What Are The Ivy League Schools? Should You Apply To One?

Ivy League schools have been around for hundreds of years and are home to some of the most brilliant minds in history. Each school has unique academic offerings and extracurricular opportunities. The Ivies are an educational powerhouse that’s changing the world! This blog will give you an overview of the eight Ivy League Schools to help you identify which one is right for you!

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What are the Ivy League schools?

The term “Ivy League” refers to the group of eight elite and prestigious private universities located in the northwest United States. The eight Ivy League schools include:

1. Brown University
2. Columbia University
3. Cornell University
4. Dartmouth College
5. Harvard University
6. University of Pennsylvania
7. Princeton University
8. Yale University

Due to their notoriously low acceptance rates, it’s challenging to get into any Ivies, although some are harder than others. Still, students worldwide dream of studying at one of the Ivy League schools. Some are drawn to the esteemed faculty and diverse communities, while others love the beautiful campuses and the wide range of resources.

Further reading:

• What is the best Ivy League School in 2022?
• How to get into Ivy League Schools

History of the Ivy League Schools

While the term “Ivy League” wasn’t coined until 1954, when the NCAA Division I athletic conference began, seven of the eight schools existed before George Washington’s presidency. Each school in the Ivy League agreed not to offer athletic scholarships, so students competing in this league would need to be scholars and athletes.

For centuries (before their official “Ivy League” designation), the schools that made up the Ivy League were almost exclusively white, male, and wealthy. While some of the student body is still considered privileged, the schools now enroll a diverse group of students.

Ivy League School Profiles

Brown University

Providence, Rhode Island

Brown traces its origins to 1764 with the granting of the Charter by the Rhode Island General Assembly. It was named Brown in 1804 after the son of the merchant and college co-founder Nicholas Brown Sr.

Brown is a major research and educational university known for its student-centered learning. Students who thrive at Brown navigate their intellectual journeys, have an intense curiosity, and want to make a difference in the world.

Brown is the only major research university in the nation where undergraduates can develop a personalized course of study. Their admission process is holistic and contextual. Self-directed applicants thrive in this environment because they can take advantage of Brown’s signature Open Curriculum and sample a wide range of courses before choosing an academic concentration.

Learn more about Brown University

Our Application Advice

To be a competitive applicant, you should spend your high school years challenging yourself both inside and outside the classroom. Successful applicants need to have a track record of being self-driven. You will stand out if you can prove you’re already responsible for your intellectual and creative development.

Columbia University

New York City, New York

Columbia University was established as King’s College by the royal charter of George II of Great Britain and renamed Columbia College in 1784 following the American Revolutionary War.

Undergraduates at Columbia University start with a common foundation of curriculum that includes literature, philosophy, science, art, history and music, and caps classes. Each class is only 22 students, so students experience close interaction with faculty. STEM programs like engineering and computer science are popular at Columbia.

Located near Manhattan, New York, much of Columbia’s student body is passionate about political involvement, actively taking part in political engagements throughout the city. Considered “the quintessential great urban university,” Columbia is also one of the most diverse Ivy League schools, boasting students from all 50 states and over 100 foreign countries.

Learn more about Columbia University

Our Application Advice

Columbia takes a holistic approach to its admissions process. They take the time to get to know applicants and select those who they think will take advantage of Columbia’s community and offer a meaningful contribution to the community. Columbia offers generous financial aid programs to qualified students.

Check out our complete guide on how to get into Columbia for more!

Cornell University

Ithaca, New York

Cornell was founded in 1865 by a New York State Senate bill that named the university as the state’s land grant institution. Senator Ezra Cornell offered his Ithaca farm as a site for the university.

Cornell’s mission is to discover, preserve and spread knowledge. They do this by producing unique and creative work and reaching beyond the university and into the world. If you're passionate about finding ways to enhance the lives of those around you and around the world, Cornell might be your school.

They heavily promote outreach and public service in the New York area and beyond. Cornell also boasts world-class interdisciplinary research centers in nanotechnology, biotechnology, supercomputing, and genomics.

Learn more about Cornell University

Our Application Advice

At Cornell, cost shouldn’t hinder success. They offer several financial aid options to students. Their admissions process is highly individualized. This means they evaluate the person as a whole. The student body is a diverse mix of talented, open-minded, and empathetic individuals. Study Cornell’s culture and university philosophy to determine if you’re a good match.

Dartmouth College

Hanover, New Hampshire

Dartmouth is one of the oldest and most respected colleges in the United States. It was founded in 1769 by Eleazar Wheelock, a Congregational minister from Connecticut who initially established the college as an institution to educate Native Americans.

Dartmouth's teacher-scholars are leaders in their fields and committed to teaching. Senior professors even teach first-year students. Dartmouth professors rank among the most respected teachers in American higher education. Their highly flexible quarter-system works well for students interested in exploring all the university’s educational offerings.

Learn more about Dartmouth College

Our Application Advice

Dartmouth strongly believes in a holistic approach to application review and has been following this practice for over a century. Dartmouth also believes applicants should showcase all elements of their application. If you have a stand-out talent or passion, be sure to intertwine it throughout your application.

