Do you want to go to a school with top-notch academics and exceptional teachers? Do you also dream of a beautiful campus with sunny skies and mild weather? If so, you might be interested in what’s known as the Southern Ivy League Schools . If you haven’t heard of this term, don’t worry—we’re here to introduce you to some of the best Southern schools you should consider for your college list. Originally, the term “Ivy League” referred to a group of eight private schools in the Northeast that formed an athletic conference in the 1950s. These schools are Harvard, Princeton, University of Pennsylvania, Brown, Columbia, Cornell, Dartmouth, and Yale. Over time, the Ivy League became known for more than just sports; it now symbolizes academic excellence and prestige. These schools are famous for their tough admissions, great facilities, and influential alumni. However, many other top universities, like MIT, Stanford, and Duke (a Southern Ivy), have similar qualities even though they aren’t part of the Ivy League.
Southern Ivies are prestigious schools in the South that offer excellent education, beautiful campuses, and vibrant communities. They are known for their competitive acceptance rates and high academic standards. Here are the 15 Southern Ivy League Schools Ranked in 2024. Best Southern Ivy League Schools Ranked listing includes details like GPA requirements, median SAT and ACT scores, acceptance rates, admission requirements, and salary information. We also cover professional outcomes and academic highlights for each college.
15 Southern Ivy League Schools Ranked
1. Duke University
- GPA Requirement: 4.0
- Median SAT Score: 1500
- Median ACT Score: 34
- Acceptance Rate: 8%
- Admission Requirements: High school transcripts, letters of recommendation, personal essay, and extracurricular activities.
- Salary Information: Median starting salary $75,000.
Professional Outcomes:
Duke graduates often land jobs at top companies like Google, Apple, and Goldman Sachs. Many pursue careers in finance, technology, and medicine. Some choose to continue their education in graduate school, such as law or medical school.
Academic Highlights:
Duke is known for its strong programs in business, engineering, and medicine. The school also has a highly regarded public policy program. Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities and can participate in research projects with leading professors.
2. Vanderbilt University
- GPA Requirement: 3.9
- Median SAT Score: 1470
- Median ACT Score: 33
- Acceptance Rate: 9%
- Admission Requirements: High school transcripts, two letters of recommendation, and an application essay.
- Salary Information: Median starting salary $72,000.
Professional Outcomes:
Vanderbilt graduates are highly sought after by employers in finance, healthcare, and technology. Many graduates secure positions in Fortune 500 companies or pursue advanced degrees. Networking opportunities at Vanderbilt also lead to high job placement rates.
Academic Highlights:
Vanderbilt is famous for its programs in education, business, and law. The school offers a strong liberal arts education with opportunities to engage in cutting-edge research. Students can take advantage of internships and study abroad programs.
3. Rice University
- GPA Requirement: 3.9
- Median SAT Score: 1490
- Median ACT Score: 34
- Acceptance Rate: 10%
- Admission Requirements: High school transcript, teacher recommendation, and essay.
- Salary Information: Median starting salary $73,000.
Professional Outcomes:
Rice graduates are known for their success in engineering, science, and technology fields. Many work in leading tech firms or continue their education in prestigious graduate programs. Rice’s strong alumni network helps with job placements.
Academic Highlights:
Rice is renowned for its engineering and science programs. The university also has a strong music and architecture school. Students have access to world-class research facilities and can collaborate with faculty on groundbreaking projects.
4. Emory University
- GPA Requirement: 3.8
- Median SAT Score: 1450
- Median ACT Score: 33
- Acceptance Rate: 13%
- Admission Requirements: Transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement.
- Salary Information: Median starting salary $70,000.
Professional Outcomes:
Emory graduates often find employment in healthcare, public health, and business sectors. The school’s strong medical program helps graduates secure jobs in hospitals and research institutions. Many also pursue further education in medical or law schools.
Academic Highlights:
Emory is known for its healthcare programs, particularly in nursing and public health. The university also offers strong programs in business and law. Students benefit from small class sizes and close relationships with professors.
