its worldwide recognition, significant research achievements and influential group of alumni. Other Ivy League Universities in USA such as Princeton and Yale are regularly among the top institutions on global rankings for specific school areas or criteria.
Are There 12 or 8 Ivy League Universities in the USA?
Eight universities in the United States are part of the Ivy League and not 12. Only these 8 universities are recognized as Ivy League institutions. The Ivy League consists of Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Columbia, Brown, Dartmouth, Cornell and the University of Pennsylvania. MIT and Stanford are highly respected institutions, though they don’t belong to the Ivy League.
Stanford isn’t one of the Ivy League Schools Because It doesn’t Belong to the Group of Institutions in the Northeast U.S.
Stanford University doesn’t belong to the Ivy League due to being situated in the western region of the U.S and never participated in the League’s sports competitions. Nonetheless it often ranks ahead of many Ivy League institutions when compared across a range of scholarly and research standards.
Is MIT or Oxford a part of the Ivy League?
Both MIT and Oxford aren’t part of the Ivy League in the United States. MIT and Oxford are both renowned universities but MIT isn’t an Ivy League school and Oxford is in the UK. The Ivy League is comprised of just eight prestigious U.S. schools that are connected through both academic and athletic endeavors.
Bhaskarjyoti Paul is a seasoned content writer with over three years of experience within the ed-tech space. Specialising in study abroad and academic content, Bhaskarjyoti excels at creating SEO-optimized articles that drive traffic and engagement and blog and website content that engages and informs readers. Bhaskarjyoti handles social media content for Admissify, designs compelling narratives and spearheads engagement across multiple platforms. With a desire to help students and a keen eye for detail, Bhaskarjyoti brings a wealth of knowledge to every project.
