Are the ivy league schools 8 or 12? The ivy league consist of 8 schools: Brown University, Harvard University, Cornell University, Princeton University, Dartmouth College, Yale University, Columbia University, and the University of Pennsylvania.
Before we delve into the details of this article, it’s important to clarify a common misconception.
The eight official Ivy League schools are called Ivy League because they are members of the Ivy League Athletic Conference. Over time, due to their selective admissions and prestigious reputations, the term “Ivy League” has become synonymous with prestige.
Indeed, these schools are prestigious and have highly selective admissions processes, but they were originally called Ivy League because of their athletic conference membership.
As you continue reading, you’ll learn about other universities that, while not on the official Ivy League list, are considered more prestigious than some of the Ivies.
Remember, there are only eight Ivy League schools, not twelve. Many people mistakenly include four other prestigious universities among the Ivies, and we have listed these four institutions in this article as well.
If you are considering studying at any of the Ivies, there are several factors you need to consider, which we have also discussed.
What is an Ivy League School?
The Ivy League refers to a group of prestigious colleges in the United States. These schools are part of the Ivy League conference.
The Ivy League colleges are considered the most prestigious universities in the United States. Getting accepted into one of these schools is often seen as a dream come true due to their high reputation.
These universities are among the best in the country for higher learning. They are highly sought-after and have very selective acceptance rates.
Also Read: How to Get into an Ivy League School and their Acceptance Rate
List of the 8 Official Ivy League Schools
#1. Brown University
Brown University is an Ivy League school located in Providence, Rhode Island. It is a research university known for its rigorous and flexible open curriculum, which allows students to design their own program of study.
Like other Ivy League schools, Brown is very selective. It has an average acceptance rate of only 8%. The average SAT score for admitted students is between 1440 and 1520, and the average ACT score is between 32 and 35.
#2. Columbia University
Columbia University is an Ivy League school located in New York. According to Niche’s 2024 List of Best Colleges, Columbia University is ranked first among the best philosophy colleges in the United States, first among the best English colleges, and is also highly ranked among the best art colleges in the country.
The prestigious academic institution offers hundreds of research and study fields and has more than 200 research centers and institutes.
Columbia University is highly selective in its admission process, even more so than Brown University, with an acceptance rate of 7% according to Niche.
On average, students who gain admission to the school have SAT scores of 1450-1560 and ACT scores of 33-35. Columbia University is one of the Ivy League schools in the United States.
#3. Cornell University
According to Wikipedia, Cornell University is a prestigious academic institution founded in 1865 by Ezra Cornell. The school is located in Ithaca, New York, and has more than 15,000 students. Popular majors include biology, economics, and computer science.
According to Best Niche Colleges, the school is ranked first among the best agricultural science colleges in the United States and third among the best architecture colleges in the United States.
All the Ivies are very selective, which explains why Cornell University has an acceptance rate of 11%. Admitted students have average SAT scores of 1390-1540 and ACT scores of 32-34.
#4. Dartmouth College
Dartmouth College is one of the Ivy League schools. It is highly prestigious and located in Hanover, New Hampshire — the first Ivy League institution in the state.
Compared to other schools on this list, Dartmouth is relatively small, with just over 4,000 students. It shares the Ivy League’s competitive admissions process, boasting a selective acceptance rate of 9%.
Admitted students to this esteemed academic institution typically have SAT scores ranging from 1420 to 1560 and ACT scores from 31 to 35.
#5. Harvard University
Harvard University is a very popular school, probably the most prestigious of all the ivy league schools. It is located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The academic institution is medium in size, accommodating approximately 7,000 students.
Harvard is very selective, with an acceptance rate of only 5%. Students who get admitted to Harvard usually have SAT scores between 1460 and 1580, and ACT scores between 33 and 35.
According to the Niche Best Colleges rankings, Harvard University occupies the first position in offering the best degree programs in the fields of biology and political science.