Harvard University

Cambridge, Massachusetts

Harvard University is the oldest university in the United States. It was founded in 1636 and named after the college’s first benefactors, a young minister named John Harvard. When he died in 1638, he left his library and half his estate to the institution.

With access to world-renowned research opportunities, thought-provoking courses, and faculty mentors, Harvard provides individualized instruction for both those driven towards a passion and those still discovering their path.

Harvard College has a House System that links learning and living and serves as a foundation for the undergraduate experience. Each house holds 350-500 people and has a dining hall, common rooms, and facilities for academic, recreation, and cultural activities.

University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The University of Pennsylvania was founded in 1740 by Benjamin Franklin, one of the United States’ founding fathers, who were eager to create a school to educate future generations.

The university is steeped in American history. Students are encouraged to engage in activities beyond the classroom, exploring the cultural, social, and political life within the city and beyond. Award-winning scholars teach classes and encourage students to pursue their passions, address challenging problems, and become world-changers.

Learn more about University of Pennsylvania

Our Application Advice

The University of Pennsylvania wants to learn all about you. They want to know your strengths, challenges, interests, and how you plan on impacting the world. When you give them a complete picture, it helps them determine if the Penn community is a place you can actively contribute and grow.

Princeton University

Princeton, New Jersey

Founded in 1746, Princeton is the fourth-oldest college in the United States. Originally located in Elizabeth, then Newark, the college moved to Princeton in 1756 and was housed in its famous Nassau Hall.

Princeton dedicates itself to undergraduate education. They boast a hefty financial aid program and ensure all accepted students, regardless of financial ability, can attend and graduate with little or no debt.

Princeton seeks out talented individuals with a broad spectrum of cultural, ethnic, and economic backgrounds. Collaboration is encouraged, and Princeton expects students to do original, creative research. Princeton believes experiences can be as essential as education. They encourage getting involved outside the classroom, leading lives of service, and pursuing personal interests, activities, and friendships.

Learn more about Princeton

Yale University

New Haven, Connecticut

Founded in 1701, the university was not named Yale until 1718, when merchant Elihu Yale donated 417 books, cloth goods worth 562 pounds, and a portrait of King George to the New Haven college.

Yale is a research university and liberal arts college that accepts students they believe will make the most of their resources and someone who will contribute most significantly to the Yale community. They look for students who have the desire and ability to stretch their limits.

Learn more about Yale

Our Application Advice

Pursue what you love and tell them about that. Be yourself. Ask the teachers who know you best to write you a letter of recommendation. Apply and relax.

Check out our complete guide on how to get into Yale for more!

What Makes Ivy League Schools Better than Other Universities?

Many people consider Ivy League schools better than other top universities because the Ivy League name is synonymous with prestige and academic excellence. These schools also have highly selective admissions processes, so it’s much harder to gain admission to an Ivy League than another top university.

Many companies and graduate schools favor Ivy League graduates because they know these students were at the top of their class and successfully graduated from one of the most challenging schools in the world.

Further reading: What is the best Ivy League School in 2022?

Do Ivy League Schools Give Scholarships?

The Ivy League schools do not offer scholarships based on merit, talent, or athletic ability. They only provide need-based financial aid and are committed to meeting 100% of the demonstrated need of all accepted students. 

Do Ivy League Schools Give Financial Aid?

The Ivy League schools only offer need-based financial aid. All Ivies are need-blind schools, so students’ financial status doesn’t affect their chances of getting into the school. Depending on which Ivy they attend, students can receive financial aid through grants, loans, and work-study. Columbia, Princeton, and Harvard do not offer loans. Instead, they offer need-based grants that students don’t need to repay. Ivy League schools might even cover 100% of the cost depending on demonstrated financial need.

Students must fill out a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and, depending on the school, the CSS (College Scholarship Service) to find out if they are eligible for financial aid.

Should You Apply To Ivy League Schools?

Ivy League schools have a strong reputation for academic excellence and prestige. Graduates tend to land higher-paying jobs than those who graduate from state universities. Forbes reported that Ivy League graduates earned a median salary of over $80,000 compared to $58,000 for graduates of other US universities.

Check out our guide on how to get into an ivy league school to learn more!

But, that doesn’t mean the Ivies are the only reputable institutions or the only path to success. Schools like Caltech, MIT, and Stanford have acceptance rates similar to the Ivies and offer graduates excellent academics and career prospects.

If you have your heart set on the Ivies and your grades and test scores match their requirements, you should apply. Do your research and pick the Ivies that fits your academic and career goals. But, don’t be scared to apply to other top universities, especially if they offer courses and educational programs that fit your goals.

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If you’re interested in applying to an Ivy League school, Crimson Education can help. Our college counselors can help you choose classes and extracurriculars that pair well with your future major and answer any questions you have about the Ivy League application process. Schedule a free consultation with an admissions counselor today.

Download our ebook on Breaking Down the Ivy League!