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5. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC)
- GPA Requirement: 4.0
- Median SAT Score: 1410
- Median ACT Score: 31
- Acceptance Rate: 21%
- Admission Requirements: High school transcript, recommendation letters, and essay.
- Salary Information: Median starting salary $65,000.
Professional Outcomes:
UNC graduates often work in healthcare, business, and media industries. Many start their careers in North Carolina’s Research Triangle or continue to graduate school. UNC’s strong alumni network helps with job placement and career advancement.
Academic Highlights:
UNC is known for its programs in business, journalism, and public health. The university offers numerous research opportunities and has a strong focus on service learning. Students can participate in internships, co-ops, and global study programs.
6. University of Virginia (UVA)
- GPA Requirement: 4.0
- Median SAT Score: 1430
- Median ACT Score: 32
- Acceptance Rate: 23%
- Admission Requirements: Transcripts, recommendation letters, and a personal essay.
- Salary Information: Median starting salary $68,000.
Professional Outcomes:
UVA graduates are often employed in government, law, and business. Many work in Washington D.C. or go on to prestigious law and business schools. UVA’s alumni network is strong, providing ample job opportunities.
Academic Highlights:
UVA is well-known for its programs in government, law, and business. The university’s liberal arts education provides a solid foundation in critical thinking and leadership. Students also have access to numerous research and internship opportunities.
7. Wake Forest University
- GPA Requirement: 3.8
- Median SAT Score: 1360
- Median ACT Score: 30
- Acceptance Rate: 25%
- Admission Requirements: High school transcript, recommendation letters, and essay.
- Salary Information: Median starting salary $62,000.
Professional Outcomes:
Wake Forest graduates often work in finance, consulting, and healthcare. Many find jobs in the Southeast or go on to graduate school. The school’s focus on liberal arts education helps graduates excel in various careers.
Academic Highlights:
Wake Forest is known for its strong programs in business, law, and medicine. The university offers small class sizes and personal attention from professors. Students also have opportunities to participate in study abroad and service-learning programs.
8. Tulane University
- GPA Requirement: 3.6
- Median SAT Score: 1420
- Median ACT Score: 32
- Acceptance Rate: 10%
- Admission Requirements: High school transcript, recommendation letters, and personal essay.
- Salary Information: Median starting salary $60,000.
Professional Outcomes:
Tulane graduates often work in law, business, and public health. The school’s strong ties to New Orleans provide unique job opportunities. Many graduates also go on to law or medical schools.
Academic Highlights:
Tulane is known for its programs in public health, law, and architecture. The university emphasizes hands-on learning and community service. Students can participate in internships and research projects related to New Orleans’ unique culture.
9. Southern Methodist University (SMU)
- GPA Requirement: 3.7
- Median SAT Score: 1340
- Median ACT Score: 29
- Acceptance Rate: 47%
- Admission Requirements: High school transcript, recommendation letters, and essay.
- Salary Information: Median starting salary $61,000.
Professional Outcomes:
SMU graduates often find jobs in business, finance, and technology. Many work in Dallas, taking advantage of the city’s booming economy. SMU’s strong alumni network provides excellent job connections.
Academic Highlights:
SMU is known for its business and law programs. The university offers a strong liberal arts education with a focus on leadership and ethics. Students can engage in internships and research projects throughout the Dallas area.
10. Clemson University
- GPA Requirement: 4.0
- Median SAT Score: 1310
- Median ACT Score: 29
- Acceptance Rate: 49%
- Admission Requirements: High school transcript, recommendation letters, and personal essay.
- Salary Information: Median starting salary $58,000.
Professional Outcomes:
Clemson graduates often work in engineering, business, and agriculture. The school’s strong engineering program helps students secure jobs at top companies. Many graduates also continue their education in graduate programs.
Academic Highlights:
Clemson is known for its engineering and agriculture programs. The university also has strong programs in business and education. Students have access to state-of-the-art research facilities and can participate in hands-on learning experiences.
