Southern Ivies: The Full List

The Ivy League provides excellent education in the Northeastern United States – but did you know that there’s another group of colleges that rival the Ivy League? 

They’re called the Southern Ivies. But what exactly are the Southern Ivies? What sets them apart, and how do they rank against other universities? Keep reading for both an overview and in-depth look at these 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 known for their academic excellence, elite faculty, and a legacy that spans centuries. All of the ivies are in the Northeastern United States.

The Ivy League schools are:

• 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 so many influential leaders and thinkers in different fields. Admission to these schools is very competitive, with acceptance rates often hovering in the single digits.

What Are The Southern Ivies?

Just like the traditional Ivy League, the Southern Ivies are top-ranking schools with a commitment to excellence, they’re incredibly rigorous academically and have an excellent reputation. 

Essentially, the Southern Ivies are the counterpart to the Ivy League in the southern United States. Similar to the New Ivies, Public Ivies and Little Ivies, these schools are stepping into the spotlight as counterparts to the Ivy League, offering an alternative path to success.

List of Southern Ivies

Unlike the Ivy League, the Southern Ivies isn’t an established group, so there’s no fixed list, and different sources might not agree on what the Southern Ivies actually are.

For example, different lists of the Southern Ivies appeared in different books, as well as a list by Forbes ranking universities in the southern United States.

To determine our own list of the Southern Ivies, we’ve consulted with our expert strategists, and reviewed different sources and ranking lists: a listing by Forbes, and two different books about higher education: Undecided by Genevieve Morgan and Sociology of Education by James Ainsworth:

These eight universities are considered the Southern Ivies by us, and all 3 other sources:

• Duke
• Rice
• Vanderbilt
• Emory University
• Wake Forest University
• Tulane University

Our Southern Ivies List

1. Duke

Location: Durham, North Carolina

Acceptance Rate: 5.4%

Duke University is one of the most prestigious institutions in the South. Known for its rigorous academics, cutting-edge research, and powerhouse athletics, Duke consistently ranks among the nation’s top universities.

Duke's title as a Southern Ivy is more than deserved: its then-president wanted to establish the university specifically as a southern counterpart to Yale and Harvard.

2. Rice

Location: Houston, Texas

Acceptance Rate: 6.8%

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.

3. Vanderbilt

Location: Nashville, Tennessee

Acceptance Rate: 5%

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.

4. Emory University

Location: Atlanta, Georgia

Acceptance Rate: 14.5%

Emory University is a leader in healthcare, business, and the liberal arts. It boasts strong ties to the CDC, making it a hub for medical and public health research. Emory’s blend of academic rigor, community engagement, and Southern hospitality makes it a standout choice for ambitious students.

5. Wake Forest University

Location: Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Acceptance Rate: 21.4%

Wake Forest University, located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, is a highly respected liberal arts institution with around 8,000 students.

Known for its intimate class sizes and emphasis on critical thinking, Wake Forest excels in business, law, and pre-med education. Its motto, Pro Humanitate (For Humanity), reflects a deep commitment to leadership and service.

6. Tulane University

Location: New Orleans, Louisiana

Acceptance Rate: 15%

Tulane University, with a student body of about 14,000, offers a dynamic academic experience in the heart of New Orleans. Renowned for its strengths in public health, law, and business,

Tulane fosters a culture of civic engagement and hands-on learning. Its location in one of America’s most culturally rich cities provides students with unparalleled opportunities both in and out of the classroom.

What Sets the Southern Ivies Apart?

1. Location in the South
Unlike the traditional Ivy League schools clustered in the Northeast, the Southern Ivies are rooted in the rich cultural and historical landscapes of the South.

From sprawling, tree-lined campuses to vibrant college towns, these universities offer their excellent academic classes with Southern charm.

2. Consistently High Rankings
Southern Ivies regularly rank among the top universities in the nation. Whether measured by academic reputation, research output, or student satisfaction, these schools maintain a level of excellence that places them alongside the country’s most elite institutions.

Duke, the highest-ranking school on the list, is the 6th best school in the US according to US News. The lowest ranking school on the list, Tulane, is still among the top 70 schools in the country.

3. Competitive Admissions
Gaining admission to a Southern Ivy is no easy feat. Just like the low acceptance rates of the Ivy League, these schools have highly selective acceptance rates, often in the single digits or low double digits, attracting top students from across the country and the world.

Which Southern Ivy is Right For You?

As you navigate through these Southern 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!