Also Read: Free Online Courses at Harvard University with Certificate
#6. Princeton University
Princeton University is one of the oldest schools in the United States. According to Wikipedia, Princeton moved to Newark in 1747 after being initially founded in 1746. The school is the fourth oldest university in the United States.
The school isn’t very large. Rather, it is a medium-sized school that accommodates only 5,000 students. Princeton is very selective, with an acceptance rate of only 5%.
Some of the most popular degrees offered at the institution are in computer engineering, economics, and public policy analysis.
Princeton is one of the most prestigious among the Ivy League schools and ranks second among the best universities in the United States for research in political science and public policy analysis.
The SAT and ACT scores of students range from 1440 to 1570, and 32 to 35, respectively.
#7. University of Pennsylvania
The University of Pennsylvania, also popularly referred to as Penn, is an Ivy League school located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Unlike some of the medium-sized Ivies, the school is fairly large, with an average enrollment of 10,000 students. The school follows the same route of selectivity in admitting students, with an acceptance rate of 8%.
Popular degree programs offered by the prestigious University of Pennsylvania include finance, nursing, and business. It is one of the most popular Ivies and ranks first among American business universities. The average SAT and ACT score ranges are 1420-1550 and 32-35, respectively.
#8. Yale University
Yale University is an Ivy League liberal arts and research college located in New Haven, Connecticut. It ranks among the top universities in the United States and has an acceptance rate of 6%.
The school is highly regarded for its history program. Like other prestigious institutions, it is very selective with respect to its acceptance rate.
The school admits students with average SAT and ACT scores of 1460-1570 and 33-35, respectively.
Four Schools Often Mistaken for Ivy League
This list includes prestigious universities often thought to be part of the Ivy League, but they are not officially included!
Stanford University
Stanford University ranks 3rd nationally, tied with Harvard and Yale, according to US News. Its popularity is partly due to its very competitive admission rate of only 4%.
MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology)
MIT is highly respected and selective, with an acceptance rate of just 7%. It holds the 2nd spot in the US National University Rankings.
Northwestern University
Northwestern is often mistaken for an Ivy League school due to its high rank and selective admissions. It ranks 10th in the US News National University Rankings and has an acceptance rate of only 8%.
University of Chicago
The University of Chicago ranks 6th, one position ahead of Penn, which is 7th in the US News National University Rankings. Its acceptance rate is just 7%, placing it on par with most Ivy League schools.
Also read: Indiana University Bloomington: Admissions, Ranking, Requirements
Also read: Admission in US Universities for International Students
Why Should You Pay Attention to Ivy League Universities?
When you start looking for undergraduate and graduate degrees, Ivy League universities are likely to catch your attention for various reasons.
First, these universities use their extensive resources to attract hardworking and enterprising students from around the world. Second, the prestige associated with these schools can significantly enhance the professional careers of their graduates.
As a student, you can advance your career in fields such as law, medicine, electrical engineering, and business with the resources these prestigious schools offer.
Ivy League universities truly dominate these fields by producing world-class students. Earning a degree from any Ivy League college will make you highly valuable after graduation.
It’s important to note that these schools are not cheap. They are among the most expensive in the world, with annual costs ranging from $55,000 to $60,000. If you hope to attend any of these prestigious institutions, be prepared for the high costs.
Fortunately, Ivy League universities offer substantial financial aid to outstanding students in the form of scholarships. You could be one of them!
Average Cost of an Ivy League College (2023-2024)
For the 2023-2024 academic year, the average tuition fee for an Ivy League school is approximately $64,827, with the overall cost of attendance (COA) averaging about $87,801 when living on campus and $86,910 when living off campus. The COA includes tuition, fees, books, supplies, room, board, and other living expenses (UnivStats) (CollegeTuitionCompare).