11. University of Miami
- GPA Requirement: 3.7
- Median SAT Score: 1350
- Median ACT Score: 30
- Acceptance Rate: 28%
- Admission Requirements: High school transcript, recommendation letters, and essay.
- Salary Information: Median starting salary $60,000.
Professional Outcomes:
University of Miami graduates often work in healthcare, law, and business. The school’s location in Miami provides unique job opportunities in a major metropolitan area. Many graduates also go on to top law and medical schools.
Academic Highlights:
The University of Miami is known for its programs in marine science, law, and business. The university offers hands-on learning experiences, particularly in research and internships. Students also have opportunities to study abroad and engage in community service.
12. University of Richmond
- GPA Requirement: 3.8
- Median SAT Score: 1380
- Median ACT Score: 31
- Acceptance Rate: 30%
- Admission Requirements: High school transcript, recommendation letters, and essay.
- Salary Information: Median starting salary $57,000.
Professional Outcomes:
University of Richmond graduates often work in law, finance, and business. Many find jobs in the Mid-Atlantic region or go on to graduate school. The school’s focus on a strong liberal arts education prepares students for various career paths.
Academic Highlights:
The University of Richmond is known for its business, law, and leadership studies programs. The university offers small class sizes and personalized attention from faculty. Students can engage in internships, research, and study abroad opportunities.
13. Texas Christian University (TCU)
- GPA Requirement: 3.6
- Median SAT Score: 1220
- Median ACT Score: 27
- Acceptance Rate: 48%
- Admission Requirements: High school transcript, recommendation letters, and personal essay.
- Salary Information: Median starting salary $56,000.
Professional Outcomes:
TCU graduates often work in business, education, and healthcare. The school’s location in Fort Worth provides access to numerous job opportunities. Many graduates also pursue advanced degrees in business, law, and education.
Academic Highlights:
TCU is known for its business and education programs. The university offers a supportive learning environment with small class sizes. Students have opportunities to participate in internships, research, and study abroad programs.
14. Davidson College
- GPA Requirement: 3.9
- Median SAT Score: 1400
- Median ACT Score: 32
- Acceptance Rate: 18%
- Admission Requirements: High school transcript, recommendation letters, and essay.
- Salary Information: Median starting salary $55,000.
Professional Outcomes:
Davidson graduates often work in law, business, and public service. The school’s strong focus on leadership and service helps graduates secure jobs in various fields. Many also go on to top law and business schools.
Academic Highlights:
Davidson is known for its strong liberal arts programs, particularly in political science and economics. The college offers small class sizes and close relationships with professors. Students can participate in research, internships, and study abroad programs.
15. University of Georgia (UGA)
- GPA Requirement: 3.8
- Median SAT Score: 1320
- Median ACT Score: 30
- Acceptance Rate: 48%
- Admission Requirements: High school transcript, recommendation letters, and essay.
- Salary Information: Median starting salary $55,000.
Professional Outcomes:
UGA graduates often work in business, agriculture, and public service. The school’s strong ties to the state of Georgia provide numerous job opportunities. Many graduates also continue their education in law, business, or graduate programs.
Academic Highlights:
UGA is known for its programs in business, agriculture, and public affairs. The university offers a wide range of majors and opportunities for research and internships. Students also benefit from a strong alumni network and career services.
What are The Southern Ivies – Conclusion.
the Southern Ivies represent a diverse group of top-tier institutions that offer exceptional educational opportunities, rigorous academics, and vibrant campus environments. From the historic charm of the University of Virginia and the innovative spirit of Rice University to the collaborative atmosphere at Duke and the dynamic urban experiences at Emory and Tulane, these schools provide students with a blend of academic excellence, rich cultural experiences, and strong community support. Each institution on this list stands out for its unique strengths and commitment to fostering personal and academic growth, making them ideal choices for students seeking a high-quality education in the South.