The New Ivies: A Complete List

You’ve heard of the Ivy League - the elite group of highly-competitive, well-renowned institutions. While the Ivy League schools remain among the top universities worldwide, there are other universities that offer similar levels of quality education: The New Ivies.

But what exactly are the New Ivies? In this blog, we’ll break it down, exploring what sets the New Ivies apart from other schools, as well as provide a complete list of the New Ivy schools.

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The Ivy League: A Quick Recap

The Ivy League is a group of eight private institutions in the United States renowned for their academic excellence, elite faculty, and a legacy that spans centuries.

These institutions include:

• Brown University
• Columbia University
• Cornell University
• Dartmouth College
• Harvard University
• University of Pennsylvania,
• Princeton University
• Yale University.

The Ivy League isn't just about academics; it's a symbol of social prestige, producing influential leaders, thinkers, and trailblazers across various fields. Admission to these hallowed halls is fiercely competitive, with acceptance rates often hovering in the single digits.

What Are The New Ivies?

New Ivies share a common thread with the traditional Ivy League – a commitment to excellence, a rigorous academic environment, and a reputation that extends far beyond the campus gates. 

Similar to the Ivy Plus Schools and Little Ivies, these institutions are stepping into the spotlight as the educational landscape evolves, offering an alternative path to success.

The New Ivies might not boast the same age-old charm, but they're quickly making waves in the educational scene.

List of New Ivies

There's no consensus on what colleges are considered part of the New Ivies, and different sources have different opinions on what the New Ivies are.

For example, Forbes published an article with their list of the New Ivies. The publication only considered colleges that have more than 4000 students and use test scores as part of their admissions process.

To determine what colleges would qualify as the New Ivies, we consulted our expert strategists and reviewed different university ranking lists.

While there’s no official list, these eight universities below are considered part of the New Ivies, both by us and by Forbes:

• Rice University
• University of Notre Dame
• University of Michigan - Ann Arbor
• Georgetown University
• Carnegie Mellon University
• University of Virginia
• University of Florida
• University of Southern California

Our New Ivies List

1. Rice University

Location: Houston, Texas

Acceptance Rate: 7.5%

Situated in Houston's museum district, Rice University is a small research-focused institution. With a student body of around eight thousand, Rice combines academic excellence with a rich cultural atmosphere, offering a unique blend of research opportunities and vibrant city life.

2. Vanderbilt University

Location: Nashville, Tennessee

Acceptance Rate: 6.7%

Highly regarded for both its academics and financial aid program, Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee, offers a world-class education through Vanderbilt Opportunities. This program is designed to make their education accessible to all students, meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need.

Read more:

• Vanderbilt Acceptance Rate
• My Personal Statement

3. University of Notre Dame

Location: South Bend, Indiana

Acceptance Rate: 11.1%

Rooted in its Catholic heritage, the University of Notre Dame is a research university with a commitment to character and values. Over half of its students embark on international studies, contributing to its ranking as the 25th best for study abroad programs by U.S. News.

4. University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan

Acceptance Rate: 17.7%

With approximately 50,000 students, the University of Michigan stands as one of the largest New Ivies. Renowned for its comprehensive programs and a vibrant campus atmosphere, UMichigan is consistently ranked as the third-best public university in the country.

5. Georgetown University

Location: Washington, D.C.

Acceptance Rate: 12%

Nestled in the heart of the nation's capital, Georgetown University is renowned for its School of Foreign Service and strong emphasis on public policy and law. With a strategic location in Washington, D.C., Georgetown provides unparalleled access to internships and career opportunities in government and international relations.

6. Carnegie Mellon University

Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Acceptance Rate: 17%

Located in Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University is a leader in computer science, engineering, and the arts. Known for its cutting-edge research and innovation, CMU offers students a rigorous academic environment and numerous opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration.

7. University of Virginia

Location: Charlottesville, Virginia

Acceptance Rate: 16.3%

Founded by Thomas Jefferson, the University of Virginia is a public university in suburban Charlottesville. With a mid-sized student body, UVA offers a vibrant community and active Greek Life, making it an excellent choice for those looking to join a sorority or fraternity.

8. Washington University in St. Louis

Location: St. Louis, Missouri

Acceptance Rate: 13%

Known for its excellence in computer science, engineering, and science programs, Washington University in St. Louis has earned its place among the New Ivies. Situated in the lively city of St. Louis, this university provides a wealth of opportunities for students to immerse themselves in both academic excellence and the vibrant cultural scene of the city.

9. University of Florida

Location: Gainesville, Florida

Acceptance Rate: 23%

As one of the largest and most prestigious universities in the Southeast, the University of Florida in Gainesville offers a wide range of programs and a lively campus life. UF is known for its strong research initiatives and vibrant student community, making it a top choice for students seeking both academic excellence and a dynamic social environment.

10. University of Southern California

Location: Los Angeles, California

Acceptance Rate: 9.2%

Boasting academic excellence against the backdrop of Los Angeles, the University of Southern California offers over 150 majors for exploration. With a well-known School of Cinematic Arts, USC attracts students seeking a dynamic city experience coupled with outstanding academic programs.

What Sets the New Ivies Apart?

1. Diversity, Vibrancy, and Urban Pulse

One standout feature of the New Ivies is their campuses' dynamic nature. Take, for instance, the University of Southern California (USC).

Nestled in the heart of Los Angeles, this institution offers an unparalleled urban experience. The vibrant city life becomes an extension of your campus, providing a rich cultural backdrop to your academic journey.

2. Innovation and Research Powerhouses

The New Ivies have carved a niche for themselves as hubs of innovation and research.

Institutions like the University of Michigan are known for their groundbreaking research initiatives and cutting-edge advancements. Being part of these intellectual powerhouses means you'll be at the forefront of discoveries, making an impact in your chosen field from day one.

3. Intimate Learning Environments

While the traditional Ivy League schools are often associated with a grand and historic ambiance, the New Ivies offer a different kind of charm.

With smaller student bodies and intimate class sizes, these institutions foster close-knit communities. You won't be just a face in the crowd; instead, you'll have personalized interactions with professors, creating an environment that nurtures your academic growth.

4. Cultural Heart and Tradition

Vanderbilt University, located in Nashville, Tennessee, is renowned not only for its academic excellence but also for its vibrant cultural scene. The university's commitment to providing financial aid through the Vanderbilt

Opportunities program ensures that students from all backgrounds can access a world-class education. This dedication to inclusivity and tradition sets the New Ivies apart in fostering diverse and thriving communities.

5. Global Perspectives and Study Abroad Opportunities

The University of Notre Dame, deeply rooted in its Catholic heritage, places a strong emphasis on global perspectives.

With over half of its students spending at least a semester studying abroad, Notre Dame ensures that you gain a comprehensive understanding of the world. This global outlook prepares you to navigate an interconnected and diverse global landscape.

Which New Ivy is Right For You?

As you navigate through these New Ivies, each with its own distinct personality and strengths, remember that the journey to academic excellence is a personal one. Consider your interests, goals, and the kind of environment that fosters your best self.

If you need help finding the right university for you and crafting the perfect application, our expert strategists can help!

Students working with Crimson strategists are 7x more likely to gain admission to their dream university!