So, you’ve probably heard about the Ivy League Universities, right? They’re considered some of the best in the country, if not the world. But do you really know how they’re ranked? It’s not as simple as just putting them in order from best to worst. There are a lot of factors that go into it, like how well-known they are, how successful their graduates are, and how good their programs are. And at the end of the day, it’s all about finding the right fit for you. Getting into any Ivy League school is a big deal because they’re really hard to get into. Different publications come up with their own rankings for Ivy League Universities. Some focus on things like how well the universities are known, while others look at things like how much money their graduates make or how many awards they win. Knowing how these rankings are made can help you figure out which Ivy League school might be the best fit for you. Here are the 8 best Ivy League Universities Ranked in 2024. Best Ivy League Universities listing includes details like professional outcomes and academic highlights for each college.
Ivy League Universities Ranked
To understand your odds of getting into an Ivy League school, let’s check out the Ivy League rankings based on how many students they accept.
1) Harvard University
When you think of Ivy League University, Harvard probably pops into your mind first. Did you know it’s the oldest university in the USA? That’s probably why it’s so famous. Getting into Harvard is super tough, but it’s got tons of cool stuff to offer. With a history dating back to 1636, Harvard now has 13 schools, 100 research centers, and over 445 clubs and teams. They’re big on sustainability too, with lots of green living programs. Classes are small, with about 71% having less than 20 students, and there’s a 7-to-1 student-faculty ratio, so you get lots of attention. Harvard’s medical, business, engineering, grad, and law schools are some of the best in the country, and they offer over 3,700 undergrad courses. Plus, they focus on liberal arts and sciences.
2) Columbia University
Columbia is another big name in the Ivy League. It’s in a bustling city and has been around for ages, making it pretty iconic. You might recognize its grand columns from movies like Spider-Man. Founded in 1754, Columbia has a rich history of making big changes. It’s the oldest university in New York State and is super diverse. They’re big on international education, with lots of study abroad programs and global centers worldwide. Columbia has three undergrad schools and top-ranked grad schools like business, law, and medicine. They offer tons of internships and have over 200 research institutes, so you’ll get a global education in a vibrant city.
3) Dartmouth College
Dartmouth, in Hanover, New Hampshire, has a rich history of groundbreaking achievements. It’s known for being the first Ivy League school to actively recruit Native American students, making it home to the most Native American graduates in the Ivy League. Plus, Dartmouth played a big role in creating BASIC, a computer programming language, which sparked a lot of computer innovation. Classes are small, with over 60% having less than 20 students, and there’s a 7-to-1 student-faculty ratio. Dartmouth has research centers all over campus and offers lots of study abroad programs.
4) Yale University
Yale stands out in the Ivy League for its amazing arts programs, like drama and music at the Yale School of Drama. Ever heard of the famous Whiffenpoofs? They’re Yale’s world-renowned a cappella group. If arts aren’t your thing, there’s Yale College for undergrads and top-ranked grad schools like law, art, business, medicine, and nursing. Yale’s big on global education, with tons of study abroad programs worldwide. You can even do research or internships abroad. And if you’re wondering about popular majors, Yale has you covered with social sciences, biology, engineering, history, and more.
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5) Brown University
Brown offers unique opportunities that set it apart on the Ivy League list. One standout feature is its open curriculum, which lets students design their own studies. If you’re into exploring different subjects, Brown is perfect. With over 80 areas of study, you can dive into everything from entrepreneurship to Egyptology. Plus, they have a special program where you can finish both your undergrad and medical degrees in just 8 years. Brown also has tons of resources like specialized libraries and over 500 clubs.
6) Princeton University
Princeton is at the top of the Ivy League for good reason. It’s ranked number one in the U.S. News & World Report’s list of National Universities. Princeton has a long history of producing top scholars, athletes, and leaders, including Nobel Prize winners and U.S. presidents. The campus is packed with academic resources like labs, libraries, and even an art museum. With a low student-faculty ratio, you’ll get plenty of personal attention from professors. The most popular majors at Princeton include biology, computer science, engineering, and social sciences.
7) UPenn
UPenn was founded by Benjamin Franklin and still carries his legacy today. It’s known worldwide for its top-notch education and diverse student body. Fun fact: UPenn has the most international students of all the Ivy League schools, with students from over 100 countries. Plus, every year, more than 2,500 students study abroad in one of UPenn’s 50 programs. If you’re considering grad school here, you might aim for the Wharton School, Perelman School of Medicine, or Stuart Weitzman School of Design. And don’t forget to check out the 300+ student groups focusing on everything from arts to politics.
8) Cornell University
Cornell is the youngest Ivy League school, founded in 1865. It offers over 100 areas of study, and its seven undergraduate colleges each have their own students and faculty. You might get into the College of Art and Sciences or the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, among others. Cornell also has top-notch grad programs, like the School of Hotel Administration and Cornell SC Johnson College of Business. With campuses in various places like New York City and Doha, Qatar, Cornell provides a unique Ivy League experience. While it may seem easier to get into Cornell compared to some other Ivies, it still offers a world-class education that adds to its Ivy League reputation.
Ivy League Universities – Conclusion
The Ivy League schools each offer unique opportunities and experiences that contribute to their prestigious reputation. From Harvard’s rich history to Princeton’s top-ranked academic resources, and from Brown’s creative flexibility to Cornell’s diverse campuses, there’s something for everyone among these elite institutions. While getting into an Ivy League school is undoubtedly challenging, it’s an achievement worth celebrating due to the exceptional education and resources they provide. Whether you’re aiming for Harvard, Columbia, Dartmouth, or any other Ivy, remember that success is not just about the name but also about finding the right fit for your goals and aspirations.