Here’s the breakdown of tuition fees and overall estimated fees for each of the eight Ivy League schools:
| Ivy League School | 2023-2024 Tuition | 2023-2024 Average Attendance Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Harvard University | $59,076 | $85,330 |
| Princeton University | $59,710 | $83,990 |
| Yale University | $64,700 | $87,420 |
| University of Pennsylvania | $66,104 | $92,288 |
| Cornell University | $66,014 | $92,150 |
| Dartmouth College | $65,739 | $91,480 |
| Brown University | $68,230 | $91,650 |
| Columbia University | $69,045 | $89,937 |
| Average | $64,827 | $87,806 |
The significant rise in tuition and fees, averaging an increase of 4.44% compared to the previous year, reflects a broader trend in higher education costs across the United States (Financial Advisor Magazine).
These costs can be mitigated for students receiving financial aid, with many Ivy League schools offering substantial aid packages based on family income and assets. For example, students at the University of Pennsylvania from families earning $75,000 or less typically receive financial aid that covers tuition, fees, housing, and dining (Financial Advisor Magazine).
Also Read: Why Are Stanford Duke and MIT not Ivy League Schools?
Is an Ivy League School Right for You?
Due to the low acceptance rates of Ivy League colleges, you need more than just a good academic resume to gain admission. It requires a lot of hard work, commitment, and dedication.
If you only start considering these prestigious universities after high school, you may be starting too late. Preparation for these schools should begin early, ideally during high school.
Early preparations may include taking Advanced Placement (AP) classes and working extremely hard to achieve a high SAT score. If your goal is to attend an Ivy League school, you will need to make significant sacrifices, including reducing social activities.
While attending an Ivy League institution can set the foundation for a successful career, it’s important to remember that achieving success requires hard work and notable sacrifices, regardless of the college you attend.
Considerations Before Applying to Ivy League Universities
When applying to Ivy League universities, it’s essential to consider various factors that can significantly impact your academic and social experience. Here’s an updated guide on what to consider:
Environment of the School
The academic and social environment varies across Ivy League schools. It’s crucial to match your interests and career goals with what each university excels in:
- Yale University: Known for strong programs in political science and theatre.
- Cornell University: Excels in tech and hotel management programs.
- University of Pennsylvania (Penn): Offers more opportunities to work with low-income communities.
- Princeton University: Known for its focus on undergraduate education and strong emphasis on research.
Additionally, consider the geographic setting:
- Urban: Schools like Penn and Columbia University provide a city experience with access to numerous cultural and professional opportunities.
- Suburban: Schools like Princeton offer a quieter, more campus-centered environment.
- Rural: Dartmouth College provides a closer-to-nature experience with its location in a small town.
Size of the Student Body
The size of the student body can affect your social and academic life:
- Smaller Student Body: Most Ivy League schools enroll between 4,000 and 7,000 students, fostering close-knit communities.
- Larger Student Body: Penn and Cornell enroll over 10,000 students, offering a more diverse and extensive range of activities and networks.
Campus Culture
Each Ivy League school has a unique campus culture:
- Harvard University: Promotes close student relationships through its house system.
- Brown University: Known for its progressive and flexible curriculum, encouraging student autonomy and creativity.
- Columbia University: Integrates its urban setting into the academic and social fabric, emphasizing a global perspective.
Conclusion
We have discussed some of the most important information about Ivy League universities and colleges, including why there is a misconception that there are 12 Ivy League schools when, in fact, there are only 8.
Since you have come to understand that these schools are prestigious and highly selective in offering admission, it is essential to start preparing early and work extremely hard to increase your chances of getting in.
Another important aspect to note is the competitive nature of these schools. If attending an Ivy League school is your dream, then focus on the 8 institutions discussed here.
To enhance your chances of admission, research the average number of applicants to each institution and consider applying to those where your profile aligns well with their selection criteria. However, your own needs and academic priorities should not be trivialized. Ensure that the school you choose aligns with your academic ambitions and personal goals, so you can thrive in an environment that supports your growth and success.